The Detroit Pistons 2010 roster consists of a combination of players from their 2004 championship team, off-season free agent signings and rookies added during the 2009 NBA draft.

NBA rules allow for a team to have 15 players on their roster, dressing no more than 12 at any game. Players are split up into three categories based on various abilities and attributes. Guards are generally excellent ball handlers and defensive players. The point guard sets up offenses and brings the ball up court, while a shooting guard takes more shots and is usually responsible for defending the opposing teams best perimeter shooter. Forwards are generally larger than guards, and use that size to create more opportunities closer to the basket. Small forwards are good at dribble penetration, while power forwards post up in the paint and score from close range. Centers are usually the tallest players on the court and are mostly responsible for rebounding defensively and put-backs when other shooters miss.

Pistons roster. Last updated April 6, 2010.

• Rodney Stuckey – G
• Will Bynum – G
• Chucky Atkins – G
• Ben Gordon – G
• Richard Hamilton – G
• Jonas Jerebko – F
• Tayshaun Prince – F
• DaJuan Summers – F
• Austin Daye – F
• Chris Wilcox – F
• Jason Maxiell – F
• Charlie Villanueva – F
• Ben Wallace – C
• Kwame Brown – C

The starting lineup is:

• 1/PG – Rodney Stuckey
• 2/SG – Will Bynum
• 3/SF – Tayshaun Prince
• 4/PF – Jonas Jerebko
• 5/C – Ben Wallace

Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey are often interchanged at the 1 or the 2 positions, as both are capable of handling both guards’ duties. http://www.nba.com/pistons/roster

The Pistons have been defined by their play in the 1980s, which was known as the “Bad Boy era.” Led by Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, the team won its first championship in 1989 and repeated in 1990.

The 2004 Detroit Pistons featured Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace and won the third NBA championship in the team’s history. The whole starting lineup is accounted for because the 2004 Pistons played a complete team game that focused on defense and teamwork, not big names like Kobe Bryant, or Shaq. Considered an underdog throughout the season, the team stunned the L.A. Lakers in the 2004 finals. While they did not win another championship, this team powered its way to six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals.