The Detroit Pistons are a professional basketball team based in Detroit, competing in the NBA's Central Division of the Eastern Conference. They play home games at Little Caesars Arena in Midtown Detroit. Founded in 1937 as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons in Indiana, the team turned professional in 1941, joining the National Basketball League (NBL) and winning two NBL championships in 1944 and 1945. The team became part of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1948, which later merged with the NBL to form the NBA in 1949. The franchise relocated to Detroit in 1957 and has won three NBA championships: in 1989, 1990, and 2004.
1937: Sponsorship by Fred Zollner
In 1937, Fred Zollner, owner of the Zollner Corporation, sponsored a semi-professional company basketball team called the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons after a request from his workers.
1937: Founding of Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons
In 1937, the Detroit Pistons franchise was founded as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, a semi-professional company basketball team based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fred Zollner, owner of the Zollner Corporation, sponsored the team. This marked the beginning of the franchise that would eventually become the Detroit Pistons.
1941: Turned Professional and Joined NBL
In 1941, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons turned professional and joined the National Basketball League (NBL). This move marked the team's transition from a semi-professional company team to a professional basketball team.
1941: Professional Transition
The Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons transitioned from a semi-professional team to a professional team in 1941, joining the National Basketball League (NBL).
1944: NBL Championship and World Professional Basketball Tournament Win
In 1944, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons won the NBL championship and also triumphed in the World Professional Basketball Tournament.
1944: First NBL Championship
In 1944, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons won their first NBL championship, solidifying their status as a formidable team in professional basketball.
1945: Second NBL Championship and World Professional Basketball Tournament Win
The Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons repeated their success in 1945, winning both the NBL championship and the World Professional Basketball Tournament.
1945: Second NBL Championship
The Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons secured their second consecutive NBL championship in 1945, further establishing their dominance in the league.
1946: Third World Professional Basketball Tournament Win
In 1946, the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons won the World Professional Basketball Tournament for the third consecutive year.
1947: Loss of Detroit Eagles and Gems
By 1947, Detroit had lost its professional basketball teams, the Detroit Eagles and Detroit Gems, the latter becoming the Minneapolis Lakers.
1948: Joined Basketball Association of America
In 1948, the Fort Wayne Pistons made a significant move by joining the Basketball Association of America (BAA), a precursor to the modern NBA.
1948: Joined BAA
In 1948, the team became the Fort Wayne Pistons and transitioned from the NBL to the Basketball Association of America (BAA), a significant step in the team's evolution.
1949: Formation of NBA
Fred Zollner brokered the formation of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from the merger of the BAA and the NBL in 1949, a landmark moment in basketball history.
1949: Loss of Detroit Vagabond Kings
In 1949, Detroit lost the Detroit Vagabond Kings, further diminishing the city's professional basketball presence.
1949: Formation of NBA
In 1949, the NBL and BAA merged to form the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the Fort Wayne Pistons became part of the newly formed league.
1953: Point Shaving Scandal
In 1953, allegations surfaced that Pistons players conspired with gamblers to shave points and throw games, casting a shadow over the team's integrity.
1954: Continued Allegations of Game Fixing
Allegations of point shaving and game fixing continued into the 1954 season, with suspicions that the Pistons intentionally lost games.
1955: 1955 NBA Finals Controversy
In 1955, the Pistons faced accusations of intentionally losing the NBA Finals to the Syracuse Nationals, marred by turnovers and fouls in the decisive Game 7.
1956: Decision to Move
After the 1956–57 season, Fred Zollner decided that Fort Wayne was too small to support an NBA team and announced the Pistons would relocate.
1957: Pistons Move to Detroit
After moving from Fort Wayne to Detroit in 1957, the Pistons' uniforms featured the word "Pistons" in blue block lettering, a design that remained largely unchanged for two decades.
1961: Move to Cobo Arena
In the 1961–62 season, the Detroit Pistons moved their home games to Cobo Arena after spending their first four seasons at Olympia Stadium.
1964: Trade of Bailey Howell
In 1964, the Pistons traded Bailey Howell to the Baltimore Bullets, a decision criticized by many, including former Pistons guard and then Bullets coach Gene Shue.
1968: Trade of Dave DeBusschere
During the 1968–69 season, the Pistons traded Dave DeBusschere to the New York Knicks for Howard Komives and Walt Bellamy, a move that later proved detrimental as DeBusschere became a key player for the Knicks.
1969: Lakers win back-to-back NBA Championships
In 1969, the Lakers became the first back-to-back NBA Champions since the Boston Celtics, narrowly defeating the Pistons in a dramatic Game 7. Despite Isiah Thomas scoring a record 25 points in the third quarter of Game 6, the controversial 'phantom foul' call on Bill Laimbeer was a pivotal moment.
1971: First Winning Season in a Decade
In 1971, the Detroit Pistons had their first winning season after spending the entire 1960s below .500, signaling a brief period of success.
1974: Sale to Bill Davidson
In 1974, Fred Zollner sold the Detroit Pistons to glass magnate Bill Davidson, who would go on to own the team for several decades until his death in 2009.
1974: Playoff Qualification
In 1974, the Detroit Pistons qualified for the playoffs, beginning a streak of four consecutive playoff appearances.
1975: Second Consecutive Playoff Appearance
The Detroit Pistons made their second consecutive playoff appearance in 1975, continuing their mid-1970s success.
1976: Third Consecutive Playoff Appearance
In 1976, the Detroit Pistons qualified for the playoffs for the third consecutive year, maintaining their competitive form.
1977: Fourth Consecutive Playoff Appearance
The Pistons extended their playoff streak to four consecutive seasons by qualifying again in 1977.
1978: Move to Pontiac Silverdome
In 1978, the Detroit Pistons moved to the Pontiac Silverdome, a football stadium in the suburbs, marking a significant change in their home venue.
1978: Introduction of Lightning Bolt Uniforms
In the 1978–79 season, the Pistons introduced uniforms with lightning bolts on the sides and in the wordmark on the front of the jerseys, marking a significant change in their appearance.
1978: Hiring of Dick Vitale
In 1978, the Detroit Pistons hired Dick Vitale, the former head coach at the University of Detroit, hoping to turn their fortunes around.
1978: Pistons Relocate to Pontiac Silverdome
In 1978, the Detroit Pistons began playing their home games at the Pontiac Silverdome, moving from Detroit/Wayne County to suburban Oakland County. This marked the start of a new era for the team.
1979: Introduction of "Bad Boys" Era Logo
In 1979, the Pistons introduced a new logo that would become iconic during the "Bad Boys" era, lasting until 1996. This logo symbolized a significant period in the team's history.
1979: Record Losing Streak
The 1979–80 Detroit Pistons team finished the season with a 16–66 record and set a then-NBA record losing streak of 21 games, spanning the end of the 1979 season and the start of the 1980 season.
1980: Continuation of Losing Streak
The 1980 season continued the Pistons' record losing streak, which began in the previous season and highlighted the team's struggles.
1981: Return to Classic Uniform Design
In 1981, the Pistons discontinued the lightning bolt theme and returned to their classic block lettering and simple side panel pattern, which lasted until 1996.
1981: Lakers' Conference Finals Dominance Begins
Starting in 1981, the Los Angeles Lakers began their streak of eight consecutive conference finals appearances, a record that the Detroit Pistons would come close to but not surpass.
February 1982: Acquisition of Bill Laimbeer
In February 1982, the Pistons acquired center Bill Laimbeer in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, bolstering their roster.
1983: Hiring of Chuck Daly
In 1983, the Detroit Pistons hired head coach Chuck Daly, a key move that would eventually lead to the team's success in the late 1980s.
1984: Loss to New York Knicks
In 1984, the Detroit Pistons lost a tough five-game series to the underdog New York Knicks in the playoffs, marking a challenging moment for the team.
1985: Rivalry with Boston Celtics
The Detroit Pistons faced the defending champion Boston Celtics in the 1985 playoffs. Despite losing in six games, the series marked the beginning of a significant rivalry.
1986: Pistons acquire key players
In 1986, the Detroit Pistons acquired key players John Salley, Dennis Rodman, and Adrian Dantley. This marked a significant change in the team's strategy, leading to their eventual nickname 'Bad Boys' due to their physical, defense-oriented style. This acquisition set the stage for their future success.
1986: First Round Playoff Loss to Atlanta Hawks
In 1986, the Pistons lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Atlanta Hawks, leading to changes aimed at making the team more defensive-minded.
1987: Raiders Merchandise Sent to Pistons
At the start of the 1987–88 season, Al Davis, owner of the Los Angeles Raiders, sent Raiders merchandise to the Pistons to acknowledge their shared physical style of play. This gesture reinforced the Pistons' "Bad Boys" image.
1987: Pistons reach Eastern Conference Finals
In 1987, the Pistons reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics. Despite a dramatic Game 5 where a last-second steal by Larry Bird led to a Celtics win, the Pistons eventually lost the series in Game 7. This series highlighted the intense rivalry and competitive spirit of the Pistons.
1988: Pistons Move to The Palace of Auburn Hills
Starting in the 1988–89 season, the Pistons relocated their home games to The Palace of Auburn Hills. This move was part of a decade-long stint at the Pontiac Silverdome, further embedding the team into suburban Oakland County.
1988: Pistons move to The Palace of Auburn Hills
In 1988, the Pistons moved to The Palace of Auburn Hills, the first NBA arena financed entirely with private funds. This move was part of their preparation for a successful season.
1988: End of Lakers' Conference Finals Streak
In 1988, the Los Angeles Lakers concluded their record streak of eight consecutive conference finals appearances, a milestone in NBA history.
1989: First NBA Championship
In 1989, the Detroit Pistons won their first NBA championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers and marking a high point in the team's history.
1989: Pistons win first NBA Championship
In 1989, the Pistons won their first NBA Championship by sweeping the Lakers in four games. This victory was marked by Joe Dumars being named NBA Finals MVP and a record-breaking 63-win season.
1990: Pistons win second NBA Championship
In 1990, the Pistons successfully defended their NBA title, winning their second championship by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers. Isiah Thomas was named NBA Finals MVP. The series included a dramatic Game 5 where Vinnie Johnson earned the nickname '007' for his last-second game-winning shot.
1990: Second NBA Championship
The Detroit Pistons secured their second consecutive NBA championship in 1990, further asserting their dominance during this era.
1991: Pistons trade James Edwards and waive Vinnie Johnson
In 1991, following their sweep by the Bulls, the Pistons traded James Edwards and waived Vinnie Johnson. This marked the beginning of a transitional period for the team.
1991: Pistons win first playoff series since 1991
In 1991, the Pistons won their first playoff series since 1991 by defeating the Toronto Raptors in five games. This victory marked a return to form for the team.
1991: Pistons' championship run ends
In 1991, the Pistons' championship run ended as they were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. The series is remembered for the Pistons walking off the court without shaking hands, highlighting the intense rivalry and contrasting styles between the two teams.
1992: Pistons' transitional period begins
In 1992, the Pistons were defeated by the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA playoffs. This season marked the beginning of a transitional period with the resignation of head coach Chuck Daly and subsequent changes in the roster.
1993: Bill Laimbeer retires
In 1993, Bill Laimbeer, a key player for the Pistons, retired. This was part of the ongoing transitional period for the team following their earlier successes.
1993: Pistons draft Grant Hill
In 1993, following the 1993–94 season, the Pistons drafted Grant Hill with the third overall pick. Hill was seen as a promising small forward for the team's future.
1993: Worst Season Since 1993–94
The Pistons' 2022–23 season marked their worst performance since the 1993–94 season, with a record of 17–65, highlighting significant struggles on the court.
1994: Isiah Thomas retires
In 1994, Isiah Thomas retired from basketball, marking the end of an era for the Detroit Pistons. His retirement came during a challenging period for the team.
1994: Pistons' Worst Record Since 1994
In the 2009-10 season, the Detroit Pistons posted their worst record since 1994, ending the year with a 27-55 record.
November 1, 1996: Introduction of Hooper as Mascot
On November 1, 1996, Hooper, depicted as a horse wearing a Pistons jersey, was introduced as the team's mascot, replacing Sir Slam A Lot. Hooper symbolizes the team's horsepower.
1996: Introduction of New Color Scheme and Logo
In 1996, the Pistons changed their colors to teal, black, yellow, and red, and unveiled a new logo featuring a horse's head with a flaming mane. This new look represented a significant shift in the team's branding.
1996: Pistons change team colors
In 1996, the Pistons changed their team colors from the traditional red and blue to teal, burgundy, gold, and black. This move, part of what is often derisively referred to as the 'teal era,' proved highly unpopular with fans.
1996: End of "Bad Boys" Era Logo
In 1996, the Pistons retired the "Bad Boys" era logo, marking the end of an iconic period in the team's branding.
1997: Pistons' first 50-win season since 1997
In 1997, the Pistons achieved their first 50-win season since 1991, marking a significant turnaround for the team. This success was followed by their first playoff series victory since 1991, defeating the Toronto Raptors in five games.
1998: Joe Dumars retires
In 1998, Joe Dumars retired from playing basketball. His contributions to the team as a player were significant, and he would later continue to impact the team in a management role.
2000: Pistons fire George Irvine and hire Rick Carlisle
In 2000, after a tough season with a 32–50 record, the Pistons fired head coach George Irvine and hired Rick Carlisle. Under Carlisle, the franchise aimed to rebuild and return to its competitive roots.
2000: Joe Dumars becomes president of basketball operations
In 2000, following a playoff sweep by the Miami Heat, Joe Dumars was hired as the Pistons' president of basketball operations. Dumars executed a sign-and-trade deal for Grant Hill, bringing in Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins, which would later prove pivotal for the team.
2001: Return to Traditional Colors
In 2001, the Pistons returned to their traditional red, white, and blue colors and adopted a uniform pattern inspired by their 1981–96 threads, moving away from the teal and horse's head logo.
2002: Joe Dumars Revamps Roster
In 2002, Joe Dumars revamped the Detroit Pistons' roster by signing free agent Chauncey Billups, acquiring Richard "Rip" Hamilton, and drafting Tayshaun Prince. This marked the beginning of a successful period for the team.
2003: Pistons Advance to Eastern Conference Finals
In 2003, the Detroit Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1991, showcasing their improved performance under Joe Dumars' management.
2003: Rick Carlisle Fired
In the 2003 offseason, Rick Carlisle was fired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons. Multiple reasons contributed to this decision, including his reluctance to play younger players and rumored conflicts with owner Bill Davidson. Hall of Famer Larry Brown was hired as his replacement.
February 2004: Rasheed Wallace Acquired
In February 2004, the Detroit Pistons acquired Rasheed Wallace, completing their transformation into a championship team. This move helped them secure the best season record since 1997.
2004: Malice at the Palace
In 2004, the 'Malice at the Palace' incident occurred, one of the largest fan-player altercations in American sports history. It resulted in heavy fines, suspensions, and significant media scrutiny.
2004: Third NBA Championship
In 2004, the Detroit Pistons won their third NBA championship, defeating the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals.
2005: Pistons Contend for Title
In 2005, despite losing key bench members, the Detroit Pistons were strong contenders for a consecutive title. They won 54 games and reached the NBA Finals, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in a hard-fought series.
2005: Larry Brown Leaves
In 2005, due to health concerns and rumors of pursuing other jobs, Larry Brown left the Detroit Pistons. Flip Saunders was hired as the new head coach.
2005: Switch to Classic Logo Design
In 2005, the Pistons switched to a more classic logo design, retiring the horse's head and flaming mane logo that had been introduced in 1996.
2006: Eastern Conference Finals Defeat
In the 2006 NBA playoffs, the Detroit Pistons were defeated by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, ending their run towards another championship.
January 16, 2007: Chris Webber Signed
On January 16, 2007, the Detroit Pistons signed free agent Chris Webber. This acquisition helped improve their performance significantly, leading to the best record in the Eastern Conference.
2007: 2007 NBA Draft and Re-signings
In the 2007 NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons selected Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo. They also re-signed Chauncey Billups and other key players, marking the franchise's 50th anniversary in Detroit.
2007: Rasheed Wallace Becomes Pistons' Center
In 2007, Rasheed Wallace took on the role of center for the Detroit Pistons, marking a key change for the team. This was also the third season for Coach Saunders, making him the longest-tenured Pistons coach since Chuck Daly.
2007: Playoff Sweep and LeBron's Performance
In 2007, the Detroit Pistons achieved their first playoff series sweep since 1990 by defeating the Orlando Magic. However, they were later eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers, highlighted by LeBron James' remarkable performance in Game 5.
June 3, 2008: Flip Saunders Dismissed as Head Coach
On June 3, 2008, the Detroit Pistons announced that Flip Saunders would not return as head coach. This decision followed the team's loss to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
June 10, 2008: Pistons Hire Michael Curry as Head Coach
On June 10, 2008, Michael Curry was appointed as the new head coach of the Detroit Pistons, marking a new chapter for the team.
November 3, 2008: Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess Traded
On November 3, 2008, the Detroit Pistons traded Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Allen Iverson, signaling the start of a rebuilding process.
2008: Detroit's Strong Season and Playoff Rally
In the 2007-08 season, the Detroit Pistons finished with the second-best record in the league at 59-23. Despite a poor start in the 2008 NBA playoffs, losing Game 1 to the Philadelphia 76ers and being down 2-1, 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 spot despite a season marked by controversies and injuries. They finished the season with a 39-43 record.
June 30, 2009: Michael Curry Fired as Head Coach
On June 30, 2009, Michael Curry was dismissed from his role as head coach of the Detroit Pistons after the team was swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.
July 8, 2009: John Kuester Hired as Head Coach
On July 8, 2009, the Detroit Pistons hired John Kuester as their new head coach, following significant changes to the team roster and management.
August 12, 2009: Ben Wallace Re-Signed by Pistons
On August 12, 2009, the Detroit Pistons re-signed veteran player Ben Wallace, bringing back a key member of their previous successful runs.
2009: Death of Bill Davidson
Bill Davidson, the long-time owner of the Detroit Pistons, passed away in 2009, marking the end of an era for the franchise.
2011: Leadership Changes and Lawrence Frank Hired
In 2011, the Detroit Pistons made significant leadership changes, appointing Dennis Mannion as president and hiring Lawrence Frank as head coach. The season saw some improvement, although the Pistons still ended with a losing record.
2012: Pistons Draft Andre Drummond
In 2012, the Detroit Pistons selected Andre Drummond in the NBA draft, adding a talented center to their young core.
April 18, 2013: Lawrence Frank Fired as Head Coach
On April 18, 2013, the Detroit Pistons fired Lawrence Frank as head coach after two consecutive losing seasons.
June 10, 2013: Maurice Cheeks Hired as Head Coach
On June 10, 2013, the Detroit Pistons hired Maurice Cheeks as their new head coach, hoping to turn the team's fortunes around.
2013: Josh Smith Acquired
In the summer of 2013, the Detroit Pistons acquired Josh Smith, a move that would later lead to his waiver after the team struggled in the 2014-15 season.
May 14, 2014: Stan Van Gundy Hired as Head Coach and President
On May 14, 2014, the Detroit Pistons hired Stan Van Gundy on a 5-year, $35 million contract to serve as both head coach and president of basketball operations.
2014: Pistons Struggle Despite Roster Changes
In 2014, the Detroit Pistons faced significant challenges despite roster changes, ending the season with a 32-50 record after Brandon Jennings' Achilles injury.
2015: Stan Van Gundy Reshapes Roster
In 2015, Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy made significant roster changes by acquiring Ersan İlyasova, Marcus Morris, Aron Baynes, and Steve Blake. The team also drafted Stanley Johnson and re-signed Reggie Jackson.
2015: Negotiations for Little Caesars Arena Move Begin
In the summer of 2015, negotiations began between Pistons owner Tom Gores and Olympia Entertainment for a potential move to the new Little Caesars Arena. This marked the beginning of discussions that would eventually lead to the Pistons relocating.
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 by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 102-96.
April 6, 2016: Pistons Secure First Winning Season Since 2007-08
On April 6, 2016, the Detroit Pistons secured their first winning season since 2007-08 with a 108-104 win over the Orlando Magic, reaching 42 wins.
April 8, 2016: Pistons Clinch Playoff Berth
On April 8, 2016, the Detroit Pistons clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2009 by defeating the Washington Wizards 112-99. They faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.
November 22, 2016: Pistons Announce Move to Little Caesars Arena
On November 22, 2016, the Pistons officially announced their intention to move to Little Caesars Arena and redevelop the site of The Palace of Auburn Hills, ending their 39-year stay in Oakland County.
2016: Intensified Talks for Little Caesars Arena Move
As the 2016–17 season approached, discussions about the Pistons' move to Little Caesars Arena intensified. These talks also included potential mergers and new facilities near the arena.
May 16, 2017: Pistons Unveil New Logo
On May 16, 2017, the Pistons unveiled a new logo, which was 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, Detroit City Council approved the Pistons' move to Little Caesars Arena. This approval was a key step in the relocation process, bringing the team closer to downtown Detroit.
August 3, 2017: NBA Board of Governors Approves Pistons' Move
On August 3, 2017, the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the Pistons' move to Little Caesars Arena. This made Detroit the only U.S. city with its MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL teams playing in its downtown district.
2017: Pistons Plan Move to Little Caesars Arena
By the 2017–18 season, the Pistons were planning to move to the Little Caesars Arena. This move would mark a significant shift for the team, relocating closer to the heart of Detroit.
2017: 2017–18 Season Summary
During the 2017–18 season, the Pistons finished with a 39–43 record and missed the playoffs for the eighth time in ten years.
January 29, 2018: Pistons Acquire Blake Griffin
On January 29, 2018, the Pistons acquired all-star forward Blake Griffin along with Willie Reed and Brice Johnson from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for several players and draft picks.
May 7, 2018: Stan Van Gundy's Departure
On May 7, 2018, the Pistons announced that Stan Van Gundy would not return as head coach and president of basketball operations, marking the end of his tenure with the team.
June 11, 2018: Dwane Casey Hired as Head Coach
On June 11, 2018, the Pistons hired Dwane Casey as their new head coach with a five-year deal. This marked a new direction for the team's coaching staff.
2019: Pistons Trade Details
In 2019, as part of the Blake Griffin trade, the Pistons gave up a 2019 second-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Clippers.
2019: 2018–19 Season and Playoffs
In the 2018–19 season, the Pistons clinched a playoff spot with a 41–41 record. However, they were swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, setting an NBA record for the most consecutive playoff losses with 14.
2019: 2019–20 Season Summary
The Pistons' 2019–20 season was marked by a 20–46 record and was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant challenges for the team.
March 11, 2020: NBA Suspends Season Due to COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the NBA suspended the 2019–20 season after Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19, impacting the Pistons and the entire league.
June 4, 2020: Pistons' Season Ends Due to COVID-19
On June 4, 2020, the NBA Board of Governors approved a plan to restart the season with 22 teams, effectively ending the Pistons' season. The Pistons finished with a 20–46 record.
June 18, 2020: Troy Weaver Hired as General Manager
On June 18, 2020, the Pistons hired Troy Weaver as their new general manager, marking a significant change in the team's front office leadership.
July 31, 2020: NBA Season Restart Plan
On July 31, 2020, the NBA restarted its season with 22 teams returning to play in the NBA bubble. This plan was approved by the National Basketball Players Association.
2021: Pistons Select Cade Cunningham in NBA Draft
In the 2021 NBA draft, the Pistons selected Cade Cunningham with the first overall pick, aiming to bolster their roster with young talent.
2022: 2022 NBA Draft and Season Summary
In the 2022 NBA draft, the Pistons selected Jaden Ivey with the fifth overall pick and acquired Jalen Duren via trade. They finished the 2022–23 season with a 17–65 record, the worst in the NBA and third-worst in franchise history.
April 9, 2023: Dwane Casey Steps Down as Head Coach
After the final game of the 2022–23 season on April 9, 2023, Dwane Casey stepped down as head coach to join the front office, marking a significant change in the team's leadership.
June 2, 2023: Monty Williams Hired as Head Coach
On June 2, 2023, Monty Williams was hired as the new head coach of the Pistons, ushering in a new era for the team's coaching staff.
2023: Other Statistics Regular Season
Summary of other statistics for the Pistons in regular season as of the end of the 2023–24 season.
2023: Points Scored Regular Season
Summary of points scored by the Pistons in regular season as of the end of the 2023–24 season.
2023: 2023–24 Season Challenges
The Pistons started the 2023–24 season with a 2–1 record but then lost a franchise-record 28 consecutive games, becoming the thirteenth team in NBA history to have a winless month (November). They finished with the worst record in franchise history at 14–68.
March 9, 2024: Pistons Eliminated from Playoff Contention
On March 9, 2024, the Pistons were officially eliminated from playoff contention for the fifth consecutive season, marking another challenging year for the team.
April 23, 2024: Roster Last Transaction
The last recorded transaction for the Pistons roster was on April 23, 2024.