 Playing 28 games for the Pistons and Coach Chuck Daly, Nimphius was used little, averaging 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds.The Pistons, with Isiah Thomas, John Salley, Bill Laimbeer, Adrian Dantley, Joe Dumars , Dennis Rodman, Rick Mahorn and Vinnie Johnson advanced to the Western Division Finals, where they were defteatd by the Boston Celtics with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Dennis Johnson 4–3.On October 27, 1987 Nimphius signed as a veteran free agent with the San Antonio Spurs; the Detroit Pistons received a 1988 2nd round draft pick (Jeff Moe was later selected) as compensation.