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 sponsored a semi-professional company basketball team
In 1937, Fred Zollner sponsored a semi-professional company basketball team called the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons after he received a request from his workers.
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 as a member of the NBL
In 1941, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons turned professional as a member of the National Basketball League (NBL).
1941: Zollner Pistons joined the National Basketball League
In 1941, the Zollner Pistons shed their works team roots and joined the National Basketball League (NBL).
1944: Won NBL championship
In 1944, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons won the NBL championship.
1945: Won NBL championship
In 1945, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons won the NBL championship.
1946: Won the World Professional Basketball Tournament
In 1946, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons won the World Professional Basketball Tournament.
1947: Detroit Gems and Detroit Falcons folded
In 1947, both the Detroit Gems of the NBL and the Detroit Falcons of the BAA folded.
1948: Joined the BAA
In 1948, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons joined the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
1948: Team became the Fort Wayne Pistons
In 1948, the team became the Fort Wayne Pistons and jumped to the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
1949: Formation of the NBA
In 1949, Fred Zollner brokered the formation of the National Basketball Association from the BAA and the NBL at his kitchen table.
1949: Detroit Vagabond Kings folded
In 1949, the Detroit Vagabond Kings folded.
1955: Accusations of intentionally losing NBA Finals
There are accusations that the team may have intentionally lost the 1955 NBA Finals to the Syracuse Nationals. The Nationals won on a free throw by George King with 12 seconds left in the game.
1956: Zollner decided to move team
After the 1956–57 season, Fred Zollner decided that Fort Wayne was too small to support an NBA team and announced the team would be playing elsewhere in the coming season. He ultimately settled on Detroit.
1957: Moved to Detroit
In 1957, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons franchise moved to Detroit.
1961: Moved to Cobo Arena
The Pistons moved to Cobo Arena beginning in the 1961–62 season.
1964: Howell traded to Baltimore Bullets
In 1964, Bailey Howell was dealt to the Baltimore Bullets.
1968: DeBusschere Traded to the New York Knicks
During the 1968–69 season, Dave DeBusschere was traded to the New York Knicks for Howard Komives and Walt Bellamy.
1969: Lakers became back-to-back NBA Champions
In 1969, The Los Angeles Lakers became the first back-to-back NBA Champions since the Boston Celtics
1971: Winning Season
In 1971, the Detroit Pistons had a winning season after spending the 1960s below .500.
1974: Zollner sold the team to Bill Davidson
In 1974, Fred Zollner sold the team to glass magnate Bill Davidson, who remained the team's principal owner until his death.
1974: Qualified for the playoffs
In 1974, the Detroit Pistons qualified for the playoffs, marking the start of a brief period of sustained success.
1974: Pistons hadn't won in Portland since 1974
In 1990, the Pistons went to Portland, where they had not won a game since 1974, to play Games 3, 4 and 5.
1975: Qualified for the playoffs
In 1975, the Detroit Pistons qualified for the playoffs for the second straight year.
1976: Qualified for the playoffs
In 1976, the Detroit Pistons qualified for the playoffs for the third straight year.
1977: Qualified for the playoffs
In 1977, the Detroit Pistons qualified for the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
1978: Hired Dick Vitale as head coach
In 1978, the Detroit Pistons hired Dick Vitale as head coach, who was the former head coach at the University of Detroit.
1978: Moved to the Silverdome in Pontiac
In 1978, the Detroit Pistons moved to the suburb of Pontiac, where they played in the 82,000 capacity Silverdome.
1978: Lightning Bolt Uniforms
In the 1978-79 season, the Detroit Pistons introduced a uniform featuring lightning bolts on the sides and in the wordmark on the front of the jerseys.
1979: "Bad Boys" era logo
From 1979 to 1996, the Pistons used a logo that was later modernized in 2017.
1979: Dick Vitale was fired
In 1979, Dick Vitale was fired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons.
1980: Lost 14 games
The 1979-80 team lost its last 14 games of the season which, when coupled with the seven losses at the start of the 1980–81 season, constituted a then-NBA record losing streak of 21 games.
1981: Return to Classic Look
In 1981, the Detroit Pistons discontinued the lightning bolt theme and returned to its classic block lettering and simple side panel pattern, staying with this look until 1996.
1981: Start of Lakers' Conference Finals Appearances
In 2008, the Detroit Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth straight season, second on the all-time list of most consecutive conference finals appearances, behind the Los Angeles Lakers, who appeared in eight straight conference finals from 1981–82.
February 1982: Acquired Bill Laimbeer in a trade
In February 1982, the Detroit Pistons acquired center Bill Laimbeer in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
1983: Hired Chuck Daly as head coach
In 1983, the Detroit Pistons hired Chuck Daly as head coach.
1984: Lost to the New York Knicks in the first round
In 1984, the Detroit Pistons lost a tough five-game series to the underdog New York Knicks, 3–2.
1986: Acquired key players and adopted "Bad Boys" style
Prior to the 1986–87 season, the Detroit Pistons acquired more key players: John Salley, Dennis Rodman and Adrian Dantley. The team adopted a physical, defense-oriented style of play, which eventually earned them the nickname "Bad Boys".
1987: Raiders Merchandise Exchange
In 1987, Al Davis, owner of the 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 the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals
In 1987, the Detroit Pistons reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics won Game 5 after Larry Bird stole an inbound pass from Isiah Thomas. The Pistons lost the series in a tough Game 7 back in Boston.
1988: End of Lakers' Conference Finals Appearances
In 2008, the Detroit Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth straight season, second on the all-time list of most consecutive conference finals appearances, behind the Los Angeles Lakers, who appeared in eight straight conference finals until 1988-89.
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, the first NBA arena financed entirely with private funds.
1989: Won first NBA championship
In 1989, the Detroit Pistons won their first NBA championship, sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Joe Dumars was named NBA Finals MVP.
1990: Defended their title and won second NBA championship
In 1990, the Detroit Pistons successfully defended their title and won their second NBA championship, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA Finals. Isiah Thomas was named NBA Finals MVP.
1990: Won NBA championship
In 1990, the Detroit Pistons won their second NBA championship.
1990: NBA Finals appearance
In 2004, the Detroit Pistons advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1990.
1990: First playoff series sweep
In 2007, the Detroit Pistons opened the NBA playoffs 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 Pistons traded James Edwards and waived Vinnie Johnson during the off-season of 1991.
1991: Advanced to Eastern Conference Finals
In 1991, Pistons advanced to the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1991.
1991: First Playoff Series Victory
In 1991, Rick Carlisle helped lead the Detroit Pistons to their first playoff series victory since 1991 by defeating the Toronto Raptors in five games.
1991: Swept by the Bulls in the 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 Pistons walked off the court before the end of the last game.
1991: Central Division rivals
In 2007, 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.
1992: Lost to the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs
In the 1991–92 season, the Pistons finished with a 48–34 record. In the first round of the 1992 NBA playoffs, the Pistons were defeated by the New York Knicks in five games. Chuck Daly resigned as head coach after the season.
1993: Laimbeer retired
In 1993, Bill Laimbeer retired from the Detroit Pistons.
1993: Drafted Grant Hill
In 1993, the Detroit Pistons drafted Grant Hill, a promising small forward, with the third overall pick.
1994: Thomas retired
In 1994, Isiah Thomas retired from the Detroit Pistons. In the 1993–94 season, the Pistons finished with a 20–62 record.
1994: First NBA Finals Game 7
In 2005, Game 6 win in San Antonio set up the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 1994.
November 1, 1996: Hooper Introduction
On November 1, 1996, Hooper, a horse wearing a Pistons jersey, became the mascot of the Detroit Pistons, replacing Sir Slam A Lot.
1996: "Bad Boys" era logo
From 1979 to 1996, the Pistons used a logo that was later modernized in 2017.
1996: Color and Logo Change
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.
1997: First 50-Win Season
In 1997, Rick Carlisle helped lead the Detroit Pistons to their first 50-win season since 1997.
1997: Best record since 1997
In 2004, The Detroit Pistons finished the season 54–28, recording their best record since 1997.
1998: Joe Dumars Retired
In 1998, Joe Dumars retired following the 1998-99 season.
1999: San Antonio Spurs win NBA Championship
In 2005, after the Detroit Pistons lost Game 7 against the Spurs, San Antonio Spurs won their third NBA championship since 1999.
2000: Joe Dumars Hired
After being swept in the 2000 playoffs, Joe Dumars was hired as the team's president of basketball operations. Grant Hill left for the Orlando Magic, but Dumars acquired Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins in exchange.
2000: Tough Season and Coaching Change
In 2000, the Detroit Pistons had a tough season, going 32–50. Following the season, George Irvine was fired as head coach, and Rick Carlisle was hired. The franchise 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: Roster Revamped
In the 2002 off-season, Joe Dumars revamped the Detroit Pistons roster by signing free agent Chauncey Billups, acquiring Richard "Rip" Hamilton, and drafting Tayshaun Prince.
2003: Eastern Conference Finals Appearance
In 2003, the Detroit Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1991, but were swept by the New Jersey Nets.
2003: Rick Carlisle Fired
In the 2003 off-season, Rick Carlisle was fired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons for multiple reasons, including disagreements with players, conservative offense, and the availability of Larry Brown.
February 2004: Acquisition of Rasheed Wallace
In February 2004, the Detroit Pistons acquired Rasheed Wallace, completing their transformation into a championship team.
2004: Won NBA championship
In 2004, the Detroit Pistons won their third NBA championship.
2005: Record-Breaking Season
During the 2005-06 season, the Detroit Pistons recorded the NBA's best overall record. Four of the five starters were named to the All-Star team, and Flip Saunders served as the Eastern Conference All-Star team coach. The team finished with a record of 64–18, setting new franchise records.
2005: Larry Brown's Departure
In 2005, Larry Brown's contract was bought out by the Pistons after the NBA Finals. He was then promptly named head coach of the New York Knicks.
2005: NBA Finals Game 7
In 2005, The Detroit Pistons fought back to win Game 6 in San Antonio, setting up the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 1994. The Pistons then lost a hard-fought, low-scoring game to the Spurs, who won their third NBA championship since 1999.
2005: Hooper's Persistence
In 2005, despite the horsepower theme being phased out, Hooper remained a part of the Detroit Pistons due to his popularity.
2005: Classic Logo Design
In 2005, the Detroit Pistons switched to a more classic logo design, phasing out the horse's head and flaming mane logo.
2006: Eastern Conference Finals Loss
In 2006, after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Detroit Pistons were defeated by the Miami Heat in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals.
January 16, 2007: Chris Webber Signed
On January 16, 2007, the Detroit Pistons signed free agent Chris Webber to replace Ben Wallace. The team's performance improved after his arrival.
2007: Rasheed Wallace Becomes Center
At the start of the 2007–08 season, Rasheed Wallace became the Detroit Pistons' new center.
2007: Eastern Conference Finals Loss to Cavaliers
In 2007, after a strong playoff run, the Detroit Pistons lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. Game 5 was highlighted by LeBron James' dominant performance.
2007: NBA Draft and Anniversary
In the 2007 NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons selected Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo. Chauncey Billups was re-signed to a long-term contract. This season marked the 50th anniversary of the franchise in Detroit.
June 3, 2008: Saunders Not Returning
On June 3, 2008, the Detroit Pistons announced that Flip Saunders would not return as head coach.
June 10, 2008: Michael Curry Hired
On June 10, 2008, the Detroit Pistons hired Michael Curry to be their new head coach.
November 3, 2008: Trade with Denver Nuggets
On November 3, 2008, the Detroit Pistons traded Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to the Denver Nuggets for Allen Iverson, marking the start of a new rebuilding process.
2008: Playoff Rally
In the 2008 NBA playoffs, the Detroit Pistons started out poorly with a Game 1 loss to the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers and found themselves in a 2–1 deficit. However, the Pistons rallied to defeat the Sixers in six games.
April 10, 2009: Pistons Clinch Playoff Berth
On April 10, 2009, the Detroit Pistons clinched a playoff berth.
June 30, 2009: Curry Fired and Iverson Signs with Grizzlies
On June 30, 2009, the Detroit Pistons fired Curry as head coach, and Iverson signed with the Memphis Grizzlies during the off-season.
July 8, 2009: Pistons Hire John Kuester as Head Coach
On July 8, 2009, the Detroit Pistons hired former Cavaliers assistant coach John Kuester to be the new head coach.
August 12, 2009: Pistons Re-sign Ben Wallace
On August 12, 2009, the Detroit Pistons re-signed Ben Wallace.
2009: Death of Bill Davidson
Bill Davidson, who bought the team in 1974, died in 2009.
February 25, 2011: Players Protest and Kuester Responds
On February 25, 2011, during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, several Pistons players staged a protest which led to coach Kuester benching those involved. Some benched players were seen laughing after his ejection from the game.
April 7, 2011: Pistons Franchise Sold to Tom Gores
On April 7, 2011, Karen Davidson reached an agreement to sell the Detroit Pistons franchise to Tom Gores, including The Palace of Auburn Hills and DTE Energy Music Theatre. The deal 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 Frank as head coach after two losing seasons.
June 10, 2013: Pistons Hire Maurice Cheeks
On June 10, 2013, the Detroit Pistons hired former player and coach Maurice Cheeks as head coach.
May 14, 2014: Stan Van Gundy Hired as Head Coach and President
On May 14, 2014, Stan Van Gundy was hired as the Detroit Pistons' head coach and president of basketball operations, signing a 5-year, $35 million contract.
March 9, 2016: Pistons Surpass Previous Win Totals
On March 9, 2016, the Detroit Pistons surpassed their win totals from the 2009–10 season to the 2014–15 season with a 102–96 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
April 6, 2016: Pistons Assured First Winning Season Since 2007-08
On April 6, 2016, following a 108–104 win over the Orlando Magic, the Detroit Pistons reached 42 wins and were assured 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 and 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 intention to move to Little Caesars Arena, ending 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 "Bad Boys" era logo used from 1979 to 1996.
June 20, 2017: Detroit City Council Approves Pistons' Move
On June 20, 2017, the Detroit City Council approved the Detroit Pistons' move to Little Caesars Arena.
August 3, 2017: NBA Board Approves Pistons' Move
On August 3, 2017, the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the Detroit Pistons' move to Little Caesars Arena, making it official.
January 29, 2018: Pistons Acquire Blake Griffin
On January 29, 2018, the Detroit Pistons announced they had acquired Blake Griffin, 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: Van Gundy Out as Head Coach and President
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 as NBA Approves Restart Plan
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 returning to play 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 Date
July 31, 2020, marks the date when the NBA season would restart with 22 teams returning to play in the NBA bubble.
April 9, 2023: 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: Regular Season Statistics
Other statistics from the regular season were recorded at the end of the 2023-24 season.
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, following a win over the Orlando Magic, the Detroit Pistons surpassed the previous season's win total.
July 7, 2025: Roster Update
The Detroit Pistons roster was updated on July 7, 2025.
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