History of Detroit Pistons in Timeline
The Detroit Pistons are a professional basketball team based in Detroit, competing in the NBA's Eastern Conference, Central Division. Their home games are played at Little Caesars Arena in Midtown Detroit.
1937: Zollner Pistons Sponsored
In 1937, Fred Zollner sponsored a semi-professional company basketball team called the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons.
1937: Team Founded as Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons
In 1937, the team was founded as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, a semi-professional company basketball team based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
1941: Turned professional
In 1941, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons turned professional as a member of the National Basketball League (NBL).
1941: Joined National Basketball League
In 1941, the Zollner Pistons joined the National Basketball League (NBL).
1944: Won NBL championship
In 1944, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons won one of their two National Basketball League (NBL) championships.
1945: Won NBL championship
In 1945, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons won one of their two National Basketball League (NBL) championships.
1946: Won World Professional Basketball Tournament
In 1946, the Zollner Pistons won the World Professional Basketball Tournament.
1947: Lost Detroit Gems and Falcons
In 1947, Detroit lost both the Detroit Gems of the NBL and the Detroit Falcons of the BAA.
1948: Joined Basketball Association of America
In 1948, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons joined the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
1948: Became Fort Wayne Pistons
In 1948, the team became the Fort Wayne Pistons and joined the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
1949: Lost Detroit Vagabond Kings
In 1949, Detroit lost the Detroit Vagabond Kings.
1949: Formation of the NBA
In 1949, Fred Zollner brokered the formation of the National Basketball Association from the BAA and the NBL.
1949: Joined NBA
In 1949, the Pistons became part of the newly merged NBA after the NBL and BAA merged.
1955: Accusations of Intentionally Losing the NBA Finals
In 1955, there were accusations that the Detroit Pistons intentionally lost the NBA Finals to the Syracuse Nationals. The Nationals won Game 7 on a free throw.
1956: Decision to Move the Team
After the 1956 season, Fred Zollner decided that Fort Wayne was too small to support an NBA team.
1957: Moved to Detroit
In 1957, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons franchise moved to Detroit.
1961: Moved to Cobo Arena
Beginning in the 1961 season, the Detroit Pistons moved to Cobo Arena.
1964: Howell Dealt to the Bullets
In 1964, Bailey Howell was traded to the Baltimore Bullets.
1968: DeBusschere Traded to the Knicks
During the 1968 season, Dave DeBusschere was traded to the New York Knicks for Howard Komives and Walt Bellamy.
1969: Lakers became the first back-to-back NBA Champions since the 1969 Boston Celtics.
The Detroit Pistons narrowly fell in Game 7, 108–105, as the Lakers became the first back-to-back NBA Champions since the 1969 Boston Celtics.
1971: Winning Season
In 1971, the Detroit Pistons had a winning season after spending the 1960s below .500.
1974: Team Sold to Bill Davidson
In 1974, Fred Zollner sold the Detroit Pistons to glass magnate Bill Davidson.
1974: Qualified for Playoffs
In 1974, the Detroit Pistons qualified for the playoffs, starting a streak of four straight seasons.
1974: Portland Not Won Game since 1974
In 1990, after splitting the first two games at The Palace, the Detroit Pistons went to Portland, where they had not won a game since 1974.
1975: Qualified for Playoffs
In 1975, the Detroit Pistons qualified for the playoffs, continuing a streak of four straight seasons.
1976: Qualified for Playoffs
In 1976, the Detroit Pistons qualified for the playoffs, continuing a streak of four straight seasons.
1977: Qualified for Playoffs
In 1977, the Detroit Pistons qualified for the playoffs, marking the end of a streak of four straight seasons.
1978: Dick Vitale Hired
In 1978, Dick Vitale, the former head coach at the University of Detroit, was hired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons.
1978: Moved to the Silverdome
In 1978, the Detroit Pistons moved to the Silverdome in Pontiac.
1978: Introduction of lightning bolt uniforms
In the 1978–79 season, the Detroit Pistons introduced uniforms featuring lightning bolts on the sides and in the wordmark on the front of the jerseys.
1979: Dick Vitale Fired
In 1979, Dick Vitale was fired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons.
1979: Begin use of "Bad Boys" era logo
In 1979, the Detroit Pistons began using the "Bad Boys" era logo.
1980: Lost last 14 games of the season
The 1979-80 Detroit Pistons team limped to a 16-66 record and lost its last 14 games of the season.
1981: Return to classic block lettering
In 1981, the Detroit Pistons discontinued the lightning bolt theme and returned to their classic block lettering and simple side panel pattern, staying with this look until 1996.
1981: Behind only the Los Angeles Lakers, who appeared in eight straight conference finals from the 1981–82 to 1988–89 seasons.
In 2008, Detroit advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth straight season. This put the Detroit Pistons second on the all-time list of most consecutive conference finals appearances, behind only the Los Angeles Lakers, who appeared in eight straight conference finals from the 1981–82 to 1988–89 seasons.
February 1982: Acquired Bill Laimbeer
In February 1982, the Detroit Pistons acquired center Bill Laimbeer in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
1983: Hired Chuck Daly
In 1983, the Detroit Pistons hired Chuck Daly as head coach.
1984: Lost to the New York Knicks in Playoffs
In 1984, the Detroit Pistons lost a tough five-game series to the underdog New York Knicks, 3-2.
1985: Lost to the Boston Celtics in Conference Semifinals
In 1985, the Detroit Pistons won their first-round series and faced the defending champion Boston Celtics in the conference semifinals, losing in six games.
1986: Acquired Key Players and Adopted "Bad Boys" Style
Prior to the 1986 season, the Detroit Pistons acquired John Salley, Dennis Rodman and Adrian Dantley and adopted a physical, defense-oriented style of play, earning them the nickname "Bad Boys".
1987: Raiders merchandise sent to Pistons
At the start of the 1987–88 season, Al Davis, owner of the then Los Angeles Raiders, sent Raiders merchandise to the Detroit Pistons to acknowledge the shared view of the teams and their physical style of play.
1987: Lost to Celtics in Eastern Conference Finals
In 1987, the Detroit Pistons reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics, but lost in a tough Game 7 after a controversial Game 5 loss.
1988: Behind only the Los Angeles Lakers, who appeared in eight straight conference finals from the 1981–82 to 1988–89 seasons.
In 2008, Detroit advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth straight season. This put the Detroit Pistons second on the all-time list of most consecutive conference finals appearances, behind only the Los Angeles Lakers, who appeared in eight straight conference finals from the 1981–82 to 1988–89 seasons.
1988: Moved to The Palace of Auburn Hills
Prior to the 1988-89 season, the Detroit Pistons moved to Auburn Hills to play at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
1989: Won NBA Championship
In 1989, the Detroit Pistons won one of their three NBA championships.
1990: Won NBA Championship
In 1990, the Detroit Pistons successfully defended their title, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA Finals. Isiah Thomas was named NBA Finals MVP, and Vinnie Johnson sank the game winning jumper and earned the nickname "007".
1990: Advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1990.
In 2004, after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in five games, they defeated the defending Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Nets in seven games after coming back from a 3–2 deficit. The Pistons then defeated the Pacers, coached by Rick Carlisle, in six tough games to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1990.
1990: First Playoff Series Sweep Since 1990
In the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Detroit Pistons opened with a 4–0 victory over the Orlando Magic, their first playoff series sweep since 1990.
1991: Traded James Edwards and Waived Vinnie Johnson
After getting swept by the Bulls, the Detroit Pistons traded James Edwards and waived Vinnie Johnson during the off-season of 1991.
1991: Swept by Chicago Bulls in Eastern Conference Finals
In 1991, the Detroit Pistons' championship run came to an end, as they were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Conference Finals is best remembered for the Pistons walking off the court in the last game just before it ended, unwilling to shake hands with the Bulls.
1991: First Time Central Division Rivals Met in Postseason Since 1991
In the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Detroit Pistons advanced to face the Chicago Bulls, marking the first time that the Central Division rivals had met in the postseason since 1991.
1991: First Playoff Series Victory Since 1991
Rick Carlisle helped lead the Detroit Pistons to their first playoff series victory since 1991 by defeating the Toronto Raptors in five games. They lost, however, to the Boston Celtics in five games.
1991: Advanced to the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1991.
The Detroit Pistons advanced to the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1991.
1992: Lost to New York Knicks in Playoffs and Chuck Daly Resigned
In 1992, the Detroit Pistons were defeated by the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA playoffs, and Chuck Daly resigned as head coach after the season.
1993: Laimbeer Retired
In 1993, Bill Laimbeer retired from the Detroit Pistons.
1994: Thomas Retired and Bottomed Out
In 1994, Isiah Thomas retired from the Detroit Pistons, and the team bottomed out with a 20-62 record.
1994: Set up the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 1994
In 2005, the Detroit Pistons fought back to win Game 6 in San Antonio, setting up the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 1994.
November 1, 1996: Hooper becomes team mascot
On November 1, 1996, Hooper became the mascot of the Detroit Pistons, replacing Sir Slam A Lot.
1996: Teal color scheme and new logo unveiled
In 1996, the Detroit Pistons changed their colors to teal, black, yellow and, red and unveiled a new logo with a horse's head and flaming mane.
1996: Team colors changed to teal, burgundy, gold and black
In 1996, the Detroit Pistons changed their team colors from the traditional red and blue to teal, burgundy, gold, and black. This change was highly unpopular with fans and the only color that did not change was white.
1996: End use of "Bad Boys" era logo
In 1996, the Detroit Pistons ended using the "Bad Boys" era logo.
1997: Best record since 1997
In February 2004, the Detroit Pistons acquired Rasheed Wallace and finished the season with a 54–28 record, recording their best record since 1997.
1997: First 50-win season since 1997
Rick Carlisle helped lead the Detroit Pistons to their first 50-win season since 1997.
1998: Joe Dumars retires
After the 1998-99 season, Joe Dumars retired from the Detroit Pistons.
1999: Lost their third NBA championship since 1999
In 2005, the Detroit Pistons lost a hard-fought, low-scoring game to the Spurs, who won their third NBA championship since 1999.
2000: Joe Dumars hired as President of Basketball Operations and Grant Hill leaves for Orlando Magic
In 2000, after being swept in the playoffs, Joe Dumars was hired as the Detroit Pistons' President of Basketball Operations. Grant Hill left for the Orlando Magic, but Dumars worked a sign and trade to acquire Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins in exchange for Hill.
2000: Pistons finished the season 32-50 and returned to traditional colors
In 2000, the Detroit Pistons finished the season with a 32-50 record. Jerry Stackhouse averaged 29.8 points per game. After the season, George Irvine was fired and Rick Carlisle was hired as head coach. The team also returned to its traditional red, white, and blue colors.
2001: Return to traditional colors
In 2001, the Detroit Pistons returned to the traditional red, white, and blue colors and a uniform pattern taking cues from the 1981–1996 threads.
2002: Joe Dumars revamped the roster.
In 2002, Joe Dumars revamped the Detroit Pistons roster by signing free agent Chauncey Billups, acquiring Richard "Rip" Hamilton from the Washington Wizards, and drafting Tayshaun Prince from Kentucky.
2003: Rick Carlisle was fired in the off-season and Larry Brown accepted the job that summer.
Despite the Detroit Pistons' improvement, Rick Carlisle was fired in the 2003 off-season and Hall of Famer Larry Brown accepted the job that summer.
2003: Swept in four games by the New Jersey Nets.
In 2003, the Detroit Pistons posted consecutive 50-win seasons and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1991. There, however, they were swept in four games by the New Jersey Nets.
February 2004: Acquisition of Rasheed Wallace
In February 2004, the Detroit Pistons acquired Rasheed Wallace, adding another impactful player to the team. The Pistons finished the season 54–28, recording their best record since 1997.
2004: Won NBA Championship
In 2004, the Detroit Pistons won one of their three NBA championships.
2005: Considered a strong contender to win a second consecutive title
Despite losing key members of their bench during the off-season, the Detroit Pistons were considered a strong contender to win a second consecutive title in 2005.
2005: Larry Brown left the team and was replaced by Flip Saunders
During the 2004-05 season, Larry Brown was forced to leave the team on two occasions due to health concerns. The Detroit Pistons bought out his contract soon after the 2005 NBA Finals. Brown was promptly named head coach of the New York Knicks, while the Pistons hired Flip Saunders.
2005: Detroit Pistons recorded the NBA's best overall record
During the 2005-06 season, the Detroit Pistons recorded the NBA's best overall record. Their 37–5 start exceeded the best start for any Detroit sports franchise in history and tied for the fourth-best start through 42 games in NBA history.
2005: Switch to classic logo design
In 2005, the Detroit Pistons switched to a more classic logo design, discontinuing the horse's head and flaming mane logo.
2005: Horsepower theme phased out
In 2005, the horsepower theme was phased out for the Detroit Pistons, though Hooper remained a part of the team.
2006: Lost to Miami Heat in Eastern Conference Finals
In the 2006 NBA playoffs, the top-seeded Detroit Pistons defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, but struggled against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons were defeated by the Miami Heat in six games.
January 16, 2007: Pistons signed free agent Chris Webber
On January 16, 2007, the Detroit Pistons signed free agent Chris Webber. Before Chris Webber was acquired, the Detroit Pistons were 21-15; with him, the team went 32-14.
2007: Rasheed Wallace became the Pistons' new center
At the start of the 2007–08 season, Rasheed Wallace became the Detroit Pistons' new center.
2007: Eliminated in Game 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the 2007 NBA playoffs, after both teams split the first four games of the series, the turning point happened in Game 5 where LeBron James scored the Cavaliers' final 29 of 30 points, including the team's final 25 points, to help defeat the Detroit Pistons 109–107 in double overtime. The Pistons never recovered as they were eliminated in Game 6, 98–82.
June 3, 2008: Saunders would not return as head coach
On June 3, 2008, the Detroit Pistons announced that Flip Saunders would not return as head coach.
June 10, 2008: Michael Curry Hired as New Head Coach
On June 10, 2008, the Detroit Pistons hired Michael Curry to be their new head coach.
November 3, 2008: Traded Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess for Allen Iverson
On November 3, 2008, the Detroit Pistons traded Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to the Denver Nuggets for Allen Iverson. This was marked as the start of a new rebuilding process due to Iverson's free agent status at the end of the season.
2008: Finished the season with the second-best record in the league at 59-23
In the 2007-08 season, the Detroit Pistons finished the season with the second-best record in the league at 59-23.
April 10, 2009: Pistons Clinch Playoff Berth
On April 10, 2009, the Detroit Pistons clinched a playoff berth amidst a season marked by controversies and injuries, which led to a decline in their standings.
June 30, 2009: Curry Fired as Head Coach
On June 30, 2009, the Detroit Pistons fired Curry as their head coach following a disappointing season. That off-season, Iverson signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.
July 8, 2009: John Kuester Hired as Head Coach
On July 8, 2009, the Detroit Pistons hired John Kuester, former assistant coach for the Cavaliers, as their new head coach.
August 12, 2009: Ben Wallace Re-signed by Pistons
On August 12, 2009, the Detroit Pistons re-signed Ben Wallace, bringing back a key player to the team.
2009: Death of Bill Davidson
In 2009, Bill Davidson, the principal owner of the Detroit Pistons, died.
February 25, 2011: Players Protest Leading to Kuester's Firing
On February 25, 2011, during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, several Detroit Pistons players staged a protest during shootaround, leading to benching and high animosity, contributing to Kuester's eventual firing.
April 7, 2011: Pistons Sold to Tom Gores
On April 7, 2011, Karen Davidson reached an agreement to sell the Detroit Pistons franchise, The Palace of Auburn Hills, and DTE Energy Music Theatre to billionaire Tom Gores for $325 million, a deal that was later approved by the NBA Board of Governors in May.
April 18, 2013: Frank Fired as Head Coach
On April 18, 2013, the Detroit Pistons fired Lawrence Frank as head coach after two losing seasons.
June 10, 2013: Maurice Cheeks Hired as Head Coach
On June 10, 2013, the Detroit Pistons hired former player and coach Maurice Cheeks as their new head coach.
May 14, 2014: Stan Van Gundy Hired as Head Coach and President
On May 14, 2014, Stan Van Gundy was hired by the Detroit Pistons, signing a 5-year, $35 million contract to become the head coach and president of basketball operations for the team.
March 9, 2016: Pistons Surpass Win Totals
On March 9, 2016, the Detroit Pistons surpassed their win totals from the 2009-10 to the 2014-15 seasons by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 102-96.
April 6, 2016: Pistons Assured First Winning Season Since 2007-08
On April 6, 2016, the Detroit Pistons reached 42 wins following a 108-104 victory over the Orlando Magic, guaranteeing their first winning season since the 2007-08 season.
April 8, 2016: Pistons Clinch Playoff Berth
On April 8, 2016, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards 112-99, clinching 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 intention to move to Little Caesars Arena, marking the end of their 39-year stay in Oakland County.
May 16, 2017: New logo unveiled
On May 16, 2017, the Detroit Pistons unveiled a new logo, which is a modernized version of the previous "Bad Boys" era logo used from 1979 to 1996.
June 20, 2017: Detroit City Council Approves Move to Little Caesars Arena
On June 20, 2017, the Detroit City Council approved the Detroit Pistons' move to Little Caesars Arena, paving the way for relocation.
August 3, 2017: NBA Approves Pistons' Move to Little Caesars Arena
On August 3, 2017, the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the Detroit Pistons' move to Little Caesars Arena, making Detroit the only U.S. city with its MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL teams in its downtown district.
January 29, 2018: Pistons Acquire Blake Griffin
On January 29, 2018, the Detroit Pistons acquired all-star forward Blake Griffin, along with Willie Reed and Brice Johnson, from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, a 2018 first-round draft pick, and a 2019 second-round draft pick.
May 7, 2018: Stan Van Gundy Will Not Return
On May 7, 2018, the Detroit Pistons announced that Stan Van Gundy would not return as head coach and president of basketball operations.
June 11, 2018: Dwane Casey Hired as Head Coach
On June 11, 2018, Dwane Casey was hired by the Detroit Pistons to be their new head coach, agreeing to a five-year deal.
March 11, 2020: NBA Season Suspended Due to COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the 2019-20 NBA season was suspended after it was reported that Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.
June 4, 2020: Pistons' Season Ends
On June 4, 2020, the Detroit Pistons' season came to an end when the NBA Board of Governors approved a plan to restart the season with 22 teams in the NBA bubble on July 31, 2020.
June 18, 2020: Troy Weaver Hired as General Manager
On June 18, 2020, the Detroit Pistons hired Troy Weaver as the new general manager.
July 31, 2020: NBA Bubble Restart
On July 31, 2020, the NBA restarted the season with 22 teams returning to play in the NBA bubble after the NBA Board of Governors approved the plan on June 4, 2020.
April 9, 2023: Dwane Casey Steps Down as Head Coach
After the last game of the season on April 9, 2023, Dwane Casey stepped down as head coach of the Detroit Pistons to join the front office.
June 2, 2023: Monty Williams Hired as Head Coach
On June 2, 2023, Monty Williams was hired by the Detroit Pistons to be their new head coach.
2023: Other statistics
As of the end of the 2023-24 season, other statistics (regular season) were recorded for the Detroit Pistons.
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 Detroit Pistons hired Trajan Langdon as President of Basketball Operations.
June 19, 2024: Monty Williams Fired as Head Coach
On June 19, 2024, Monty Williams was fired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons.
July 3, 2024: J. B. Bickerstaff Hired as Head Coach
On July 3, 2024, the Detroit Pistons hired J. B. Bickerstaff as head coach.
January 1, 2025: Pistons Surpass Previous Season's Win Total
On January 1, 2025, the Detroit Pistons, following a win over the Orlando Magic, surpassed the previous season's win total.
February 6, 2025: Roster Updated
On February 6, 2025, The Pistons' roster was updated.
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