The Detroit Pistons_ Deadly Curse

October 6, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The Detroit Pistons’ Deadly Curse

On February 11, 2025, Lindy Waters III made his debut for the Detroit Pistons, becoming the fourth Native American player to join the franchise. Almost immediately, internet forums lit up with warnings about a so-called curse: every Native American who has played for the Pistons has died in their 30s from a water-related accident. The story sounds like supernatural folklore, but the actual history is more disturbing—and more human—than any ghost story.

The First: Phil Jordan

Phil Jordan was the first Native American to play in the NBA, period. A Wailacki and Nomlacki man from Northern California, he earned the nickname “the Flash” for his ambidextrous scoring ability. Drafted by the New York Knicks in 1956, Jordan played seven seasons, averaging nearly 11 points and 9 rebounds per game while matching up against legends like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.

Jordan is famously remembered for a game he missed entirely: March 2, 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points against the Knicks. According to journalist Gary Pomerantz, Jordan had spent the previous day drinking a case of beer celebrating a teammate’s newborn child. (Another teammate disputed this, claiming illness.)

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What you'll learn

1 (00:00) **Episode Introduction & Sponsor Block** - Host Gus introduces the show with sponsor ads for Optimum Fiber and American Express, followed by a political ad.
2 (01:15) **The Curse Introduced** - Lindy Waters III joins the Detroit Pistons, bringing attention to an online rumor about a curse on Native American players.
3 (01:47) **Lindy Waters III and the Curse's Premise** - Lindy Waters III becomes the fourth Native American to play for the Pistons, and the host explains the ominous legacy of those who came before him.
4 (02:37) **Phil Jordan: The First Native American NBA Player** - The story of Phil Jordan, a trailblazer who was the first Native American in the NBA and the first Piston to die in a drowning accident.
5 (05:57) **Sonny Dove: The Second Native American Piston** - The story of Lloyd "Sonny" Dove Jr., who died in a tragic car accident involving a drawbridge.
6 (11:37) **Bison Dell: The Most Famous and Tragic Case** - The host introduces Bison Dell (formerly Brian Williams), the most successful Native American Piston, whose story involves a multi-million dollar contract, mental health struggles, and a suspected murder.
7 (12:04) **Bison Dell's Early Life and NBA Career** - Details on Dell's background, his passion for music over basketball, and his struggles with depression.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app