Big fan of Detroit basketball? Then check out this list of Detroit Pistons centers. It includes almost every center from throughout Detroit Pistons history, including current centers and past ones. Featuring some of the greatest NBA centers of all time, the best Pistons Cs include Ben Wallace, Bob Lanier, Andre Drummond, Bill Laimbeer, and Rick Mahorn.
In the 2021-22 NBA season, the current Detroit Pistons starting Cs and backup Cs are Isaiah Stewart, Kelly Olynyk, and Luke Garza.
Who are the best centers in Detroit Pistons history? Vote below and help decide the greatest Detroit Pistons centers of all time!
- 31Age: 63
1986–1987
Sidney Green (born January 4, 1961) is an American retired basketball player and former coach. He played college basketball for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels and was drafted into the National Basketball Association (NBA) by the Chicago Bulls in 1983. After a ten-year career in the NBA he went into college coaching. He now works as a Chicago Bulls team ambassador.More Sidney Green
- #18 of 24 onThe Best NCAA Power Forwards of the 80s
- #22 of 22 onThe Best NCAA Centers of the 80s
- #72 of 99 onThe Best NBA Players from New York
- 32
Christian Wood
Detroit Pistons: 2019–2020
Signed as a free agent in the summer of 2019, Christian Wood quickly emerged as a versatile offensive weapon for the Pistons during his single season with the team. His ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting and high-flying athleticism made him a fan favorite during a challenging period for the franchise.
More Christian Wood- #66 of 155 onThe Best NBA Players Right Now
- #29 of 62 onThe Best NBA Centers Right Now
- #50 of 88 onThe Best NBA Buys for the Money
- 33Age: 28
Detroit Pistons: 2020–2021
Signed as a free agent in 2020, Jahlil Okafor brought a polished offensive game and strong post-up moves to the Pistons. While his tenure with the team has seen limited success thus far, Okafor's potential remains an intriguing part of the Pistons' rebuilding efforts.
More Jahlil Okafor- Dig Deeper...The Best Basketball Players from Nigeria
- #30 of 64 onThe Greatest Duke Basketball Players Of All Time
- #111 of 111 onThe Best Philadelphia 76ers of All Time
- 34Age: 33
Detroit Pistons: 2021-2022
Signed as a free agent in 2021, Kelly Olynyk brings a unique skillset to the Pistons' frontcourt with his ability to stretch the floor and shoot from beyond the arc. Although his time with the team has just begun, Olynyk's versatile game provides intrigue for the Pistons' future plans.
More Kelly Olynyk- #8 of 58 onThe Best NBA Players From Canada
- #126 of 212 onThe Best White Players in NBA History
- #114 of 142 onThe Best Boston Celtics of All Time
- 35Age: 69
Detroit Pistons: 1979–1986
Drafted first overall in 1977, Kent Benson carried high expectations as a Pistons' center during the late 1970s. While his tenure with the team did not yield significant individual accolades, Benson's skilled post play and reliable rebounding made him a valuable contributor during his time in Detroit.
More Kent Benson- #14 of 65 onThe Greatest Indiana Hoosiers Basketball Players of All Time
- #24 of 25 onThe 25 Best NBA Centers of the 70s
- #30 of 41 onThe Biggest First Round NBA Draft Pick Busts
- 36Age: 85
Detroit Pistons: 1962–1964
Joining the Pistons via trade in 1962, Darrall Imhoff provided a reliable scoring and rebounding presence for the team during his brief tenure in Detroit. While more well-known for his accomplishments with other franchises, Imhoff's contributions as a Piston should not be forgotten.
More Darrall Imhoff- #91 of 110 onThe Best Philadelphia 76ers of All Time
- #90 of 136 onThe Greatest Lakers Of All Time
- #12 of 20 onJerry West's Best Teammates Throughout His NBA Career
- 37Age: 34
Detroit Pistons: 2020–2021
A free-agent acquisition in 2020, Mason Plumlee quickly became a fan favorite in Detroit with his gritty play and willingness to do the dirty work on the court. Though his time with the Pistons was short-lived, Plumlee's high-energy play endeared him to fans and the organization alike.
More Mason Plumlee- #25 of 64 onThe Greatest Duke Basketball Players Of All Time
- #107 of 212 onThe Best White Players in NBA History
- #46 of 62 onThe Best NBA Centers Right Now
- 38Dec. at 52 (1971-2023)
Detroit Pistons: 1997–2001
Acquired via trade in 1999, Eric Montross provided depth and physicality to a Pistons roster seeking to make strides in the Eastern Conference. Though his tenure was brief, Montross' contributions as a reserve big man provided valuable support for a growing team.
More Eric Montross- #25 of 86 onThe Best UNC Tar Heels Basketball Players of All Time
- #10 of 25 onThe Best NCAA Centers of the 90s
- #42 of 51 onThe Best NBA Players from Indiana
- 39Age: 86
Detroit Pistons: 1960–1964
Drafted by the Pistons in the second round of the 1959 NBA Draft, Bob Ferry was a solid contributor during the late stages of the team's time in Fort Wayne. Although his tenure with the franchise was short-lived, Ferry's impact during this transitional period should not be overlooked.
More Bob Ferry- #22 of 69 onThe Best NBA Players from Missouri
- #23 of 70 onThe Best Atlanta Hawks Power Forwards of All Time
- #52 of 75 onThe Best Detroit Pistons Power Forwards of All Time
- 40
Oliver Miller
Age: 541994–1995
Oliver J. Miller (born April 6, 1970) is an American former professional basketball player who played 7 seasons in the NBA.More Oliver Miller- #8 of 33 onThe Greatest Arkansas Basketball Players of All Time
- #61 of 70 onThe Best Toronto Raptors of All Time
- #56 of 127 onThe Best Phoenix Suns of All Time
- 41
Otto Moore
Age: 77Detroit Pistons: 1968–1971, 1974–1975
Drafted by the Pistons in 1968, Otto Moore provided a solid presence in the paint for the team during the late 1960s and early 1970s. His shot-blocking prowess and ability to corral rebounds proved valuable during his tenure with the team.
More Otto Moore- #115 of 137 onThe Best Houston Rockets of All Time
- #70 of 110 onThe Best Detroit Pistons of All Time
- #155 of 182 onThe Best Utah Jazz of All Time
- 42
Leon Douglas
Age: 69Detroit Pistons: 1976–1980
Selected fourth overall in the 1976 NBA Draft, Leon Douglas brought size and potential to a Pistons team hoping to bolster its frontcourt. While never achieving significant individual success with the team, Douglas' steady contributions during his tenure remain a part of the franchise's history.
More Leon Douglas- #83 of 110 onThe Best Detroit Pistons of All Time
- #10 of 36 onThe Greatest Alabama Basketball Players of All Time
- #49 of 59 onThe Best Sacramento Kings Centers of All Time
- 43Age: 38
2003–2006
Darko Miličić (born June 20, 1985) is a Serbian former professional basketball player. He is 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in), and played the center position. Miličić played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 2003 to 2013. He is the fifth youngest player and the youngest foreign player to have played in the NBA and is the youngest player to have played in an NBA Finals game, and the youngest player to win the NBA championship. In international play, Miličić played for the Serbian national team.More Darko Miličić- #18 of 39 onThe Best NBA Players From Serbia
- #184 of 212 onThe Best White Players in NBA History
- #75 of 98 onThe Best European NBA Players of All Time
- 44Age: 40
Detroit Pistons: 2018–2019
Signed as a free agent in 2018, Zaza Pachulia brought championship experience and veteran leadership to a young Pistons team seeking an identity. His physical playstyle and occasional offensive contributions provided valuable depth during his single season with the franchise.
More Zaza Pachulia- Dig Deeper...The Best Basketball Players from Georgia
- #185 of 212 onThe Best White Players in NBA History
- #73 of 97 onThe Best European NBA Players of All Time
- 45Age: 60
Detroit Pistons: 1987–1992
Selected sixth overall in the 1986 NBA Draft, William Bedford brought height and potential to a Pistons team on the rise. Although he never reached the lofty heights expected of a top draft pick, Bedford's contributions during the early years of the "Bad Boys" era remain a part of the franchise's storied history.
- 46Age: 41
Detroit Pistons: 2014-2016
Acquired through a trade in 2014, Joel Anthony added defensive depth to a Pistons roster seeking to re-establish its defensive identity. While his time with the team was brief, Anthony's shot-blocking ability and paint protection left a positive impact on the franchise.
More Joel Anthony- #29 of 58 onThe Best NBA Players From Canada
- #43 of 54 onThe Best NCAA College Basketball Centers Of The 2000s
- #76 of 88 onThe Best Undrafted NBA Players Ever
Detroit Pistons: 2019–2020
Joining the Pistons via trade in 2019, Thon Maker brought intrigue with his unique combination of size and shooting ability. Though never fully realizing his potential with the team, Maker's versatility as a big man provided an interesting wrinkle to the Pistons' frontcourt.
- 48
Phil Jordon
Dec. at 31 (1933-1965)Detroit Pistons: 1957–1959
Joining the Pistons through a trade in 1961, Phil Jordon quickly became a fan favorite due to his scoring abilities and solid rebounding. Although his time with the team was relatively short, Jordon's impact on the Pistons' early history remains noteworthy.
More Phil Jordon- #24 of 59 onThe Best Sacramento Kings Centers of All Time
- #58 of 66 onThe Best New York Knicks Centers of All Time
- #15 of 69 onThe Best Sacramento Kings Power Forwards of All Time
- 49Age: 95
1953–1957
Melvin R. Hutchins (November 22, 1928 – December 19, 2018) was an American basketball player. He played professionally in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1951 to 1958. Hutchins was selected by the Tri-Cities Blackhawks with the second pick in the 1951 NBA draft and was a four-time NBA All-Star. - 50Dec. at 33 (1969-2002)
1997–1999
Bison Dele (born Brian Carson Williams; April 6, 1969 – presumed dead July 7, 2002) was an American professional basketball player who played center. He played for the NBA's Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons. Dele won a championship with the Bulls in 1997. He is believed to have been murdered at sea by his older brother Miles Dabord in 2002. His girlfriend, Serena Karlan, and skipper Bertrand Saldo are also presumed to have been killed by Dabord.More Bison Dele- Dig Deeper...Famous People Who Were Murdered
- And Deeper...People Who Disappeared Mysteriously in 2000s
- #25 of 33 onNBA Players Who Understood the Assignment
- 51Dec. at 86 (1923-2010)
Detroit Pistons: 1956–1957
As an early cornerstone of the franchise during its days in Fort Wayne, Red Rocha brought a strong rebounding presence to the Pistons in the 1950s. His contributions during this formative period helped establish the foundation upon which future Pistons teams would be built.
- 52Dec. at 85 (1927-2012)
Detroit Pistons: 1951–1954
A member of the early Pistons teams during the 1950s, Chuck Share brought size and a strong rebounding presence to the team during its days in Fort Wayne. His contributions to the early years of the franchise helped pave the way for future Pistons centers.
- 53Dec. at 82 (1932-2014)
Detroit Pistons: 1954–1958
Drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks and later traded to the Fort Wayne Pistons, Bob Houbregs brought a versatile offensive game to the early Pistons teams. An All-Star selection in 1957, Houbregs' skills as a playmaker and scorer earned him recognition during his brief time with the franchise.
More Bob Houbregs- #53 of 58 onThe Best NBA Players From Canada
- #78 of 110 onThe Best Detroit Pistons of All Time
- #14 of 36 onThe Greatest Washington Basketball Players of All Time
- 54Age: 48
Detroit Pistons: 1998–2002
Signed as a free agent in 2007, Mikki Moore brought energy and athleticism to a Pistons team seeking frontcourt depth. His high-flying dunks and shot-blocking abilities provided excitement and valuable support during his single season with the organization.
More Mikki Moore- #19 of 49 onThe Best NBA Players from South Carolina
- #36 of 68 onThe Best Boston Celtics Centers of All Time
- #39 of 48 onThe Best Utah Jazz Centers of All Time
- 55Age: 52
Detroit Pistons: 2001–2004
Acquired in 2001, Željko Rebrača brought size and a unique skill set to a Pistons team seeking to make a playoff push. While his tenure with the team was brief, Rebrača's contributions as a reserve big man provided valuable depth during an important period for the franchise.
More Željko Rebrača- #12 of 39 onThe Best NBA Players From Serbia
- #195 of 212 onThe Best White Players in NBA History
- #77 of 98 onThe Best European NBA Players of All Time
- 56Age: 59
1993–1994
Gregory Wayne "Cadillac" Anderson (born June 22, 1964) is an American former professional basketball player.More Cadillac Anderson- #116 of 126 onThe Best San Antonio Spurs of All Time
- #18 of 37 onThe Greatest Houston Basketball Players Of All Time
- #23 of 34 onThe 30+ Best NBA Denver Nuggets Centers
- 57Age: 83
1967–1968
Leonard R. Chappell (January 31, 1941 – July 12, 2018) was an American basketball player. He played for 10 years in the NBA and the ABA and was selected to one NBA All-Star Game.More Len Chappell- #28 of 30 onThe Best Power Forwards of the '60s
- #5 of 48 onThe Greatest Wake Forest Basketball Players of All Time
- #30 of 31 onThe Best Milwaukee Bucks Centers of All Time
2021-2022
Luka H. Garza (born December 27, 1998) is an American professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes, where he was the consensus pick for national college player of the year for the 2020–21 season. As a junior he was named a consensus first-team All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year. Garza played for Maret School in his hometown of Washington, D.C., where he was a four-star recruit.- 59
James Wiseman
Detroit Pistons: 2023 - current
James Wiseman, a center for the Detroit Pistons, out to his remarkable physique and size, making him omnipresent on the court. His impressive 7-foot-1 frame paired with his athleticism gives him an unrivaled advantage when it comes to rebounding; he's as steady as a rock under the basket, skillfully boxing out opponents and securing the ball with confidence. Wiseman's talent doesn't just stop there, he also has a refined offensive skillset, demonstrating an exceptional knack for scoring in the paint and showcasing soft touch around the rim, truly a force to be reckoned with.
James Monteinez Wiseman (born March 31, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers. Listed at 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m), he plays the center position. He was drafted with the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.More James Wiseman- #41 of 62 onThe Best NBA Centers Right Now
- #17 of 32 onEvery Player Over 7 Feet Tall In The NBA Today, Ranked
- #62 of 115 onThe Best One-And-Done College Basketball Players
