"When I came here, I said I wanted to get this team to the point where our names were mentioned with the Celtics and Lakers," [Isiah Thomas] said. "At the time I said that, most people just laughed. Now as I sit here among the greatest Pistons' players, I see we have put this franchise in the conversation."

Said [Dave Bing]: "I took a lot of pride in seeing the Isiah Thomas 'Bad Boys' win two titles (1989 and 1990). Now there is a lot of conversation about if the Bad Boys or the team led by Chauncey Billups is the best I don't know who would beat who, but I'd like to be a fan and watch them compete against each other. We've come a long way with the franchise we have in place today."

Added "[Jack McCloskey], who was the architect of the "Bad Boys' teams: "[Joe Dumars] is a bright young man who knows the players. I love this team and I expect them to make a great run in the playoffs. Yeah, I feel a part of this franchise and I'm happy they have remained in the elite of the NBA."

Since moving to Detroit in 1957-58, the Pistons have won three NBA titles (1989, 1990, 2004), reached the NBA Finals five times, won five Eastern Conference titles and eight Central Division titles.

Sports history
Professional basketball -- Detroit Pistons