7 Basketball Players who Played for Rockets 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 Houston Rockets 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 Rockets and the 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)
Christian Wood
Christian Wood is a player known for his rebounding and scoring ability. He went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft after playing college basketball at UNLV.
Wood has bounced around several NBA teams (7 in total) and G League affiliates in his career, including stints with the 76ers, Hornets, and Bucks. He finally found a more permanent role with the Detroit Pistons in the 2019-2020 season, where his performances began to turn heads around the league.
In the 2020 offseason, Wood signed with the Houston Rockets. He immediately became one of the team’s top performers, showcasing his offensive skills and rebounding prowess.
*Wood was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 8)
Wood Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Rockets)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Rockets)
Josh Smith
Josh Smith is most recognized for his stint with the Atlanta Hawks from 2004 to 2013. Known for his shot-blocking and dunking abilities, he averaged 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game during his time with the Hawks.
Smith even earned himself a place on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2010.
However, his subsequent career with the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers, as well as the Sichuan Blue Whales in China, was marred by inconsistencies and shooting struggles.
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)
Bob Sura
Bob Sura’s basketball journey began at Florida State, where he had a successful college career and became one of the standout players for the Seminoles. Recognizing his talent and potential, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him 17th overall in the 1995 NBA Draft.
During his NBA tenure, Sura played for several teams, including the Cavaliers, Warriors, Pistons, Hawks, and Rockets. Throughout his career, Sura was known for his competitive spirit and ability to impact the game in various ways, from scoring bursts to crucial defensive plays.
During his time with the Atlanta Hawks, he nearly achieved three consecutive triple-doubles, a rare feat in the NBA. The third game, however, stirred controversy as Sura intentionally missed a shot to grab his tenth rebound, which led the NBA to disallow the triple-double.
Sura Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Hawks, Rockets)
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)
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)
