6 Basketball Players who Played for Clippers and Pistons
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the LA Clippers and Detroit Pistons.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Clippers and the Pistons.
Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin is known for his powerful dunking ability and versatile skill set. He was selected first overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Clippers and quickly made a name for himself, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2010.
In his first season, Griffin was also selected for the NBA All-Star game, becoming the first rookie All-Star since Yao Ming in 2003. He had an outstanding career with the Clippers, earning All-Star honors five times in total.
Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018, where he continued to perform at a high level, earning another All-Star selection in 2019. After Detroit, Griffin has played more of a reserved role with the Nets and Celtics.
Griffin Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Pistons)
- All-NBA (Clippers, Pistons)
- All-Star (Clippers, Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Clippers, Pistons)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Clippers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Clippers, Pistons)
Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Billups was known for his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, earning him the nickname “Mr. Big Shot”. Selected third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1997 NBA Draft, Billups had a productive career that spanned 17 seasons.
Billups’ career truly flourished when he joined the Detroit Pistons in 2002. With the Pistons, he was a key figure in their championship run in 2004, where he was named NBA Finals MVP.
Over his career, Billups was a five-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selection. Known for his basketball IQ, leadership, and clutch performances, he was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice.
Billups Key Stats
- All-NBA (Pistons, Nuggets)
- All-Star (Pistons, Nuggets)
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Timberwolves, Pistons, Nuggets)
Grant Hill
Grant Hill played in the NBA from 1994 to 2013. Hill’s career started off with significant promise when he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the third overall pick. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league, earning co-Rookie of the Year honors.
In Detroit, Hill was a five-time All-Star and was known for his all-around game. However, his career was hampered by a severe ankle injury that he suffered during the 2000 playoffs. This injury would plague him for several years, significantly affecting his time with the Orlando Magic, to which he was traded in the summer of 2000.
In the latter part of his career, Hill experienced a career resurgence with the Phoenix Suns, becoming a key veteran presence. He finished his career with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2013. Despite his injury struggles, Hill was recognized for his contributions to the game and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Hill Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Pistons, Suns, Magic, Clippers)
- Rookie of the Year (Pistons)
- All-Star (Pistons, Magic)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pistons)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pistons, Magic)
Josh Smith
Josh Smith is most recognized for his stint with the Atlanta Hawks from 2004 to 2013. Known for his shot-blocking and dunking abilities, he averaged 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game during his time with the Hawks.
Smith even earned himself a place on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2010.
However, his subsequent career with the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers, as well as the Sichuan Blue Whales in China, was marred by inconsistencies and shooting struggles.
Caron Butler
Playing college basketball at the University of Connecticut, Caron Butler quickly gained recognition as a top talent, leading the Huskies deep into the NCAA Tournament. Butler was selected 10th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2002 NBA Draft.
Throughout his career, he played for several teams, including the Lakers, Wizards, Mavericks, and Clippers, among others. During his time with the Wizards, he formed a formidable trio alongside Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, with Butler earning two NBA All-Star selections in 2007 and 2008.
Butler’s resilience was evident throughout his career, having overcome significant challenges and adversity in his early life. Beyond his playing days, he has been a positive figure in the community, leveraging his platform to address social issues and mentor younger players.
Butler Key Stats
- All-Star (Wizards)
- NBA Champ (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Wizards)
Mason Plumlee
Mason Plumlee has made a consistent impact in the NBA as a center with a combination of athleticism and basketball IQ. After a successful collegiate career at Duke University, where he played a key role in their 2010 NCAA Championship win, he was selected 22nd overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2013 NBA Draft.
During his rookie season with the Nets, Plumlee was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, showcasing his potential early on. He later played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and, most recently, the LA Clippers.
Throughout his NBA journey, Plumlee has been recognized for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and efficient scoring around the basket, as well as his ability to facilitate plays for his teammates.
