7 Basketball Players who Played for Nuggets 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 Denver Nuggets 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 Nuggets and the 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)
Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson, often referred to as “AI” or “The Answer,” is celebrated for his remarkable skills, individualistic style, and cultural impact on the game. Despite standing at a relatively modest 6 feet tall in a league of giants, Iverson’s heart and talent made him one of the most dominant and influential players of his generation.
Drafted first overall by the 76ers in the 1996 NBA Draft, Iverson quickly made an impact, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Over the course of his illustrious career, he became an 11-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA MVP award in 2001. That same year, Iverson led an underdog 76ers team to the NBA Finals against the Lakers.
Known for his lightning-fast crossover, fearless drives to the basket, and relentless scoring ability, Iverson averaged 26.7 points per game over his career. His style, both on and off the court, made waves; from his tattoos and cornrows to his iconic arm sleeve, Iverson became emblematic of a cultural shift in the NBA.
Iverson Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (76ers, Nuggets, Pistons, Grizzlies)
- MVP (76ers)
- All-NBA (76ers)
- All-Star (76ers, Nuggets, Pistons, Grizzlies)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (76ers, Nuggets)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (76ers, Nuggets)
Antonio McDyess
Antonio McDyess began his NBA journey when he was selected 2nd overall by the Clippers in the 1995 NBA Draft. He was quickly traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he showcased his potential as one of the league’s rising stars. With the Nuggets, McDyess developed a reputation as a high-flying forward with a relentless work ethic.
His impressive play with Denver led to stints with the Suns, Knicks, Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs. While injuries slowed him down at various points in his career, McDyess continued to reinvent himself, transitioning from a primary scoring option to a key role player.
One of the highlights of McDyess’s career was during his time with the Detroit Pistons, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s deep playoff runs in the mid-2000s. He provided the Pistons with a strong interior presence, complementing the core of Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, and Rasheed Wallace.
McDyess Key Stats
- All-NBA (Nuggets)
- All-Star (Nuggets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Nuggets)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Nuggets)
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.
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)
Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown has shown his value as a versatile guard capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. After playing two years of college basketball at the University of Miami, he was drafted 42nd overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2018 NBA Draft.
During his time with the Pistons, Brown demonstrated a well-rounded game with solid defense, playmaking ability, and scoring.
After two years with the Nets, Brown played a key role in the Nuggets’ 2022-23 Championship season, averaging 11.5 points per game, most often coming off the bench.
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)
