6 Basketball Players who Played for Pistons and Bulls
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 Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls.
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 Pistons and the Bulls.
Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 1986 NBA Draft and quickly earned a reputation as a fierce rebounder and defender. He played a key role on the Pistons teams, known as the “Bad Boys,” that won NBA championships in 1989 and 1990.
In 1995, Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he became an integral part of the team that won three consecutive NBA championships from 1996 to 1998. Rodman led the NBA in rebounds per game for seven consecutive years from 1992 to 1998, a record only surpassed by Wilt Chamberlain.
Rodman was known for his flamboyant and controversial off-court behavior as much as his on-court play. Despite this, he was a five-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and in 2011, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Rodman Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Pistons, Bulls, Spurs, Lakers, Mavericks)
- All-NBA (Pistons, Spurs)
- All-Star (Pistons)
- NBA Championship (Pistons, Bulls)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pistons, Spurs, Bulls, Lakers, Mavericks)
Andre Drummond
Andre Drummond was selected as the 9th overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. Over the course of his career, he has played for several teams including the Pistons, Cavaliers, Lakers, 76ers, Nets and Bulls.
Drummond’s accomplishments include being named to the NBA All-Star team twice, leading the league in rebounding four times, and earning All-NBA Second Team honors in 2016.
His dominating presence in the paint, particularly as a rebounder, has made Drummond one of the most consistent big men in the league. His ability to score around the basket and alter shots defensively has contributed to his teams’ successes over the years.
Drummond Key Stats
- All-NBA (Pistons)
- All-Star (Pistons)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pistons, Cavs, Lakers, Nets)
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)
Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose was selected as the first overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA Draft. During his time with the Bulls, Rose earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors and became the youngest player in league history to win the Most Valuable Player award in the 2010-2011 season.
Unfortunately, Rose’s career was hindered by significant knee injuries, including a devastating ACL tear in 2012. Despite these setbacks, he managed to contribute valuable minutes with various teams such as the Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Pistons.
While with the Timberwolves, Rose recorded a career-high 50-point game, and he later played a vital role in helping the Knicks reach the playoffs in the 2020-2021 season. His career is marked by incredible talent and resilience, making him one of the most memorable point guards of his generation.
Rose Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Bulls)
- MVP (Bulls)
- All-NBA (Bulls)
- All-Star (Bulls)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bulls)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bulls, Pistons)
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)
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
