Four-Time All-Star Admits Regret: “I Wish I Had Been a Piston”Veteran Reflects on Missed Opportunity to Join Detroit in Career-Changing Revelation…read more…
In a rare moment of candid reflection, a four-time NBA All-Star has publicly expressed regret over not joining the Detroit Pistons during his playing days — a revelation that has sent ripples through the basketball world and reignited discussion about what might have been for the once-dominant franchise.
DeMar DeRozan, known for his mid-range artistry and veteran leadership, recently signed with the Sacramento Kings after a brief stint with the Chicago Bulls. But in a surprising twist during an interview with The Athletic, DeRozan revealed that one of the biggest “what-ifs” of his career involves Detroit — a city and franchise he now wishes he had embraced sooner.
> “Looking back,” DeRozan said, “there were a couple of times when Detroit was on the table. And honestly, I wish I had been a Piston at some point. The grit, the history, the fans — I feel like I would’ve fit right in.”
The All-Star Who Almost Wore the Red, White, and Blue
DeRozan, 34, has carved out a respected NBA career, earning four All-Star nods and over 23,000 career points. Best known for his time with the Toronto Raptors, where he was a cornerstone of the franchise alongside Kyle Lowry, he was ultimately traded to San Antonio in the blockbuster deal that brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto.
According to sources close to league front offices, the Pistons had previously shown interest in DeRozan in multiple offseasons — most notably in 2016, before he re-signed with Toronto, and again during his free agency in 2021 before he joined the Bulls in a sign-and-trade.
Detroit, under then-GM Troy Weaver, had explored adding veteran scorers to complement a young core. While talks never reached the finish line, it now appears that mutual interest existed — and DeRozan himself may have come to believe that Detroit’s blue-collar identity would’ve been an ideal fit.
> “I come from Compton,” DeRozan added. “I always had love for those hard-working, underdog cities like Detroit. I think the culture there matches who I am.”
The Cultural Fit That Never Happened
Detroit has long prided itself on being a gritty, defensive-minded franchise, with iconic eras led by the Bad Boys of the late 1980s and the 2004 championship team headlined by Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, and Rip Hamilton. That culture — often defined by toughness over flash — would have complemented DeRozan’s old-school game.
Former Pistons head coach Dwane Casey, who coached DeRozan in Toronto, once said DeRozan “embodies everything you want in a competitor” — a statement that now rings even more meaningful in light of DeRozan’s latest remarks.
> “There’s no doubt in my mind that DeMar would’ve made a great Piston,” Casey said in a 2021 interview. “His game, his approach — it fits what this franchise has always stood for.”
Had the Pistons landed DeRozan at the right time, they may have accelerated their rebuild or even remained competitive during a period of instability. Instead, the team has cycled through rosters and coaching changes, recently finishing another sub-.500 season despite promising young talent like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren.
Fans React to What Could Have Been
Pistons fans, long passionate and deeply nostalgic for the team’s golden eras, reacted swiftly on social media to DeRozan’s comments. Threads on Twitter and Reddit lit up with “what if” scenarios, imagining a veteran like DeRozan mentoring Detroit’s young guards or helping carry them to the postseason.
> “DeMar in the red, white, and blue would’ve been fire,” one fan posted.
“Man, we’ve needed someone like him since 2018,” said another.
“He would’ve brought us back to relevance sooner,” a longtime season ticket holder added.
Though it’s all hypothetical now, the idea of DeRozan donning a Pistons jersey during his prime continues to stir the imagination of fans who have endured years of rebuilding.
Why It Never Materialized
League insiders point to a variety of reasons the union never came to fruition. Timing, cap space constraints, and the Pistons’ shifting priorities — particularly the choice to build through the draft — all played a role. In 2021, Detroit opted to focus on drafting and developing their young core instead of chasing big-name free agents.
Additionally, DeRozan’s own career choices leaned toward immediate competitiveness and large-market opportunities. Though he appreciated Detroit’s culture, it’s clear that the pieces never quite aligned — a missed opportunity in retrospect for both sides.
A Legacy Without Detroit — But Respect for the City Remains
DeRozan’s career — currently approaching its twilight years — remains one of respect, consistency, and professionalism. Though he’ll go down as a Raptors legend and a player who revitalized his game in Chicago and San Antonio, it’s his admiration for Detroit that now adds a new layer to his legacy.
While he likely won’t get a chance to suit up for the Pistons before retirement, the respect between him and the organization appears mutual. He praised Pistons legend Joe Dumars and even cited Rip Hamilton as a player he modeled parts of his game after.
> “Detroit’s had some real dogs over the years,” DeRozan said. “I always respected how they played the game — no shortcuts, just pure heart.”
Could a Future Role in Detroit Still Be Possible?
Though unlikely to happen on the court, there’s speculation that DeRozan — who has spoken about wanting to mentor younger players and perhaps get into coaching or front-office work post-retirement — could still play a role in Detroit’s future in another capacity.
> “I got love for Detroit. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be a part of it in a different way down the road,” he said with a smile.
Whether it’s coaching, development, or just court-side appearances, Pistons fans would likely welcome DeRozan with open arms — even if it’s too late to see him in action for the team.
Final Thoughts
DeRozan’s heartfelt comments reflect more than just an NBA what-if — they serve as a reminder of how player identities and team cultures can align even when contracts don’t. For Detroit, it’s another sign that the league still respects the franchise’s legacy, even during years of rebuilding.
And for DeRozan, it’s a wistful nod to the kind of player he’s always been: tough, humble, and loyal to the game.
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“Four-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan says he wishes he had been a Piston. Fans are dreaming of what could’ve been. 🔵🔴 #DetroitBasketball #NBA”
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