Classic Photos of 1988-89 Pistons

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jul 28, 2010

Classic Photos of 1988-89 Pistons

Detroit Pistons

The 1988-89 Detroit Pistons finished with a 63-19 record before stampeding through the playoffs and winning their first of two consecutive NBA titles. In the process, they also became one of the most hated teams in sports history. Here are photos of the original Bad Boys.

Isiah Thomas

The Pistons squad was led by Thomas, a 6-foot-1 point guard. The 12-time All-Star led the team in scoring at 18 points per game while dishing out eight assists.

Joe Dumars

Dumars, 25, established himself as one of the NBA's top guards in 1988-89, averaging 17 points and six assists per game while providing tough perimeter defense.

Bill Laimbeer

No player epitomized the Pistons' style of play more than Laimbeer. The Notre Dame grad averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game while providing a tough defensive presence in the paint.

Adrian Dantley and Mark Aguirre

Adrian Dantley, who was the team's highest paid player ($1.25 million/year), was traded to Dallas midseason in exchange for Mark Aguirre. The move bolstered the Pistons offense as Aguirre added 14 points per game.

Vinne Johnson

Vinnie Johnson provided an offensive spark off the bench as "The Microwave" averaged 14 points in 25 minutes per game.

James Edwards

Edwards, nicknamed "Buddha" for his appearance, was a key member of the Pistons' second unit.

Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn

Detroit celebrated its reputation as the NBA's "Bad Boys," including with this poster of Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn.

Rick Mahorn, Mark Aguirre and Dennis Rodman

Rick Mahorn and Dennis Rodman sandwich Mark Aguirre as the Pistons close out Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Aguirre, who was selected No. 1 ahead of Isiah Thomas in the 1981 draft, gave the Pistons another offensive weapon when he was acquired midway through the season.

James Edwards, Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer and Michael Jordan

Though Michael Jordan averaged 35 points per game in the playoffs, the Pistons swarmed the Bulls guard as Detroit beat Chicago in six game to claim the Eastern Conference crown.

Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson

Longtime friends Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas embrace prior to the start of the NBA Finals.

Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman averaged 10 rebounds in 24 minutes per game during the playoffs. He would go on to win three more titles with Michael Jordan's Bulls of the late '90s.