Will Bynum Basketball Career and Stats Explained

By Sarah Miller · June 16, 2029

Will Bynum is a former professional basketball player best known for his dynamic playmaking and scoring off the bench during his NBA career, primarily with the Detroit Pistons from 2005 to 2014. Standing at 5'10", he overcame size limitations with elite quickness, court vision, and clutch performances, becoming one of the shortest players in modern NBA history to have a sustained impact. After going undrafted in 2005, Bynum carved out a nine-year NBA career before playing internationally in China and Israel.

Who Is Will Bynum?

Will Bynum is a retired American professional basketball player who made a name for himself as an undersized but highly effective point guard in the NBA. Despite not being drafted, he became a key contributor for the Detroit Pistons and later played for the Atlanta Hawks and Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

Early Life and College Career

Born on January 26, 1983, in Chicago, Illinois.
Played high school basketball at Crane High School, where he earned Illinois Mr. Basketball honors in 2001.
Played college basketball at Georgia Tech, helping lead the Yellow Jackets to the Final Four in 2004.
Averaged 14.9 points and 4.7 assists per game during his senior season.

NBA Career Overview

Bynum entered the NBA after going undrafted in 2005. He began his professional journey with the Golden State Warriors but saw limited action before finding a long-term home with the Detroit Pistons.

Breakthrough with the Detroit Pistons

Signed with the Pistons in 2005 under a two-way contract, initially playing in the NBA G League.
Became a fan favorite due to his fearless drives and ability to score against larger defenders.
Posted a career-high 26 points in a single quarter against the New York Knicks in 2008.
Served as a primary backup to Chauncey Billups and later became a starter when injuries struck.

Later NBA Stints

Played briefly for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2013–2014 season.
Known for his energy, ball-handling, and pick-and-roll execution despite height disadvantage.
Final NBA stats: 7.5 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 rebounds per game over 378 games.

Season	Team	Games Played	PPG	APG	RPG	FG%
2005–06	Detroit Pistons	25	3.4	1.5	0.9	35.6%
2006–07	Detroit Pistons	70	7.2	3.1	1.2	42.1%
2007–08	Detroit Pistons	79	9.1	3.5	1.4	43.8%
2008–09	Detroit Pistons	70	8.6	3.2	1.2	42.5%
2009–10	Detroit Pistons	72	8.3	3.0	1.3	41.7%
2010–11	Detroit Pistons	66	7.7	2.8	1.1	40.2%
2011–12	Detroit Pistons	63	8.3	3.1	1.1	43.0%
2012–13	Detroit Pistons	65	8.9	3.4	1.3	44.5%
2013–14	Atlanta Hawks	38	5.0	1.8	0.8	39.6%

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates Will Bynum’s consistent scoring and assist production during his peak years with the Detroit Pistons, particularly from 2006 to 2013. His field goal percentage improved over time, peaking at 44.5% in 2012–13, reflecting better shot selection and efficiency. The decline in performance during his final season with the Atlanta Hawks suggests reduced role and playing time.

International and Post-NBA Career

After leaving the NBA, Bynum found success overseas, most notably in China.

Played for Guangdong Southern Tigers in the CBA, winning multiple championships.
Averaged over 20 points per game during his CBA tenure.
Also played briefly in Israel for Hapoel Jerusalem.
Retired from professional basketball around 2018.

Legacy and Impact

Though not a star, Will Bynum’s career serves as an inspiration for undersized athletes aiming to compete at the highest level.

Proved that speed, intelligence, and toughness can offset physical disadvantages.
One of only a few undrafted players to log over 300 NBA games in the 2000s.
Frequently cited as a model of perseverance and development through the G League.
Remains a cult figure among Pistons fans for his energetic performances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Will Bynum Basketball

Was Will Bynum drafted into the NBA?

No, Will Bynum was not drafted in the 2005 NBA Draft. He began his NBA career by signing with the Detroit Pistons and initially played for their NBA G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, before earning a roster spot.

How tall is Will Bynum?

Will Bynum is 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall, making him one of the shortest players in NBA history to have a multi-year career. His height did not prevent him from competing effectively due to his speed and agility.

What teams did Will Bynum play for?

Will Bynum played for the Detroit Pistons (2005–2013), Atlanta Hawks (2013–2014), Guangdong Southern Tigers in China, and Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel during his professional career.

What was Will Bynum’s highest-scoring game?

Will Bynum scored a career-high 26 points in a single quarter on April 13, 2008, against the New York Knicks. This performance remains one of the most explosive quarters by a reserve player in recent NBA history.

Is Will Bynum in the Hall of Fame?

No, Will Bynum is not in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. While he had a solid professional career, his statistical output and accolades were not at Hall of Fame levels. However, he is remembered fondly by Pistons fans.