7 Basketball Players who Played for Magic 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 Orlando Magic 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 Magic and the Pistons.
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)
Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady, often known by his initials T-Mac, was a 7-time All-Star and two-time NBA scoring champion (2003 and 2004). He was selected as the 9th pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors.
He played for the Raptors until 2000 before being traded to the Orlando Magic, where his career took off. From 2000 to 2004, McGrady was one of the most exciting players in the NBA, with a peak scoring average of 32.1 points per game in the 2002-2003 season.
In 2017, McGrady was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the best scorers and most talented players of his generation.
McGrady Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Rockets, Magic, Raptors, Pistons, Hawks, Knicks)
- All-NBA (Magic, Rockets)
- All-Star (Magic, Rockets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Magic, Rockets)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Magic, Rockets)
Ben Wallace
Undrafted out of Virginia Union University, a Division II school, Ben Wallace began his NBA career with the Washington Bullets/Wizards before making a name for himself with the Pistons.
Wallace was best known for his defensive prowess and rebounding ability. Despite standing at only 6’9″ — relatively short for a center — his tenacity, strength, and instincts helped him become one of the best defenders in the league. He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award four times, a record he shares with Dikembe Mutombo.
As a Piston, he was a crucial part of the “Goin’ to Work” Pistons that won the NBA Championship in 2004. He was a four-time NBA All-Star and made five All-NBA teams. Despite not being a significant scoring threat, Wallace’s impact was undeniable. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Wallace Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Pistons, Wizards, Bulls, Magic, Cavaliers)
- All-NBA (Pistons)
- All-Star (Pistons)
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pistons, Bulls)
DJ Augustin
Following an impressive sophomore year at the University of Texas, where he averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 assists, DJ Augustin was drafted 9th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Over his NBA career, Augustin has displayed strong playmaking and shooting skills, particularly his three-point shooting. For example, during the 2013-2014 season with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 14.9 points per game and shot an impressive 41.1% from the three-point line.
A journeyman in the league, Augustin has played for multiple teams (11 in total), consistently contributing off the bench. He’s had several seasons where he averaged double-digit points and solid assists numbers, like in the 2010-2011 season where he averaged 14.4 points and 6.1 assists per game with the Bobcats.
Augustin Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bobcats, Magic)
Ish Smith
Ish Smith was drafted as the 17th pick in the second round of the 2010 NBA Development League Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Though he went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, he made his NBA debut later that year with the Houston Rockets.
Primarily known as a journeyman point guard and a valuable role player, Smith’s quickness and ability to distribute the ball have been his standout attributes.
Over his NBA career, Smith has played for an incredible 13 different teams, including the Grizzlies, Warriors, Magic, 76ers, Pistons, Wizards, Hornets and Pistons (and that’s barely over half!).
Smith Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (76ers, Pelicans, Pistons, Wizards)
Ersan Ilyasova
Ersan İlyasova is a professional basketball player who has played in various leagues around the world, including the NBA and EuroLeague. Born in Turkey, Ilyasova’s professional career started in 2004 with Yeşilyurt in the Turkish Basketball League.
He was later drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft. Known for his scoring ability and rebounding, Ilyasova played multiple stints with the Bucks and also spent time with several other NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
For his career, Ilyasova averaged 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in the NBA.
Beno Udrih
Beno Udrih is a player from Slovenia who had a solid career in the NBA. After starting his career in Europe, Udrih was selected in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
Udrih had the privilege of being part of the San Antonio Spurs’ championship-winning team in his rookie year and once again in his second season. Learning under the guidance of Gregg Popovich and playing alongside legendary Spurs Tim Duncan, Manu Ginóbili, and Tony Parker, Udrih gained valuable experience early in his career.
After his time with the Spurs, Udrih played for several teams in the NBA, including the Kings, Bucks, Magic, Knicks, Grizzlies, and Heat. Known for his crafty playmaking and steady shooting, Udrih provided reliable depth at the point guard position throughout his career.
