7 Basketball Players who Played for Pistons and Knicks
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 New York Knicks.
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 Knicks.
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)
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)
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 was the most popular pick for this square in a previous grid (Grid 24)
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)
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)
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)
Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel was selected as the 6th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2013 NBA Draft and was later traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on draft night.
Noel has been primarily known for his defensive abilities, particularly as a shot-blocker.
He led the NBA in block percentage during his rookie season and has consistently ranked among the league leaders in blocks. He has also been an effective rebounder and has contributed on the offensive end as well, but it’s his defensive presence that has been his calling card 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.
