 Known as the "Bad Boys" for their physical and defensive-minded style of play, the Pistons' core featured guards Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, forwards Adrian Dantley and Rick Mahorn, center Bill Laimbeer, and bench players Vinnie Johnson, Dennis Rodman and John Salley.Midway through the season, Detroit gained a valuable backup to Laimbeer and Mahorn when they acquired James Edwards.The 1987–88 season marked a further ascension for the franchise, as Detroit won the Central Division title with a 54–28 record.