In their entire franchise history, the Pistons have never held the fifth overall pick. So that moves this list on to the last time the team selected fourth overall.
In 1979, the Pistons selected Greg Kelser out of Michigan State. The 6-7 forward was taken just three picks behind his Spartan teammate, Magic Johnson, who was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kelser’s tenure with the Pistons stretched from the 1979-80 season up to eleven games into the 1981-82 season. With Detroit, Kelser averaged 13 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per contest in 86 total games.
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In his two full seasons with the Pistons, the team finished with records for 16-66 and 21-61 respectively.
On November 23rd, 1981, the Seattle Supersonics acquired Kelser from the Pistons via trade. In 1983, the forward was traded to the San Diego Clippers. Kelser would finish his career by signing with the Indiana Pacers for one year.
Ultimately the 1979 Draft class would be beneficial for Detroit, but it would not come from their selection of Kelser. Instead, the 1979 draft class would source both Vinnie Johnson and Bill Laimbeer. Detroit actually acquired Johnson from the Supersonics when they traded away Kelser. The Pistons would acquire Laimbeer later that season in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Michigan State product played well with the Pistons but was never able to put it together for the rest of his six-year career.
In Detroit, Kelser’s contribution to the Pistons is more impactful in his post-playing career than his playing career. Kelser has served as the Pistons color commentator for many years alongside George Blaha.
