History of Detroit Pistons in Timeline
The Detroit Pistons are a professional basketball team based in Detroit, Michigan. They compete in the NBA's Eastern Conference, Central Division, and play their home games at Little Caesars Arena in Midtown Detroit. The team's history includes three NBA championships (1989, 1990, and 2004), with notable players like Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Grant Hill, Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, and Richard Hamilton. The franchise originated in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons in 1941, moved to Detroit in 1957, and achieved success in the late 1980s with their "Bad Boys" era, known for their physical style of play. After a period of rebuilding, they won another championship in 2004, defeating the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers. The team has seen less success in recent years, but they maintain a dedicated fanbase and rich history in the NBA.
1937: Zollner Sponsors Team
In 1937, Fred Zollner, owner of the Zollner Corporation, sponsored a semi-professional basketball team at the request of his workers.
1937: Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons Founded
The Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, a semi-professional basketball team, were founded in 1937 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
1941: Zollner Pistons Turn Professional
In 1941, the Zollner Pistons turned professional and joined the National Basketball League (NBL).
1941: Zollner Pistons Join NBL
The Zollner Pistons joined the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1941.
1944: NBL and World Tournament Champions
The Zollner Pistons won both the NBL championship and the World Professional Basketball Tournament in 1944.
1944: First NBL Championship
The Zollner Pistons won their first NBL championship in 1944.
1945: NBL and World Tournament Champions
The Zollner Pistons achieved a double victory in 1945, winning the NBL championship and the World Professional Basketball Tournament.
1945: Second NBL Championship
The Zollner Pistons won their second consecutive NBL championship in 1945.
1946: World Tournament Champions
The Zollner Pistons won the World Professional Basketball Tournament in 1946.
1947: Detroit Basketball Void
Detroit had been without a professional basketball team since 1947.
1948: Pistons Join BAA
The Fort Wayne Pistons joined the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1948.
1949: Zollner Brokers NBA Formation
Fred Zollner played a key role in the formation of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from the BAA and NBL in 1949.
1949: Detroit Basketball Void Continues
The departure of the Detroit Vagabond Kings in 1949 further cemented Detroit's lack of a professional basketball team.
1949: Pistons Join NBA
With the merger of the NBL and BAA in 1949, the Pistons became part of the newly formed National Basketball Association (NBA).
1953: Point Shaving Allegations Begin
Allegations of point shaving and game fixing involving Pistons players began to surface during the 1953-54 season.
1954: Point Shaving Allegations Continue
Point shaving allegations surrounding the Pistons continued into the 1954-55 season.
1955: Controversial NBA Finals Loss
The Pistons lost the 1955 NBA Finals to the Syracuse Nationals under controversial circumstances, raising further suspicions of point shaving.
1956: Zollner Decides to Move Team
Due to financial difficulties in the small market of Fort Wayne, Fred Zollner decided to relocate the team after the 1956-57 season.
1957: Move to Detroit
The Pistons franchise relocated to Detroit in 1957.
1957: Pistons Move to Detroit and Uniform History Begins
The Pistons moved to Detroit in 1957, marking the start of their uniform history. For the next two decades, their uniforms remained largely the same, with "Pistons" in blue block letters.
1961: Move to Cobo Arena
The Pistons moved from Olympia Stadium to Cobo Arena for the start of the 1961-62 season.
1964: Howell Traded to Bullets
Bailey Howell was traded to the Baltimore Bullets in 1964.
1968: DeBusschere Traded
In a controversial move, the Pistons traded Dave DeBusschere to the New York Knicks during the 1968-69 season.
1969: Lakers become back-to-back NBA champions
In 1969, the Los Angeles Lakers secured back-to-back NBA championships, a feat not seen since the 1969 Boston Celtics.
1971: Winning Season
The Pistons had a winning season in 1971, a positive turn after a decade of struggles.
1974: Davidson Buys Team
Bill Davidson purchased the Pistons from Fred Zollner in 1974.
1974: Pistons struggle in Portland
Up until 1974, the Pistons had not won a game in Portland.
1975: Playoff Appearance
The Pistons made another playoff appearance in 1975.
1976: Playoff Appearance
The Pistons continued their playoff streak with another appearance in 1976.
1977: Playoff Appearance
The Pistons qualified for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season in 1977.
1978: Vitale Hired as Coach
Dick Vitale was hired as the Pistons' head coach in 1978.
1978: Pistons move to the Pontiac Silverdome
In 1978, the Detroit Pistons began playing their home games at the Pontiac Silverdome in Oakland County, marking their move to a suburban location north of Detroit.
1978: Lightning Bolt Uniforms Introduced
In the 1978-79 season, the Pistons introduced a new uniform design featuring lightning bolts.
1978: Move to the Silverdome
The Pistons moved to the Pontiac Silverdome in 1978.
1979: Vitale Fired
Dick Vitale was fired as head coach after a disappointing season in 1979.
1979: Start of "Bad Boys" Era Logo
The "Bad Boys" era logo, which was later modernized in 2017, was originally used from 1979.
1980: Disappointing Season
The Pistons finished the 1979-80 season with a dismal 16-66 record.
November 1981: Vinnie Johnson Acquired
In November 1981, the Pistons traded for Vinnie Johnson from the Seattle SuperSonics.
1981: Lakers' Conference Finals Streak Begins
In 1981, the Los Angeles Lakers began their streak of eight consecutive conference finals appearances, a record at the time.
1981: Return to Classic Block Lettering
The Pistons reverted to their classic block lettering and simple side panel design in 1981, a look that lasted until 1996.
February 1982: Bill Laimbeer Acquired
The Pistons traded for Bill Laimbeer from the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 1982.
1983: Chuck Daly Hired as Coach
Chuck Daly was hired as the Pistons' head coach in 1983, a move that would significantly impact the team's future.
1984: Playoff Loss to Knicks
The Pistons lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 1984 playoffs.
1985: Playoff Series Win and Loss to Celtics
The Pistons won their first-round playoff series in 1985 but lost to the Boston Celtics in the conference semifinals, marking the start of a rivalry.
1986: First Round Playoff Loss and Shift to Defensive Style
After losing in the first round of the 1986 playoffs to the Atlanta Hawks, the Pistons decided to adopt a more defensive-minded approach.
1986: Key Acquisitions and "Bad Boys" Era Begins
Prior to the 1986-87 season, the Pistons acquired several key players, including John Salley, Dennis Rodman, and Adrian Dantley. They embraced a physical, defensive style of play, earning them the nickname "Bad Boys".
1987: Los Angeles Raiders and Detroit Pistons Embrace Shared "Bad Boy" Image
In 1987, Los Angeles Raiders owner Al Davis sent team merchandise to the Detroit Pistons, recognizing their similar aggressive style of play. The Pistons embraced this "bad boy" image, with fans often wearing black clothing to games.
1987: Eastern Conference Finals vs. Celtics
In 1987, the Detroit Pistons reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, a series that went to seven games. Despite a strong showing, including a near-win in Game 5, a crucial turnover and Larry Bird's steal led to a loss. The Pistons ultimately lost the series.
1988: Pistons move to The Palace of Auburn Hills
In 1988, the Detroit Pistons relocated to The Palace of Auburn Hills, the first NBA arena fully funded by private investments.
1988: Lakers' Conference Finals Streak Ends
In 1988, the Los Angeles Lakers' streak of eight consecutive conference finals appearances came to an end.
1989: Pistons Win First NBA Championship
In 1989, the Detroit Pistons achieved a significant milestone by winning their first NBA Championship, culminating a season marked by a franchise-record 63 wins. The victory was sealed with a four-game sweep against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, and Joe Dumars earned Finals MVP honors.
1990: Pistons Secure Second Consecutive NBA Championship
In 1990, the Detroit Pistons secured their second consecutive NBA Championship, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in a thrilling five-game series. The team overcame challenges, including losing Rick Mahorn to the expansion draft and a tough Eastern Conference Finals series against the Chicago Bulls. Vinnie Johnson's crucial shot in the final seconds of Game 5 earned him the nickname "007", and Isiah Thomas was named Finals MVP.
1990: NBA Finals Appearance
In 2004, the Pistons advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1990, ultimately defeating the Los Angeles Lakers for their third NBA championship.
1990: Second NBA Championship
The Pistons secured their second consecutive NBA championship in 1990.
1990: First Playoff Series Sweep Since 1990
The Pistons' 4-0 victory over the Orlando Magic in the 2007 playoffs marked their first playoff series sweep since 1990.
1991: Pistons Trade Players and Waive Vinnie Johnson
Following a disappointing sweep by the Bulls in 1991, the Pistons initiated a period of transition by trading James Edwards and waiving Vinnie Johnson.
1991: Pistons' Championship Run Ends, Walk-Off Incident
In 1991, the Detroit Pistons' championship run ended with a four-game sweep by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. The series was marked by controversy, culminating in the Pistons walking off the court before the final game's conclusion, refusing to shake hands with the Bulls. This act stemmed from pre-game comments made by Michael Jordan questioning the Pistons' sportsmanship and legitimacy as champions. Isiah Thomas' wrist injury also contributed to their defeat.
1991: Pistons Achieve First Playoff Series Victory Since 1991
In a notable turnaround, the Pistons secured their first playoff series win since 1991, defeating the Toronto Raptors. However, their progress was halted by the Boston Celtics in the following round.
1991: First Postseason Meeting with Bulls Since 1991
The 2007 playoffs marked the first postseason meeting between the Pistons and Chicago Bulls since 1991.
1991: Previous Eastern Conference Finals Appearance
The Detroit Pistons' appearance in the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals marked their first since 1991.
1992: Pistons Lose in First Round, Daly Resigns
In 1992, the Detroit Pistons, under new coach Chuck Daly, finished with a 48–34 record. They lost in the first round of the playoffs to the New York Knicks, after which Daly resigned.
1993: Pistons Draft Grant Hill
Following the disappointing 1993-94 season, the Pistons secured the third overall pick in the draft, which they used to select Grant Hill, a promising small forward.
1993: Laimbeer Retires, Pistons Continue Transition
In 1993, Bill Laimbeer retired, marking another step in the Pistons' ongoing period of transition and rebuilding.
1993: Previous 60-Loss Season
The Pistons 1993-94 season marked the last time before 2023 the team experienced a season with 60 or more losses.
1994: First NBA Finals Game 7 Since 1994
Game 7 of the 2005 NBA Finals was the first since 1994.
1994: Pistons' Worst Season Since 1994
In 1994, the Detroit Pistons had what was, up until 2010, their worst season in recent history.
1994: Pistons Bottom Out, Thomas Retires
In the 1993-94 season, the Pistons reached a low point, finishing with a 20-62 record. Isiah Thomas also retired in 1994.
November 1, 1996: Hooper Becomes Pistons Mascot
On November 1, 1996, Hooper the horse, wearing a Pistons jersey, was introduced as the team's new mascot, replacing Sir Slam A Lot. The horse symbolizes the "horsepower" produced by the team, in line with their name.
1996: Teal, Black, and Yellow Era Begins
In 1996, the Pistons changed their colors to teal, black, yellow, and red, also introducing a new logo with a horse's head and flaming mane.
1996: Pistons Change Team Colors, Coaching Changes
In 1996, the Pistons made several significant changes, including switching from their traditional red and blue to teal, burgundy, gold, and black, a move met with disapproval from fans. The team also underwent multiple coaching changes during this period.
1996: End of Original "Bad Boys" Era Logo
The Pistons stopped using the original "Bad Boys" logo in 1996.
1997: Best Record Since 1997
The Pistons finished the 2003-2004 season with a 54-28 record, their best since 1997.
1997: Pistons Achieve First 50-Win Season Since 1997
The Pistons marked their first 50-win season since 1997, demonstrating a resurgence in their performance and competitiveness.
1998: Joe Dumars Retires
Joe Dumars retired from professional basketball following the 1998–99 season.
1999: Spurs' Third Championship Since 1999
The San Antonio Spurs won their third championship since 1999 by defeating the Pistons in the 2005 NBA Finals.
2000: Pistons Fire Irvine, Hire Carlisle, Return to Traditional Colors
Following a challenging 2000-01 season, the Pistons fired coach George Irvine and hired Rick Carlisle. The team also reverted to its original red, white, and blue color scheme.
2000: Dumars Becomes President, Hill Traded for Wallace and Atkins
In 2000, after a playoff sweep by the Miami Heat, Joe Dumars was appointed as President of Basketball Operations. Despite Grant Hill's departure to Orlando, Dumars orchestrated a sign-and-trade deal, acquiring Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins. Wallace quickly became a key defensive player for the Pistons.
2001: Return to Traditional Colors and Design
The Pistons returned to their traditional red, white, and blue color scheme in 2001, with a uniform inspired by the 1981-96 design.
2002: Roster Revamp
In 2002, the Detroit Pistons underwent a significant roster overhaul, acquiring key players like Chauncey Billups and Richard "Rip" Hamilton, and drafting Tayshaun Prince.
2003: Coaching Change
In 2003, despite the team's improvement, the Pistons fired coach Rick Carlisle and hired Larry Brown. Several reasons were cited, including Carlisle's reluctance to play younger players, player disagreements, and a perceived conservative offense.
2003: Eastern Conference Finals Appearance
In 2003, the Detroit Pistons reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1991, but were swept by the New Jersey Nets.
February 2004: Acquisition of Rasheed Wallace
In February 2004, the Pistons acquired Rasheed Wallace, strengthening their roster and completing their transformation into a championship-caliber team.
2004: Malice at the Palace
The 2004-2005 season was marked by the "Malice at the Palace," a major incident involving players and fans during a game against the Indiana Pacers.
2004: Third NBA Championship
The Pistons won their third NBA championship in 2004.
2005: Record-Setting Season
During the 2005-2006 season, the Pistons achieved the NBA's best record (64-18), setting franchise records for overall and road victories. Four starters were named All-Stars, and they set a record for starting the same lineup in 73 consecutive games.
2005: Larry Brown Controversy and Departure
In 2005, coach Larry Brown's health concerns and rumors linking him to other jobs led to his departure from the Pistons. Flip Saunders was hired as his replacement.
2005: NBA Finals Appearance and Loss
In 2005, the Pistons returned to the NBA Finals but lost a close series to the San Antonio Spurs, including a memorable overtime loss in Game 5.
2005: Classic Logo Design Adopted
In 2005, the Pistons switched to a more classic logo design, moving away from the horse's head and flaming mane logo.
2006: Playoff Run and Eastern Conference Finals Loss
In the 2006 playoffs, the Pistons struggled against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round and were ultimately defeated by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
January 16, 2007: Signing of Chris Webber
On January 16, 2007, the Pistons signed free agent Chris Webber, who helped improve the team's performance and secure the best record in the Eastern Conference.
2007: Start of 2007-08 Season
In 2007, the Detroit Pistons began the 2007-08 NBA season with Rasheed Wallace as their new center and Flip Saunders entering his third season as the team's longest-tenured coach since Chuck Daly.
2007: Draft Picks and Contract Signings
In the 2007 NBA draft, the Pistons selected Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo. They also re-signed Chauncey Billups, Amir Johnson, and Antonio McDyess. This season also marked the 50th anniversary of the franchise in Detroit.
2007: Playoff Run and Eastern Conference Finals Loss to Cavaliers
In the 2007 playoffs, the Pistons swept the Orlando Magic, defeated the Chicago Bulls, but were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals after a memorable performance by LeBron James in Game 5.
2007: Last Winning Season before 2015-16
The Pistons last winning season before 2015-2016 was in 2007-2008.
June 3, 2008: Saunders' Departure
On June 3, 2008, the Detroit Pistons announced that Flip Saunders would not return as head coach following the team's loss in the Eastern Conference Finals.
June 10, 2008: Michael Curry Hired as Coach
On June 10, 2008, the Detroit Pistons hired Michael Curry as their new head coach.
November 3, 2008: Billups and McDyess Traded for Iverson
On November 3, 2008, the Pistons traded Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Allen Iverson, marking the beginning of a rebuilding phase for the team. McDyess was later waived and rejoined the Pistons in December.
2008: 2007-08 Season and Playoffs
During the 2008 NBA season, the Detroit Pistons achieved the second-best record in the league (59-23). In the playoffs, they initially struggled against the Philadelphia 76ers, falling behind 2-1, but ultimately won the series in six games. They then advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth consecutive season.
April 10, 2009: Pistons Clinch Playoff Berth
On April 10, 2009, despite a losing record and a season marked by controversies and injuries, the Detroit Pistons secured a playoff berth.
June 30, 2009: Michael Curry Fired
On June 30, 2009, the Detroit Pistons fired head coach Michael Curry after just one season.
July 8, 2009: John Kuester Hired as Coach
On July 8, 2009, the Detroit Pistons hired John Kuester as their new head coach.
August 12, 2009: Ben Wallace Returns
On August 12, 2009, the Detroit Pistons re-signed veteran Ben Wallace.
2009: Davidson's Death
Bill Davidson, the long-time owner of the Pistons, passed away in 2009.
2009: Last Playoff Appearance before 2016
In 2009, the Pistons made their last playoff appearance before their playoff berth in 2016.
April 7, 2011: Tom Gores Buys the Pistons
On April 7, 2011, Karen Davidson finalized an agreement to sell the Detroit Pistons franchise, The Palace of Auburn Hills, and DTE Energy Music Theatre to billionaire Tom Gores.
2011: Leadership Changes and Coaching Hire
In 2011, the Detroit Pistons underwent several leadership changes, including the appointment of Dennis Mannion as president and the hiring of Lawrence Frank as head coach.
2012: 2012-2013 Season
The Pistons experienced a losing season in 2012-2013 which ultimately led to the firing of head coach Lawrence Frank.
April 18, 2013: Lawrence Frank Fired
On April 18, 2013, Lawrence Frank was fired as head coach of the Pistons.
June 10, 2013: Maurice Cheeks Hired
On June 10, 2013, the Pistons hired Maurice Cheeks as their new head coach.
2013: Acquisition of Josh Smith
In 2013, The Pistons acquired Josh Smith.
May 14, 2014: Stan Van Gundy Hired
On May 14, 2014, Stan Van Gundy was hired as head coach and president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons.
2014: Last Winning Season to 2014-15 Season
Between the 2009-2010 and the 2014-15 seasons the Pistons had no winning records.
2014: Josh Smith Waived; Jennings Injured
During the 2014-15 season, the Pistons waived Josh Smith after a poor start. Despite a subsequent winning streak, the season ended with a losing record following Brandon Jennings' Achilles injury.
2015: Roster Changes and Draft
During the 2015 offseason, the Pistons made several roster changes, acquiring players like Ersan İlyasova, Marcus Morris, Aron Baynes, and Steve Blake. They also drafted Stanley Johnson and re-signed Reggie Jackson.
2015: Negotiations Begin for a Potential Move to Little Caesars Arena
Starting in the summer of 2015, discussions began between Pistons owner Tom Gores and Olympia Entertainment, the owners of the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers, regarding a potential partnership and the Pistons' relocation to the new Little Caesars Arena.
March 9, 2016: Pistons Surpass Previous Win Totals
On March 9, 2016, the Detroit Pistons surpassed their win totals from the previous five seasons (2009-10 to 2014-15) with a victory against the Dallas Mavericks.
April 6, 2016: Pistons Secure Winning Season
On April 6, 2016, the Pistons secured their first winning season since 2007-08 after a win over the Orlando Magic.
April 8, 2016: Pistons Clinch Playoff Berth
On April 8, 2016, the Pistons clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2009.
November 22, 2016: Pistons Announce Move to Little Caesars Arena
On November 22, 2016, the Detroit Pistons officially announced their plan to relocate to Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit, ending their 39-year presence in Oakland County. The Palace of Auburn Hills, their former home, was slated for redevelopment and likely demolition.
2016: Intensified Talks and Potential Merger
In 2016, as the Pistons began their season, negotiations about moving to Little Caesars Arena intensified. Discussions included a potential merger between Olympia Entertainment and Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E), along with plans for a new practice facility and team headquarters.
May 16, 2017: Pistons Unveil Modernized "Bad Boys" Era Logo
On May 16, 2017, the Pistons unveiled a new logo, a modernized version of the logo used during the "Bad Boys" era from 1979 to 1996.
June 20, 2017: Detroit City Council Approves Pistons' Move
On June 20, 2017, the Detroit City Council officially approved the Detroit Pistons' move to Little Caesars Arena.
August 3, 2017: NBA Board of Governors Approves Pistons' Move
On August 3, 2017, the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the Detroit Pistons' relocation to Little Caesars Arena, finalizing the move. This made Detroit the only U.S. city with all four major professional sports teams (MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL) playing in its downtown area, and one of only two U.S. cities with all its teams playing in a single location (the other being Philadelphia).
2017: Potential Move to Little Caesars Arena
As early as the 2017-18 season, the Pistons considered relocating to the new Little Caesars Arena. This potential move was subject to city and league approval.
2017: Pistons Miss Playoffs
The Pistons finished the 2017-18 season with a 39-43 record, missing the playoffs for the eighth time in ten years.
January 29, 2018: Pistons Acquire Blake Griffin
On January 29, 2018, the Pistons traded Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, a 2018 first-round draft pick, and a 2019 second-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Blake Griffin, Willie Reed, and Brice Johnson.
May 7, 2018: Stan Van Gundy Leaves Pistons
On May 7, 2018, Stan Van Gundy's tenure as head coach and president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons ended.
June 11, 2018: Dwane Casey Hired as Head Coach
On June 11, 2018, Dwane Casey was appointed as the new head coach of the Detroit Pistons, signing a five-year contract.
2019: Pistons finish with 20-46 record
During the 2019-20 season, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pistons finished with a 20-46 record.
2019: Second-Round Draft Pick Traded
In 2019, a second-round draft pick previously acquired by the Pistons was included in the trade for all-star forward Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers.
2019: Pistons Swept by Bucks in Playoffs
In 2019, the Detroit Pistons finished the regular season with a 41-41 record, securing the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. However, they were swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, extending their NBA record for consecutive playoff losses to 14.
March 11, 2020: NBA Season Suspended Due to COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the NBA suspended the 2019-20 season due to Rudy Gobert's positive test for COVID-19.
June 4, 2020: Pistons' Season Ends
On June 4, 2020, the Detroit Pistons' season officially ended when the NBA Board of Governors approved a plan to restart the season with 22 teams in a bubble environment, excluding the Pistons.
June 18, 2020: Troy Weaver Hired as General Manager
On June 18, 2020, Troy Weaver was appointed as the new general manager of the Detroit Pistons.
July 31, 2020: NBA Season Restarts in Bubble
The NBA season restarted on July 31, 2020, in a bubble environment, after being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pistons, however, did not participate in the restart.
2021: Pistons Draft Cade Cunningham
In the 2021 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons selected Cade Cunningham with the first overall pick. They finished the 2020-21 season with a 20-52 record, the second-worst in the league, missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season. The 20 wins tied for the second-fewest in franchise history. They also finished the 2021-22 season with a 23-59 record, missing the playoffs again.
2022: Pistons Draft Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren
In the 2022 NBA draft, the Pistons selected Jaden Ivey fifth overall and acquired Jalen Duren via trade. The team finished the 2022-23 season with a 17-65 record, the worst in the league and third-worst in franchise history, marking their first 60-loss season since 1993-94.
April 9, 2023: Dwane Casey Steps Down as Head Coach
On April 9, 2023, after the final game of the season, Dwane Casey transitioned from head coach to a role in the Pistons' front office.
June 2, 2023: Monty Williams Hired as Head Coach
On June 2, 2023, Monty Williams was hired as the new head coach of the Detroit Pistons.
2023: Pistons' Record Losing Streak
After starting the 2023-24 season 2-1, the Pistons lost a franchise-record 28 consecutive games between October 30 and December 30, the longest single-season losing streak and tied for the longest overall in NBA history. They also became the 13th team to have a winless month, going 0-15 in November. The team finished the season with a 14-68 record, the worst in the league and franchise history.
2023: Pistons' Current Television Broadcast Details
As of the 2023-24 NBA season, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit holds the local television rights for the Detroit Pistons, with five games simulcast on WMYD. The broadcast team includes George Blaha (play-by-play), Greg Kelser (color commentary), Lindsey Hunter, Grant Long, or Tim McCormick (studio analysis), and Johnny Kane or Natalie Kerwin (sideline reports).
2023: Regular Season Statistics Update
As of the end of the 2023-24 season, the Detroit Pistons released updated statistics for the regular season. The specific statistics included in the update are not provided here.
March 9, 2024: Pistons Eliminated from Playoff Contention
On March 9, 2024, the Detroit Pistons were officially eliminated from playoff contention for the fifth consecutive season.
May 31, 2024: Trajan Langdon Hired as President of Basketball Operations
On May 31, 2024, the Pistons hired Trajan Langdon as their new President of Basketball Operations.
June 19, 2024: Monty Williams Fired as Head Coach
On June 19, 2024, Monty Williams was dismissed from his position as head coach of the Detroit Pistons.
July 3, 2024: J.B. Bickerstaff Hired as Head Coach
On July 3, 2024, the Pistons hired J.B. Bickerstaff to be their new head coach.
February 6, 2025: Roster Update
On February 6, 2025, the Detroit Pistons roster underwent its last transaction. Specific details of the transaction are not provided here.
