Forgotten Sports Heroes

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Pistons Legends and Fans React, Celebrate Lottery Win Like It’s 2004

 

This goes without saying, but it’s been a rough decade for Detroit Pistons fans.

After six straight Conference Finals appearances from 2004-2008, the team has put up a goose egg in that department from 2010 on, getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs twice and not making it every other year.

The 2020-2021 season was another rough one for Detroit, although there is newfound hope in rookies Isaiah Stewart (7.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG and 1.3 BLK) and Saddiq Bey (12.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 2.5 3P made per game).


On Tuesday night, the Pistons entered the NBA Draft lottery in the #2 position with a 14 percent chance to land the top pick, tied with the Houston Rockets and represented by legendary Hall-of-Fame elect Ben Wallace.

When the dust settled and the picks were unveiled, Detroit came out on top, landing the number one pick setting off a chain reaction of tweets from both long-suffering fans and Detroit franchise legends.


Hamilton, Fans Among Those Excited for Pistons’ Big Night

 

With the team’s “good luck charm” Wallace in attendance, Pistons legend Richard “Rip” Hamilton was among those watching from home, and rooting for a positive result.

Wallace enjoyed the process, as shared by the Pistons’ official Twitter account.

As the lottery wound down and the Hakeem Olajuwon’s Rockets faded from the screen, denoting Detroit’s victory, Wallace gave a quiet, confident golf clap to the audience at home…And then proceeded to receive a call from fellow Pistons legend Hamilton.

Hamilton shared the news on his Twitter account, capping things off for the evening with his trademark catchphrase.

 

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A post shared by Richard Hamilton (@ripcity3232)



Hamilton, Fans Among Those Excited for Pistons’ Big Night

Pistons legend of legends Isiah Thomas also tweeted a celebratory toast featuring his signature champagne line from a fan after the result was announced.

Pistons fans were hyped about the result to say the least — in many cases thanking Big Ben on Twitter.

 

Early Support for Cade Cunningham to Detroit with the #1 Overall Pick

 

So who’s the best fit for Detroit with the #1 overall pick?

That remains to be seen with the NBA Draft combines still taking place, but the early leader in the clubhouse is Oklahoma State phenom Cade Cunningham, according to former Detroit Mercy basketball legend Rashad Phillips, anyway.