7 Basketball Players who Played for Pistons and Celtics
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 Boston Celtics.
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 Celtics.
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)
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)
Rasheed Wallace
Rasheed Wallace had a very successful career in the NBA from 1995 to 2013. Wallace, a versatile power forward known for his strong defense and three-point shooting, was picked fourth overall by the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) in the 1995 NBA Draft.
He played a single season with the Bullets before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent the bulk of his early career. In Portland, Wallace established himself as an All-Star, but his time there was also marked by technical fouls and controversies.
In 2004, Wallace was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he played a key role in winning that year’s NBA Championship. Wallace later had stints with the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. He was a four-time All-Star and also received recognition for his defensive skills throughout his career.
Wallace Key Stats
- All-Star (Trail Blazers, Pistons)
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
Tayshaun Prince
Tayshaun Prince was drafted 23rd overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2002 NBA Draft, Prince soon became an integral part of the Pistons’ core. He was instrumental in the team’s success during the mid-2000s, helping lead the Pistons to an NBA Championship in 2004.
Prince’s lanky frame, coupled with his basketball IQ, allowed him to effectively guard multiple positions, making him a crucial piece in Detroit’s defensive schemes.
Throughout his career, Prince was a fixture in the Pistons’ lineup and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team on multiple occasions. After his significant tenure in Detroit, Prince went on to play for teams like the Grizzlies, Celtics, and Timberwolves.
Amir Johnson
Amir Johnson was drafted straight out of high school as the 56th overall pick by the Pistons in the 2005 NBA Draft.
Johnson has played for several teams throughout his NBA career, including the Pistons, Raptors, Celtics, 76ers, and Magic. His time with the Raptors was particularly memorable, as he became a fan favorite due to his hustle and consistent effort on the court.
Despite not often being a top-scoring option, he was a valuable role player who could contribute on both ends of the floor.
Scot Pollard
Scot Pollard brought a distinctive flair to the NBA, not just with his varying hairstyles and beards but also with his rugged play on the court. Drafted 19th overall in the 1997 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, he made a more significant impact after joining the Kings.
With the Kings, Pollard became a key rotation player on teams that were perennial playoff contenders in the early 2000s.
Later in his career, he played for the Pacers, Cavaliers, and Celtics. His time with the Celtics was especially noteworthy, as he was part of their 2008 roster that won an NBA title, solidifying his career with a ring.
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)
