Detroit Pistons#Retired numbers

Fred Zollner owned the Zollner Corporation, a foundry that manufactured pistons, primarily for car, truck, and locomotive engines in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1937, Zollner sponsored a semi-professional company basketball team called the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons after he received a request from his workers.{{cite web|first=Myron|last=Cope|title=THE BIG Z AND HIS MISFIRING PISTONS|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1967/12/18/the-big-z-and-his-misfiring-pistons|website=SI.com|date=December 18, 1967|access-date=September 7, 2021|archive-date=September 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907134907/https://vault.si.com/vault/1967/12/18/the-big-z-and-his-misfiring-pistons|url-status=live}} In 1941, the Zollner Pistons shed their works team roots and joined the National Basketball League (NBL). The Zollner Pistons were NBL champions in 1944 and 1945. They also won the World Professional Basketball Tournament in 1944, 1945 and 1946.{{cite web|title=World Professional Basketball Tournament|url=https://nbahoopsonline.com/History/Leagues/WPBT/index.html|website=NBA Hoops Online|access-date=May 26, 2017|archive-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606102714/http://nbahoopsonline.com/History/Leagues/WPBT/index.html|url-status=live}}

In 1948, the team became the Fort Wayne Pistons and jumped to the Basketball Association of America (BAA). In 1949, Fred Zollner brokered the formation of the National Basketball Association from the BAA and the NBL at his kitchen table.{{cite web|title=Behind the Name – the Detroit Pistons|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/behindthename.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=August 16, 2006|access-date=October 28, 2015|archive-date=November 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110045759/http://www.nba.com/pistons/features/behindthename.html|url-status=live}}

There are suggestions that Pistons players conspired with gamblers to shave points and throw various games during the 1953–54 and 1954–55 seasons. In particular, there are accusations that the team may have intentionally lost the 1955 NBA Finals to the Syracuse Nationals.{{cite book|first=Charley|last=Rosen|title=The Wizard of Odds: How Jack Molinas Almost Destroyed the Game of Basketball|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ip9oRcm8iOMC|year=2001|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Ip9oRcm8iOMC&q=PA154&pg=PA154 154]|publisher=Seven Stories Press|isbn=1-58322-268-5|access-date=January 17, 2020|archive-date=February 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229175133/https://books.google.com/books?id=Ip9oRcm8iOMC|url-status=live}} In the decisive Game 7, the Pistons led 41–24 early in the second quarter before the Nationals rallied to win the game.{{cite web|title=Nats Win First Title of Shot-Clock Era|url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19541955.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222181129/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19541955.html|archive-date=February 22, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=David|last=Ramsey|title=When the Dust Settled|url=http://archive.nba.com/encyclopedia/finals/1955_syracuse_nationals.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 29, 2018|archive-date=August 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808164455/http://archive.nba.com/encyclopedia/finals/1955_syracuse_nationals.html|url-status=live}} The Nationals won on a free throw by George King with 12 seconds left in the game. The closing moments included a palming turnover by the Pistons' George Yardley with 18 seconds left, a foul by Frank Brian with 12 seconds left that enabled King's winning free throw, and a turnover by the Pistons' Andy Phillip in the final seconds which cost them a chance to attempt the game winning shot. In the following season, the Pistons made it back to the NBA Finals. However, they were defeated by the Philadelphia Warriors in five games.{{cite web|title=1956 NBA Finals Pistons vs. Warriors|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1956-nba-finals-pistons-vs-warriors.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=September 2, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162044/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1956-nba-finals-pistons-vs-warriors.html|url-status=live}}

File:Dave bing pistons (cropped).JPG joined the team in 1966, scoring 1,601 points in his rookie year.]]

Though the Pistons enjoyed a solid local following, Fort Wayne's small size made it difficult for them to be profitable, especially as other early NBA teams based in smaller cities started folding or relocating to larger markets. 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. Although it was the fifth largest city in the United States at the time,{{cite web|title=Population of the 100 Largest Urban Places: 1950|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0027/tab18.txt|website=United States Census|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727053649/https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0027/tab18.txt|archive-date=July 27, 2020|access-date=April 11, 2021}} Detroit had not seen professional basketball in a decade.{{cite web|title=Detroit Gems|url=https://www.nbahoopsonline.com/teams/LosAngelesLakers/History/DetroitGems/|website=NBA Hoops Online|access-date=June 6, 2017|archive-date=May 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525154451/http://nbahoopsonline.com/teams/LosAngelesLakers/History/DetroitGems/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Detroit Falcons Basketball|url=https://www.nbahoopsonline.com/teams/Xdefunct/DetroitFalcons/|website=NBA Hoops Online|access-date=June 6, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804220035/http://www.nbahoopsonline.com/teams/Xdefunct/DetroitFalcons/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Van Dusen|title=25 Things You Probably Didn't Know About the Pistons' First 10 Years in Detroit|url=https://detroitsportsnation.com/25-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-pistons-first-10-years-in-detroit/rake2204/detroit-pistons-news/03/12/2016/64032/|website=Detroit Sports Nation|date=March 12, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422035135/https://detroitsportsnation.com/25-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-pistons-first-10-years-in-detroit/rake2204/detroit-pistons-news/03/12/2016/64032/|archivedate=April 22, 2019|access-date=February 24, 2019}} They lost the Detroit Eagles due to World War II, both the Detroit Gems of the NBL (who became the Minneapolis Lakers) and the Detroit Falcons of the BAA in 1947, and the Detroit Vagabond Kings in 1949. Zollner decided to keep the Pistons name, believing it made sense given Detroit's status as the center of the automobile industry. George Yardley set the NBA single-season scoring record in the Pistons' first season in Detroit, becoming the first player to score 2,000 points in a season.{{cite web|last=Maxwell|first=John|title=The First 2,000-Point Scorer|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/george_yardley_071226.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=December 26, 2007|access-date=March 19, 2019|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729215315/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/george_yardley_071226.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Goldstein|title=George Yardley, 75, Shooter Who Broke N.B.A. Record|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/16/sports/george-yardley-75-shooter-who-broke-nba-record.html|website=The New York Times|date=August 16, 2004|access-date=March 19, 2020|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118205151/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/16/sports/george-yardley-75-shooter-who-broke-nba-record.html|url-status=live}}

The Pistons played in Olympia Stadium (home of the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL) at the time) for their first four seasons, then moved to Cobo Arena beginning in the 1961–62 season.{{cite web|first=Ken|last=Haddad|title=5 places the Detroit Pistons called home|url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2016/11/21/5-places-the-detroit-pistons-called-home/|website=ClickOnDetroit.com|date=November 21, 2016|access-date=June 15, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729215518/https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2016/11/21/5-places-the-detroit-pistons-called-home/|url-status=live}}

During the 1960s and 1970s, the Pistons were characterized by talented players including George Yardley, Bailey Howell, Dave Debusschere, Dave Bing, and Bob Lanier, questionable trades, and frequent coaching changes.{{cite web|title=Happy Anniversary|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/ftwayne_071023.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=October 23, 2017|access-date=June 16, 2017|archive-date=August 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803044909/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/ftwayne_071023.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Dow|title=How Isiah Thomas became the greatest Detroit Piston ever|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/04/14/detroit-pistons-isiah-thomas-palace/100469076/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 15, 2017|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=June 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615213441/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/04/14/detroit-pistons-isiah-thomas-palace/100469076/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title=24-year old DeBusschere was youngest coach in NBA history with Pistons|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/01/28/dave-debusschere-was-youngest-coach-in-nba-history/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=January 28, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224143105/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/01/28/dave-debusschere-was-youngest-coach-in-nba-history/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Dow|title=How a Coin Toss Brought Detroit a Hall of Famer|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/how-a-coin-toss-brought-detroit-a-hall-of-famer/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=May 21, 2010|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203065452/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/how-a-coin-toss-brought-detroit-a-hall-of-famer/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title=Hall of Famer Bob Lanier was more than just two big feet|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/01/21/bob-lanier-was-more-than-two-big-feet/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=January 21, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224153327/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/01/21/bob-lanier-was-more-than-two-big-feet/|archivedate=December 24, 2019|access-date=December 24, 2019}} At one point, DeBusschere was the youngest player-coach in the history of the NBA. Then a trade during the 1968–69 season sent DeBusschere to the New York Knicks for Howard Komives and Walt Bellamy, both of whom had their best seasons behind them. DeBusschere became a key player in leading the Knicks to two NBA titles. Howell had previously been dealt to the Baltimore Bullets in 1964 and former Pistons guard Gene Shue, who was the head coach of the Bullets at the time, assessed the Pistons thusly: "Detroit has the worst management in the league."{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/10/archives/howell-of-pistons-traded-to-bullets-in-8player-deal.html|title=Howell of Pistons Traded To Bullets in 8-Player Deal|work=The New York Times|date=June 10, 1964|access-date=July 29, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207035640/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/10/archives/howell-of-pistons-traded-to-bullets-in-8player-deal.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/truebluepistons_110908.html |title=The DeBusschere Debacle |website=NBA.com |date=August 8, 2012 |access-date=March 15, 2022 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309191334/https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/truebluepistons_110908.html |url-status=live }} Howell would go to win two championships as a member of the Boston Celtics. Yardley, Lanier, and Bing all ended their Pistons tenure being traded away, frustrated with the direction and opportunities with Detroit.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/02/14/archives/yardley-deal-confirmed-doctors-approve-finger-cast-and-he-goes-to.html |title=Yardley Deal Confirmed; Doctors Approve Finger Cast and He Goes to Syracuse |work=The New York Times |date=February 14, 1959 |access-date=March 15, 2022 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=March 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314205409/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/02/14/archives/yardley-deal-confirmed-doctors-approve-finger-cast-and-he-goes-to.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/08/29/archives/people-in-sports-pistons-trade-bing-to-bullets.html |title=People in Sports |work=The New York Times |date=August 29, 1975 |access-date=March 15, 2022 |archive-date=March 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314205408/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/08/29/archives/people-in-sports-pistons-trade-bing-to-bullets.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/02/05/archives/pistons-send-lanier-to-bucks-for-benson-unhappy-in-detroit.html |title=Pistons Send Lanier to Bucks for Benson; Unhappy in Detroit |work=The New York Times |date=February 5, 1980 |access-date=March 15, 2022 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=March 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314205409/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/02/05/archives/pistons-send-lanier-to-bucks-for-benson-unhappy-in-detroit.html |url-status=live }}

In 1974, Zollner sold the team to glass magnate Bill Davidson, who remained the team's principal owner until his death in 2009.{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Golimper|title=Pistons Are Sold for $8.1-Million|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/07/30/archives/pistons-are-sold-for-81million2-pistons-sold-to-detroit-group-by.html|website=The New York Times|date=July 30, 1974|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-date=May 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518070436/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/07/30/archives/pistons-are-sold-for-81million2-pistons-sold-to-detroit-group-by.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons owner Davidson dies at 86|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3979385|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=March 15, 2009|access-date=June 16, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010726/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3979385|url-status=live}}

The team had a winning season in 1971, having spent the 1960s below .500, and then had a brief period of sustained success in the mid-1970s, qualifying for the playoffs in four straight seasons (1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977).{{cite web|title=1974 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1974.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-date=July 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723055944/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1974.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1975 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1975.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-date=July 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712150740/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1975.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1976 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1976.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-date=July 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711140304/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1976.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1977 NBA Playoffs Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1977.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-date=July 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711100930/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1977.html|url-status=live}} Hope was then placed in Dick Vitale in 1978, the former head coach at the University of Detroit, but he was fired the following season, and the team limped into the 1980s with a 16–66 record in 1979–80.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons: 1980's|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/history/1980s.html/|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818053734/https://www.nba.com/pistons/history/1980s.html/|archivedate=August 18, 2020|access-date=June 11, 2017}} 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.{{cite web|title=1979-80 Detroit Pistons Schedule and Results|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1980_games.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=May 18, 2018|archive-date=May 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519032536/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1980_games.html|url-status=live}}

Over time, Davidson became displeased with Cobo Arena, but opted not to follow the Red Wings to the under-construction Joe Louis Arena next door. Instead, in 1978, he moved the team to the suburb of Pontiac, where they played in the 82,000 capacity Silverdome, a structure built for professional football (and the home of the Detroit Lions at the time).{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Attner|title=22,000-Seat Silverdome To Become Pistons' Home|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1978/03/18/22000-seat-silverdome-to-become-pistons-home/15448c5a-4be3-4cb4-ab1c-a2305b0662df/?noredirect=on|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=March 18, 1978|access-date=February 24, 2019|archive-date=August 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818175355/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1978/03/18/22000-seat-silverdome-to-become-pistons-home/15448c5a-4be3-4cb4-ab1c-a2305b0662df/?noredirect=on|url-status=live}}

The franchise's fortunes finally began to turn in 1981, when they drafted point guard Isiah Thomas from Indiana University. In November 1981, the Pistons acquired Vinnie Johnson in a trade with the Seattle SuperSonics.{{cite web|first=John|last=Maxwell|title=The Microwave|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/vinnie_johnson_080205.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701113507/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/vinnie_johnson_080205.html|url-status=live}} They later acquired center Bill Laimbeer in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 1982.{{cite web|title=The Best of Trader Jack: Part III|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/truebluepistons_110929.html/|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=August 7, 2012|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=May 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505083045/http://www.nba.com/pistons/features/truebluepistons_110929.html|url-status=live}} Another key move by the Pistons was the hiring of head coach Chuck Daly in 1983.{{cite web|first=Keith|last=Langlois|title=Chuck Daly, 1930-2009|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/daly_090509.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=May 9, 2009|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018074619/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/daly_090509.html|url-status=live}}

File:Isiah-thomas detroit-v-new-york 1985.jpg

Initially, the Pistons had difficulty moving up the NBA ladder. In 1984, the Pistons lost a tough five-game series to the underdog New York Knicks, 3–2.{{cite web|title=Best moments in Joe Louis Arena history: No. 10|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/03/29/joe-louis-arena-memorable-moments/99704650/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=June 7, 2017|archive-date=April 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407060446/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/03/29/joe-louis-arena-memorable-moments/99704650/|url-status=live}} In the 1985 playoffs, Detroit won its first-round series and faced the defending champion Boston Celtics in the conference semifinals. Though Boston prevailed in six games, Detroit's surprise performance promised that a rivalry had begun. In the 1985 NBA draft, the team selected Joe Dumars 18th overall, a selection that proved to be very wise.{{cite web|first=Keith|last=Langlois|title=The Best of Trader Jack: Part VI|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/best-trader-jack-part-vi/|website=NBA.com|date=June 2, 2017|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814211520/http://www.nba.com/pistons/features/best-trader-jack-part-vi/|url-status=live}} They also acquired Rick Mahorn in a trade with the Washington Bullets.{{cite web|first=Brendan|last=Savage|title=Detroit Pistons Q&A: Rick Mahorn on the Bad Boys, Laimbeer & Barkley, the '04 champions|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2015/03/detroit_pistons_qa_rick_mahorn.html|website=MLive|date=March 19, 2015|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011644/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2015/03/detroit_pistons_qa_rick_mahorn.html|url-status=live}} However, the team took a step backwards, losing in the first round of the 1986 playoffs to the more athletic Atlanta Hawks.{{cite web|title=Hawks Beat Pistons and Move on to Boston|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-04-26-sp-2380-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press|date=April 26, 1986|access-date=May 18, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730070734/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-04-26-sp-2380-story.html|url-status=live}} After the series, changes were made in order to make the team more defensive-minded.

Prior to the 1986–87 season, the Pistons acquired more key players: John Salley (drafted 11th overall), Dennis Rodman (drafted 27th) and Adrian Dantley (acquired in a trade with the Utah Jazz).{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=25 years ago the Pistons snatched Salley and Rodman in NBA Draft|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/25-years-ago-the-pistons-snatched-salley-and-rodman-in-nba-draft/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=October 29, 2011|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628084442/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/25-years-ago-the-pistons-snatched-salley-and-rodman-in-nba-draft/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Goldaper|title=TRIPUCKA TRADED BY PISTONS FOR DANTLEY|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/22/sports/tripucka-traded-by-pistons-for-dantley.html|website=The New York Times|date=August 22, 1986|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913153924/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/22/sports/tripucka-traded-by-pistons-for-dantley.html|url-status=live}} The team adopted a physical, defense-oriented style of play, which eventually earned them the nickname "Bad Boys".{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=How the Detroit Pistons came to be known as the Bad Boys|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/how-the-detroit-pistons-came-to-be-known-as-the-bad-boys/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=April 27, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109135908/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/how-the-detroit-pistons-came-to-be-known-as-the-bad-boys/|url-status=live}}

In 1987, the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics. After pushing the defending champions to a 2–2 tie, the Pistons were on the verge of winning Game 5 at the Boston Garden with seconds remaining.{{cite web|first=Peter|last=May|title=25 years later, remembering 'a steal by Bird'|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4694098/25-years-later-remembering-a-steal-by-bird|website=ESPN Boston|date=May 25, 2012|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010859/http://www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4694098/25-years-later-remembering-a-steal-by-bird|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Gelso|title=Boston Celtics Rivalries That Defined Generations of NBA Basketball|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/330719-rivalries-that-defined-generations-of-nba-basketball|website=Bleacher Report|date=January 22, 2010|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=February 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221110159/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/330719-rivalries-that-defined-generations-of-nba-basketball|url-status=live}} After a Celtics turnover, Isiah Thomas attempted to quickly inbound the ball and missed Chuck Daly's timeout signal from the bench. Larry Bird stole the inbound pass and passed it to Dennis Johnson for the game-winning layup. While the Pistons did win Game 6 in Detroit, they lost the series in a tough Game 7 back in Boston.

File:Chuck Daly.jpg

File:1988 NBA Finals - Game 1 - Detroit Pistons at Los Angeles Lakers 1988-06-07 (ticket).JPG

Motivated by their loss to the Celtics, the Pistons, aided by midseason acquisition James Edwards, improved to a then-franchise-record 54 victories and the franchise's first division title in 32 years.{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Edwards added a key piece to the championship runs for the Pistons|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/james-edwards-detroit-pistons/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=March 20, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202112841/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/james-edwards-detroit-pistons/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1955-56 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1956.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922134536/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1956.html|url-status=live}} In the postseason, the Pistons avenged their two previous playoff losses to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating them in six games and advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since the franchise moved to Detroit.

The Pistons' first trip to the Finals in 32 years saw them face the Los Angeles Lakers, who were led by Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. After taking a 3–2 series lead back to Los Angeles, Detroit appeared poised to win their first NBA title in Game 6. In that game, Isiah Thomas scored an NBA Finals record 25 points in the third quarter while playing on a severely sprained ankle.{{cite web|first=Shaun|last=Powell|title=Top NBA Finals moments: Thomas scores 25 in quarter on injured ankle|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-finals-moments-isiah-thomas-25-points-1988|website=NBA.com|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914210120/https://www.nba.com/news/history-finals-moments-isiah-thomas-25-points-1988|url-status=live}} However, the Lakers won the game, 103–102, on a pair of last-second free throws by Abdul-Jabbar following a controversial foul called on Bill Laimbeer, referred to by many as a "phantom foul".{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Stone|title=Pat Riley Admits '88 Finals Foul Was Phantom [VIDEO]|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/pat-riley-admits-88-finals-foul-was-phantom-video/|website=CBS Detroit|date=June 20, 2014|access-date=June 8, 2024|archive-date=September 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923023623/https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/pat-riley-admits-88-finals-foul-was-phantom-video/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Keith|last=Langlois|title=What If: A turned ankle, a shocking whistle cost the Pistons a shot at 3 straight (maybe 4) NBA titles|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/what-if-turned-ankle-shocking-whistle-cost-pistons-shot-3-straight-maybe-4-nba-titles|website=NBA.com|date=July 10, 2020|access-date=June 8, 2024|archive-date=November 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114045431/https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/what-if-turned-ankle-shocking-whistle-cost-pistons-shot-3-straight-maybe-4-nba-titles|url-status=live}} With Thomas unable to compete at full strength, the Pistons narrowly fell in Game 7, 108–105, as the Lakers became the first back-to-back NBA Champions since the 1969 Boston Celtics.{{cite web|title=Lakers Capture the Elusive Repeat|url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19871988.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222173733/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19871988.html|archive-date=February 22, 2012|url-status=dead}}

File:Dennis Rodman 02 (34649289162) (cropped).jpg, NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1990 and 1991]]

Prior to the 1988–89 season, the Pistons moved to Auburn Hills to play at The Palace of Auburn Hills, the first NBA arena financed entirely with private funds.{{cite web|first=Don|last=Muret|title=Twenty years in, the Palace still shines|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2008/11/20081103/This-Weeks-News/Twenty-Years-In-The-Palace-Still-Shines.aspx|website=Sports Business Daily|date=November 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120031504/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2008/11/20081103/This-Weeks-News/Twenty-Years-In-The-Palace-Still-Shines.aspx|archive-date=January 20, 2018|access-date=June 25, 2019}} The 1989 Pistons completed the building of their roster by trading Adrian Dantley for Mark Aguirre, a trade that Pistons fans criticized heavily initially, but later praised.{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Pretzer|title=Dealing Dantley|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/trades_080218.html|website=NBA.com|date=February 15, 2008|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703231610/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/trades_080218.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Dantley-for-aguirre Deal Doesn't Go Down Well in Detroit|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-02-17-8903060680-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=February 17, 1989|access-date=August 7, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308115524/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-02-17-8903060680-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Watson|title=What's the best trade the Pistons ever made?|url=https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2012/8/22/3259566/detroit-pistons-best-trade-ben-wallace-rasheed-bill-laimbeer-mark-aguirre|website=Detroit Bad Boys|date=August 22, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807235030/https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2012/8/22/3259566/detroit-pistons-best-trade-ben-wallace-rasheed-bill-laimbeer-mark-aguirre|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Van Dusen|title=The 10 Best Trades in Pistons History|url=http://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-pistons-news/rake2204/the-10-best-trades-in-pistons-history/74976/|website=Detroit Sports Nation|date=June 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012235734/http://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-pistons-news/rake2204/the-10-best-trades-in-pistons-history/74976/|archive-date=October 12, 2017|access-date=July 3, 2018}} The team won 63 games, shattering their one-year-old franchise record, and steamrolled through the playoffs and into an NBA Finals rematch with the Lakers. This time, the Pistons came out victorious in a four-game sweep to win their first NBA championship. Joe Dumars was named NBA Finals MVP.{{cite web|title=1988-89 Detroit Pistons|url=http://www.nba.com/history/89pistons.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210150800/http://www.nba.com/history/89pistons.html|archive-date=February 10, 2011|url-status=dead}}

File:Isiah Thomas 2007 (cropped).jpg, 1990 NBA Finals MVP]]

The Pistons successfully defended their title in 1990, despite losing Rick Mahorn to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the expansion draft.{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Howard-Cooper|title=NBA Expansion Draft : Timberwolves Get Mahorn; Lakers Lose Rivers|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-16-sp-1959-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=June 16, 1989|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729224751/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-16-sp-1959-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Bad Boys Still the Best|url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19891990.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183055/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19891990.html|archive-date=February 22, 2012|url-status=dead}} After winning 59 games and a third straight division title, the Pistons cruised through the first two rounds of the playoffs before playing a tough Eastern Conference Finals series against Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and the Chicago Bulls. Facing each other for the third straight season, the Pistons and Bulls split the first six games before the Pistons finished the series with a decisive 93–74 victory in Game 7.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1990.html|title=1989-90 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612170340/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1990.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1990.html|title=1990 NBA Playoff Summary|publisher=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=January 23, 2012|archive-date=August 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807025235/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1990.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1990 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Bulls vs. Pistons|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1990-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bulls-vs-pistons.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=June 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609122215/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1990-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bulls-vs-pistons.html|url-status=live}} Advancing to their third consecutive NBA Finals, the Pistons faced the Portland Trail Blazers. After splitting the first two games at The Palace, the Pistons went to Portland, where they had not won a game since 1974, to play Games 3, 4 and 5.{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Goldaper|title=Another Thriller as Blazers Tie Series|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/08/sports/another-thriller-as-blazers-tie-series.html|website=The New York Times|date=June 8, 1990|access-date=June 7, 2017|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814175308/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/08/sports/another-thriller-as-blazers-tie-series.html|url-status=live}} The Pistons won all three games in Portland, becoming the first NBA team to sweep the middle three games on the road.{{cite web|first=Darnell|last=Mayberry|title=An Historic Look At The NBA Finals' 2-3-2 Format|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2012/06/16/an-historic-look-at-the-nba-finals-2-3-2-format/60984396007/|website=The Oklahoman|date=June 16, 2012|access-date=June 6, 2017|archive-date=June 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627062406/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2012/06/16/an-historic-look-at-the-nba-finals-2-3-2-format/60984396007/|url-status=live}} The decisive game came down to the final second. Trailing 90–83 with two minutes remaining, the Pistons rallied to tie the game, then took a 92–90 lead when Vinnie Johnson sank a 15-foot jumper with 00.7 seconds left in the game; this shot earned Johnson a new nickname in Detroit, "007", to go with his original, "The Microwave".{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=From every angle, the Microwave could get hot on the court|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/from-every-angle-the-microwave-could-get-hot-on-the-court/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=March 14, 2013|access-date=January 17, 2020|archive-date=October 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003174914/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/from-every-angle-the-microwave-could-get-hot-on-the-court/|url-status=live}} Isiah Thomas was named NBA Finals MVP.

The Pistons' championship run came to an end in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals, as they were swept by the eventual NBA champion Chicago Bulls in four games.{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Fluck|title=Pippen and Bulls first had to beat Detroit's Bad Boys|url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/199091_pippen_110311.html|website=NBA.com|date=March 11, 2011|access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215112957/http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/199091_pippen_110311.html|url-status=live}} The most critical injury during this time belonged to Isiah Thomas, who had suffered a wrist injury a few months prior to the NBA playoffs.{{cite web|first=Barry|last=Cooper|title=Thomas' Injury Signals Finish of Pistons' Reign|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1991/01/26/thomas-injury-signals-finish-of-pistons-reign/|website=Orlando Sentinel|date=January 26, 1991|access-date=June 10, 2017|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505131805/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1991/01/26/thomas-injury-signals-finish-of-pistons-reign/|url-status=live}} The Conference Finals is best remembered for the Pistons walking off the court in the last game just before it ended, willingly letting the final seconds tick away, unwilling to shake hands with the Bulls. After the series, Michael Jordan said, "You see two different styles with us and them. The dirty play and the flagrant fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct. Hopefully, that will be eliminated from the game. I think we play clean basketball. We don't go out and try to hurt people and dirty up the game. You never lose respect for the champions. But I haven't agreed with the methods they used. I think people are happy the game will get back to a clean game [with a Bulls triumph] and away from the 'Bad Boy' image."{{cite web|first=Vito|last=Chirco|title=Why did the Pistons walk off the court without shaking hands with Jordan's Bulls?|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/why-did-the-pistons-walk-off-the-court-without-shaking-hands-with-jordans-bulls/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924101116/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/why-did-the-pistons-walk-off-the-court-without-shaking-hands-with-jordans-bulls/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Eno|title=The Day the "Bad Boys" Walked Out|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/158201-the-day-the-bad-boys-walked-out|website=Bleacher Report|date=April 18, 2009|access-date=June 10, 2017|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406200939/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/158201-the-day-the-bad-boys-walked-out|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Smith|title=Bulls Make NBA Safe for 'Solid' Basketball|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-05-28-9102170643-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=May 28, 1991|access-date=July 27, 2019|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727164516/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-05-28-9102170643-story.html|url-status=live}} It was later revealed that the real reason the Pistons walked off the court without shaking hands with the Bulls was due to comments said by Jordan in a pre-game interview before Game 4, where he said, "The Pistons are undeserving champions. The Bad Boys are bad for basketball."{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/dont-buy-into-michael-jordans-narrative-the-bad-boys-pistons-deserve-your-respect-154544792.html|last=Goodwill|first=Vincent|title=Don't buy into Michael Jordan's narrative: The 'Bad Boys' Pistons deserve your respect|website=Yahoo Sports|date=April 27, 2020|access-date=May 24, 2024|archive-date=February 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221000001/https://sports.yahoo.com/dont-buy-into-michael-jordans-narrative-the-bad-boys-pistons-deserve-your-respect-154544792.html|url-status=live}}

After getting swept by the Bulls, the Pistons traded James Edwards and waived Vinnie Johnson during the off-season.{{cite web|first=Gary|last=Klein|title=Clippers Get Edwards--or a Big Headache : NBA: They trade reserve guard Martin and a draft pick to get 7-foot-1 Piston center, but he is on his way to Italy.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-08-14-sp-486-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=August 14, 1991|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729224611/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-08-14-sp-486-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=BACKCOURT-RICH PISTONS WAIVE VINNIE JOHNSON|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-09-05-9103060968-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=September 5, 1991|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308165643/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-09-05-9103060968-story.html|url-status=live}} In the 1991–92 season, the Pistons finished with a 48–34 record.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons: 1990's|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/history/1990s.html|website=NBA.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507181955/https://www.nba.com/pistons/history/1990s.html|archivedate=May 7, 2021|access-date=June 13, 2017}}{{cite web|title=1991-92 Detroit Pistons Schedule and Results|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1992_games.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=December 1, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217045612/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1992_games.html|url-status=live}} In the first round of the 1992 NBA playoffs, the Pistons were defeated by the New York Knicks in five games.{{cite web|first=David|last=Aldridge|title=Knicks Shatter More Than Pistons' Season : NBA playoffs: Their series-clinching 94-87 victory over Detroit may mark the end of an era.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-04-sp-842-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|agency=The Washington Post|date=May 4, 1992|access-date=June 19, 2019|archive-date=June 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619174740/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-04-sp-842-story.html|url-status=live}} Chuck Daly resigned as head coach after the season.{{cite web|first=Robert McG. Jr.|last=Thomas|title=Daly Resigns as Pistons Coach|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/06/sports/hockey-daly-resigns-as-pistons-coach.html|website=The New York Times|date=May 6, 1992|access-date=June 19, 2019|archive-date=June 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619174740/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/06/sports/hockey-daly-resigns-as-pistons-coach.html|url-status=live}} Following Daly's departure, the Pistons went through a transitional period, as key players were either traded (Salley and Rodman) or retired (Laimbeer in 1993 and Thomas in 1994).{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Smith|title=PISTONS DEAL SALLEY, MAY GO AFTER OLAJUWON|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-09-09-9203220059-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=September 9, 1992|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=October 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004182231/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-09-09-9203220059-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Baker|title=Spurs Give Rodman Fresh Start : Pro basketball: Pistons get Sean Elliott in trade for the NBA leader in rebounds and problems.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-02-sp-41479-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=October 2, 1993|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=May 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504230307/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-02-sp-41479-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Tim|last=Povtak|title=Laimbeer Retires, Citing Lost Desire|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1993/12/02/laimbeer-retires-citing-lost-desire/|website=Orlando Sentinel|date=December 2, 1993|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827100509/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1993/12/02/laimbeer-retires-citing-lost-desire/|url-status=live}} They bottomed out in the 1993–94 season, finishing with a 20–62 record.

File:Doug Collins gestures.jpg, one of five head coaches for the Pistons in an eight-year span.]]

Following the 1993–94 season, they were able to draft Grant Hill, a promising small forward, with the third overall pick.{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Van Dusen|title=Draft Flashback: Grant Hill saves the day|url=https://detroitsportsnation.com/draft-flashback-grant-hill-saves-the-day/rake2204/detroit-pistons-news/06/25/2015/39226/|website=Detroit Sports Nation|date=June 25, 2015|access-date=February 24, 2019|archive-date=February 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224231444/https://detroitsportsnation.com/draft-flashback-grant-hill-saves-the-day/rake2204/detroit-pistons-news/06/25/2015/39226/|url-status=live}} However, this period also saw the team make numerous questionable personnel decisions, such as the loss of free agent Allan Houston to the New York Knicks,{{cite web|first=Clifton|last=Brown|title=PRO BASKETBALL;A New Backcourt: Childs and Houston Join the Knicks|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/14/sports/pro-basketball-a-new-backcourt-childs-and-houston-join-the-knicks.html|website=The New York Times|date=July 14, 1996|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=November 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126043343/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/14/sports/pro-basketball-a-new-backcourt-childs-and-houston-join-the-knicks.html|url-status=live}} the signing of free agent washouts Loy Vaught and Bison Dele;{{cite web|first=Jay|last=Wierenga|title=10 Most Disappointing Detroit Pistons|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/860819-10-most-disappointing-detroit-pistons|website=Bleacher Report|date=September 29, 2011|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117122116/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/860819-10-most-disappointing-detroit-pistons|url-status=live}} and head coaching changes from Ron Rothstein to Don Chaney to Doug Collins to Alvin Gentry to George Irvine in an eight-year span.{{cite web|title=Pro Basketball|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-22-sp-88-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=May 22, 1992|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729225037/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-22-sp-88-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=PRO BASKETBALL / UPDATE : AROUND THE NBA : Pistons Replace Rothstein With Chaney|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-05-04-sp-31315-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=May 4, 1993|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730070727/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-05-04-sp-31315-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=The Teal Era: When everything went wrong for the Pistons|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/03/01/the-teal-era-when-everything-went-wrong-for-the-pistons/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=March 1, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224153419/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2012/03/01/the-teal-era-when-everything-went-wrong-for-the-pistons/|url-status=live}} Of these coaches, only Collins had any sort of success with the Pistons, winning 54 games in the 1996–97 season. The franchise even changed its team colors in 1996 from its traditional red and blue to teal, burgundy, gold and black in what proved to be a highly unpopular move with fans.{{cite web|title=PISTONS REV UP "NEW BREED" WITH NEW LOGO AND LOOK|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1996/05/22/Franchises/PISTONS-REV-UP-NEW-BREED-WITH-NEW-LOGO-AND-LOOK.aspx?|website=Sports Business Daily|date=May 22, 1996|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117070626/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1996/05/22/Franchises/PISTONS-REV-UP-NEW-BREED-WITH-NEW-LOGO-AND-LOOK.aspx|url-status=live}} The only color that did not change was white. This period has become known, often derisively, as the "teal era".

After being swept by the Miami Heat in the 2000 playoffs, Joe Dumars, who had retired following the 1998–99 season, was hired as the team's president of basketball operations.{{cite web|first=Susan|last=Martin|title=Pistons Name Irvine, Dumars|url=https://buffalonews.com/2000/06/07/pistons-name-irvine-dumars/|website=The Buffalo News|date=June 7, 2000|access-date=March 5, 2020|archive-date=February 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229175059/https://buffalonews.com/news/pistons-name-irvine-dumars/article_2f779796-1059-5552-8c65-90f084ecec77.html|url-status=live}} He quickly faced what appeared to be a setback for the franchise, as Grant Hill elected to leave for the Orlando Magic.{{cite web|title=Report: Grant Hill Headed to Orlando|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=100952&page=1|website=ABC News|date=July 5, 2000|access-date=March 5, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729234016/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=100952&page=1|url-status=live}} However, Dumars worked a sign and trade with Orlando that brought the Pistons Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins in exchange for Hill.{{cite web|title=Magic's Strength No Illusion|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/magics-strength-no-illusion/|website=CBS News|date=August 3, 2000|access-date=March 5, 2020|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022094351/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/magics-strength-no-illusion/|url-status=live}} Both quickly entered the Pistons' starting lineup. Wallace in particular developed into a defensive stalwart in the coming years.{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Eno|title=Unwanted Ben Wallace Started Detroit Pistons' 21 Century Re-Birth|url=https://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/232333-unwanted-ben-wallace-started-detroit-pistons-21-century-re-birth|website=Bleacher Report|date=August 8, 2009|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010529/http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/232333-unwanted-ben-wallace-started-detroit-pistons-21-century-re-birth|url-status=live}} However, Hill played only 47 games in the following three seasons due to a recurring ankle injury.

File:Larry Brown 2005.jpg and the Eastern Conference championship the following season.]]

The Pistons suffered through another tough season in 2000–01, going 32–50 despite Jerry Stackhouse averaging 29.8 points a game.{{cite web|title=2000-01 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2001.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620012637/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2001.html|url-status=live}} After the season, the Pistons fired George Irvine as head coach and hired Rick Carlisle, a widely respected assistant coach who had been a contributor for the Celtics during the mid-1980s.{{cite web|title=Carlisle named Pistons coach|url=http://a.espncdn.com/nba/news/2001/0520/1201914.html|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 27, 2001|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310074132/http://a.espncdn.com/nba/news/2001/0520/1201914.html|url-status=live}} The franchise also returned to its traditional red, white, and blue colors.

Carlisle helped lead the Pistons to their first 50-win season since 1997, and their first playoff series victory since 1991 by defeating the Toronto Raptors in five games.{{cite web|title=2001-02 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2002.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=June 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609160258/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2002.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Stack Comes Through to Help Pistons Move On|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20020502/TORDET/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 2, 2002|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805073059/http://www.nba.com/games/20020502/TORDET/recap.html|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=dead}} They lost, however, to the Boston Celtics in five games.{{cite web|title=Balanced Celtics Wear Down Pistons to Move On|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20020514/BOSDET/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 14, 2002|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213222144/http://www.nba.com/games/20020514/BOSDET/recap.html|archive-date=December 13, 2017|url-status=dead}}

In the 2002 off-season, Joe Dumars revamped the roster by signing free agent Chauncey Billups, acquiring Richard "Rip" Hamilton from the Washington Wizards, and drafting Tayshaun Prince from Kentucky.{{cite web|title=Pistons Sign Free Agent Guard Chauncey Billups|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/billupssign_020717.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 17, 2002|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909000508/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/billupssign_020717.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=PLUS: PRO BASKETBALL; Pistons' Stackhouse Traded to Wizards|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/12/sports/plus-pro-basketball-pistons-stackhouse-traded-to-wizards.html|website=The New York Times|date=September 12, 2002|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=May 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521145941/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/12/sports/plus-pro-basketball-pistons-stackhouse-traded-to-wizards.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=NBA Draft history: 2002 Draft|url=http://www.nba.com/history/draft/2002-draft/|website=NBA.com|date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304205640/http://www.nba.com/history/draft/2002-draft/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019}} The Pistons posted consecutive 50-win seasons and advanced to the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1991.{{cite web|title=2002-03 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2003.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612171931/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2003.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Pistons Slip Past Sixers in OT, Off to Conference Finals|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20030516/DETPHI/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 16, 2003|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310013442/http://www.nba.com/games/20030516/DETPHI/recap.html|archive-date=March 10, 2018|url-status=dead}} There, however, they were swept in four games by the New Jersey Nets.{{cite web|title=Kidd Drives Nets Back to NBA Finals|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20030524/DETNJN/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 24, 2003|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310011446/http://www.nba.com/games/20030524/DETNJN/recap.html|archive-date=March 10, 2018|url-status=dead}}

Despite the team's improvement, Rick Carlisle was fired in the 2003 off-season. There were believed to be five reasons for the firing: first, that Carlisle had appeared reluctant to play some of the team's younger players, such as Prince and Mehmet Okur, during the regular season; second, that some of the players had not gotten along with Carlisle; third, that Carlisle's offense was thought to be conservative; fourth, that Hall of Famer Larry Brown had become available; and fifth, that Carlisle was rumored to have alienated owner Bill Davidson with his personality.{{cite web|first=Ric|last=Bucher|title=No sense trying to explain Carlisle's firing|url=http://a.espncdn.com/nba/columns/bucher_ric/1561441.html|website=ESPN.com|date=June 3, 2003|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611213749/http://a.espncdn.com/nba/columns/bucher_ric/1561441.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Smith|title=Pistons Fire Highly Successful Carlisle, Set Sights On Brown|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2003-06-01-0306010279-story.html|website=Orlando Sentinel|date=June 1, 2003|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921045219/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2003-06-01-0306010279-story.html|url-status=live}} Brown accepted the job that summer.{{cite web|title=Pistons Name Larry Brown as Head Coach|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/brown_headcoach_030602.html|website=Pistons.com|date=June 2, 2003|access-date=June 12, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408103521/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/brown_headcoach_030602.html|url-status=live}}

File:Pistons starting 5.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The starting five of the Pistons' 2004 championship team. (Left-to right: Richard Hamilton, Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Chauncey Billups, and Tayshaun Prince).

rect 1492 308 1895 917 Chauncey Billups

rect 1962 107 2437 934 Tayshaun Prince

rect 67 328 392 1000 Richard Hamilton

poly 766 1002 756 654 1182 210 1300 211 1484 662 1475 1001 Rasheed Wallace

rect 424 357 628 999 Ben Wallace

default none Pistons' Starting five (2004).

desc bottom-left

File:2004 Detroit Pistons congratulated by George Bush.jpg for the team's victory in the 2004 NBA Finals.]]

The Pistons' transformation into a championship team was completed with the February 2004 acquisition of Rasheed Wallace.{{cite web|title=Wallace lands in Detroit in three-team deal|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1739128|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 20, 2004|access-date=June 18, 2017|archive-date=March 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329083646/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1739128|url-status=live}} The Pistons now had another big man to pose a threat from all parts of the court.{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Pinto|title=Top Moments: Pistons shock NBA world, win championship in 2004|url=https://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/2004-pistons-championship|website=NBA.com|date=May 21, 2013|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103150740/https://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/2004-pistons-championship|url-status=live}} The Pistons finished the season 54–28, recording their best record since 1997. In the 2004 playoffs, 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.{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Popper|title=For Pacers' Carlisle, a Grudge Match Minus the Grudge|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/22/sports/pro-basketball-for-pacers-carlisle-a-grudge-match-minus-the-grudge.html|website=The New York Times|date=May 22, 2004|access-date=June 18, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221327/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/22/sports/pro-basketball-for-pacers-carlisle-a-grudge-match-minus-the-grudge.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Pistons Advance to N.B.A. Finals|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/01/sports/basketball/pistons-advance-to-nba-finals.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=June 1, 2004|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318042531/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/01/sports/basketball/pistons-advance-to-nba-finals.html|url-status=live}} Many analysts gave the Pistons little chance to win against their opponent, the Los Angeles Lakers, who had won three out of the previous four NBA championships and who fielded a star-studded lineup that included Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton, and Karl Malone.{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Putterman|title=Experts thought the Lakers would crush the Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals. Not quite...|url=http://thecomeback.com/freezingcoldtakes/nba/everyone-thought-the-lakers-would-crush-the-pistons-in-the-2004-nba-finals-not-quite.html|website=The Comeback|date=June 6, 2017|access-date=June 18, 2017|archive-date=June 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616101948/http://thecomeback.com/freezingcoldtakes/nba/everyone-thought-the-lakers-would-crush-the-pistons-in-the-2004-nba-finals-not-quite.html|url-status=live}} However, the Pistons won the series in dominating fashion, defeating Los Angeles in five games for the team's third NBA championship.{{cite web|title=Pistons Send Lakers Packing, Win Third NBA Title|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20040615/LALDET/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 15, 2004|access-date=June 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321135536/http://www.nba.com/games/20040615/LALDET/recap.html|archive-date=March 21, 2010|url-status=dead}} The Pistons posted double-digit wins in three of their four victories and held the Lakers to a franchise-low 68 points in Game 3.{{cite web|title=Hamilton leads rout with 31 points|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240610008|website=ESPN.com|date=June 11, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421174659/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240610008|archive-date=April 21, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}} Chauncey Billups was named NBA Finals MVP. With the win, Bill Davidson became the first owner to win both an NBA and NHL championship in the same calendar year, as he had also won the Stanley Cup as owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Despite losing key members of their bench during the off-season (including Okur, Mike James and Corliss Williamson), the Pistons were considered a strong contender to win a second consecutive title in 2005.{{cite web|title=2004-05 Season Preview: Detroit Pistons|url=http://www.nba.com/preview2004/det.html|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111134046/https://www.nba.com/preview2004/det.html|archive-date=November 11, 2018|access-date=December 24, 2019}} They won 54 games during the regular season, their fourth consecutive season of 50 or more wins.{{cite web|title=2004-05 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2005.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-date=June 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618210324/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2005.html|url-status=live}} During the 2005 playoffs, they easily defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 4–1 and then rallied from a 2–1 deficit to finish off the Indiana Pacers, 4–2.{{cite web|title=Detroit finishes with a flourish in the fourth|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=250503008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 4, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421140327/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=250503008|archive-date=April 21, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Setting the Pace|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050513/DETIND/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 13, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309132437/http://www.nba.com/games/20050513/DETIND/recap.html|archive-date=March 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Pistons Retire Miller's Pacers; Move On to Face Heat|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050519/DETIND/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 19, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324071505/http://www.nba.com/games/20050519/DETIND/recap.html|archive-date=March 24, 2012|url-status=dead}} In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons faced the Miami Heat. Once again, the Pistons fell behind.{{cite web|title=Heat Take 3-2 Series Lead Despite Losing Wade to Injury|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050602/DETMIA/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 2, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430025614/http://www.nba.com/games/20050602/DETMIA/recap.html|archive-date=April 30, 2008|url-status=dead}} However, they ultimately won the series in seven games.{{cite web|title=Pistons Overcame Heat; Will Defend Title vs. Spurs|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050606/DETMIA/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 6, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119130940/http://www.nba.com/games/20050606/DETMIA/recap.html|archive-date=January 19, 2008|url-status=dead}} In the NBA Finals, the Pistons faced the San Antonio Spurs. After the teams split the first four games of the series, the turning point came at the end of Game 5 in Detroit, which went into overtime. The Pistons were ahead 95–93 when Robert Horry sank the game-winning three-point basket for the Spurs with 5.8 seconds left in the extra session.{{cite web|first=Sekou|last=Smith|title=Top NBA Finals moments: Robert Horry saves day for San Antonio Spurs|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2017/05/10/top-nba-finals-moments-robert-horry-3-pointers-game-5-2005-finals|website=NBA.com|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224150131/https://www.nba.com/article/2017/05/10/top-nba-finals-moments-robert-horry-3-pointers-game-5-2005-finals|url-status=live}} The Pistons fought back to win Game 6 in San Antonio, setting up the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 1994.{{cite web|title=Engine That Won't Quit: Pistons Force Game 7|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050621/DETSAS/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 21, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316032055/http://www.nba.com/games/20050621/DETSAS/recap.html|archive-date=March 16, 2009|url-status=dead}} The Pistons then lost a hard-fought, low-scoring game to the Spurs, who won their third NBA championship since 1999.{{cite web|title=Spurs Dethrone Pistons To Take Third NBA Title|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050623/DETSAS/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 23, 2005|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109163326/http://www.nba.com/games/20050623/DETSAS/recap.html|archive-date=January 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}

The Pistons' 2004–05 season was marked by a major controversy, as well as distracting issues involving Larry Brown.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=hill/091118|title=The Brawl: Were lessons learned?|first=Jemele|last=Hill|date=November 18, 2009|work=ESPN.com|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104061759/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=hill%2F091118|archive-date=November 4, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=The Larry Brown Circus Rolls Out of Detroit|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/325/the-larry-brown-circus-rolls-out-of-detroit|website=ESPN.com|date=July 19, 2005|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113211007/http://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/325/the-larry-brown-circus-rolls-out-of-detroit|url-status=live}} In the first month of the season, the infamous Malice at the Palace erupted between the Pacers and the Pistons, one of the largest fan-player incidents in the history of American sports. It resulted in heavy fines and suspensions for several players and a great deal of NBA and media scrutiny. Meanwhile, Brown was forced to leave the team on two occasions due to health concerns. During this time, he was the subject of a series of rumors linking him to other job openings. Concerned about Brown's health and angered over his alleged pursuit of other jobs during the season, the Pistons bought out his contract soon after the 2005 NBA Finals.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=McCosky|title=Pistons part ways with Brown after two seasons|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pistons/2005-07-19-brown-settlement_x.htm|website=USA Today|agency=The Detroit News|date=July 19, 2005|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612071845/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pistons/2005-07-19-brown-settlement_x.htm|url-status=live}} Brown was promptly named head coach of the New York Knicks, while the Pistons hired Flip Saunders, formerly of the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Pedulla|title=Knicks, Brown make move official|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/knicks/2005-07-27-larry-brown_x.htm|website=USA Today|date=July 27, 2005|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=February 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201002332/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/knicks/2005-07-27-larry-brown_x.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Pistons Name Flip Saunders as Head Coach|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/saunders_050721.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 21, 2005|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=November 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114011017/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/saunders_050721.html|url-status=live}}

File:ChaunceyBillupsWizards.jpg

During the 2005–06 season, the Pistons recorded the NBA's best overall record.{{cite web|title=2006-07 Season Preview: Detroit Pistons|url=http://www.nba.com/preview2006/det.html|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113211226/https://www.nba.com/preview2006/det.html|archive-date=November 13, 2018|access-date=December 24, 2019}} 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.{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Markusen|title='84 Tigers had the best start in the history of the game|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/05/14/84-tigers-best-start-history-game/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=May 14, 2014|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224153638/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/05/14/84-tigers-best-start-history-game/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Five Pistons hit double figures as Detroit wins 11th straight|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260129008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 30, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322193039/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260129008|archive-date=March 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}} Four of the five Pistons starters (Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace) were named to the All-Star team, and Flip Saunders served as the Eastern Conference All-Star team coach.{{cite web|title=Four Pistons Named as Reserves for 2006 NBA All-Star Game|url=http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/reserves_060209.html|website=NBA.com|date=February 9, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113212734/https://www.nba.com/allstar2006/allstar_game/reserves_060209.html|archive-date=November 13, 2018|access-date=December 24, 2019}} The Pistons finished the regular season with a record of 64–18, setting new franchise records for both overall and road victories (27).{{cite web|title=Pistons survive late rally, beat Heat for sixth straight|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260406014|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 6, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422140027/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260406014|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Pistons rout Knicks for franchise-best 64th win|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260416008 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 17, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422141706/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260416008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}} In addition, the team set an NBA record by starting the same lineup in 73 consecutive games from the start of the season.

The top-seeded Pistons defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 4–1 in the first round of the 2006 NBA playoffs, but struggled in the second round against the Cleveland Cavaliers, falling behind 3–2 before winning in seven games.{{cite web|title=Hamilton nets 40 as Pistons oust Bucks from playoffs|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260503008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 4, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422173421/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260503008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}{{cite web|title=LeBron and Co. put Pistons in 3-2 hole|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260517008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 18, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422135659/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260517008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Pistons hold Cavs to lowest point total in a game 7|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260521008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 25, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115225216/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260521008|archive-date=November 15, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}} Things did not improve against the second-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Miami defeated the Pistons in six games en route to the 2006 NBA championship.{{cite web|title=Heat dethrone Pistons, make first NBA Finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260602014|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422141653/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=260602014|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Wade Leads Heat to First NBA Championship|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20060620/MIADAL/recap.html|website=NBA.com|date=June 20, 2006|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201120130/http://www.nba.com/games/20060620/MIADAL/recap.html|archive-date=December 1, 2010|url-status=dead}}

During the off-season, the Pistons offered Ben Wallace a four-year, $48 million contract, which would have made him the highest-paid player in franchise history at the time. However, Wallace agreed to a 4-year, $60 million contract with the Chicago Bulls.{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Ford|title=Ben Wallace makes it official, signs with Bulls|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2508742|website=ESPN.com|date=July 13, 2006|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-date=November 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122215402/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2508742|url-status=live}}

To replace Ben Wallace, the Pistons signed Nazr Mohammed.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2509256|title=Pistons add Mohammed to try to fill Wallace's void|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=July 4, 2006|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117070102/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2509256|url-status=live}} He struggled to fill the team's void at center, however, and the team began looking for additional help. On January 16, 2007, the Pistons signed free agent Chris Webber.{{cite web|title=Pistons Sign Free-Agent Forward/Center Chris Webber|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/pistons_sign_webber_070116.html|website=NBA.com|date=January 16, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117082235/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/pistons_sign_webber_070116.html|url-status=live}} The Pistons quickly began playing better basketball. They were only 21–15 before Webber was acquired; with him, the team went 32–14.{{cite web|title=Webber gets front-row view of Pistons' overtime loss|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270115008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421160558/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270115008|archive-date=April 21, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Van Dusen|title=Home at Last: Remembering Chris Webber's brief run with the Pistons|url=https://detroitsportsnation.com/home-at-last-remembering-chris-webbers-brief-run-with-the-pistons/rake2204/detroit-pistons-news/02/25/2016/62966/|website=Detroit Sports Nation|date=February 25, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422035237/https://detroitsportsnation.com/home-at-last-remembering-chris-webbers-brief-run-with-the-pistons/rake2204/detroit-pistons-news/02/25/2016/62966/|url-status=live}} On April 11, the Pistons clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference, which guaranteed them home-court advantage for first three rounds of the playoffs.{{cite web|title=Billups, Pistons push past Magic, clinch 1st seed in East|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/270411008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111173528/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/270411008|archive-date=November 11, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}}

The Pistons opened the 2007 NBA playoffs with a 4–0 victory over the Orlando Magic, their first playoff series sweep since 1990.{{cite web|title=Pistons overcome poor 4th-quarter shooting to sweep Magic|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270428019|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 29, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422133854/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270428019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}} The team advanced to face the Chicago Bulls, marking the first time that the Central Division rivals had met in the postseason since 1991.{{cite web|title=Second Round Notes: Chicago vs. Detroit|url=https://www.nba.com/media/bulls/detroit_notes_070503.pdf|website=NBA.com|publisher=Chicago Bulls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113212732/https://www.nba.com/media/bulls/detroit_notes_070503.pdf|archive-date=November 13, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}} After winning the first two games by 26 and 21 points, the Pistons overcame a 19-point deficit to win Game 3, 81–74.{{cite web|title=Pistons bury turnover-prone Bulls in Round 2 opener|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270505008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422135848/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270505008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}{{cite web|first=Roscoe|last=Nance|title=Pistons pound on Bulls again for 2-0 series lead|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-07-pistons-bulls-game-2_N.htm|website=USA Today|date=May 7, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809042050/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-07-pistons-bulls-game-2_N.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Billups, Prince spearhead Pistons' comeback win|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270510004|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422134224/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270510004|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}} The Bulls avoided elimination by winning Games 4 and 5, but the Pistons closed out the series, 95–85, in Game 6 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fifth consecutive season.{{cite web|title=Bulls battle back vs. Pistons to avoid sweep|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-13-bulls-pistons-game-4_N.htm|website=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=May 13, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809041743/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-13-bulls-pistons-game-4_N.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Krista|last=Jahnke|title=Bulls one step ahead of Pistons throughout Game 5|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-15-bulls-pistons-game-5_N.htm|website=USA Today|agency=Detroit Free Press|date=May 15, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809040901/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-15-bulls-pistons-game-5_N.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Krista|last=Jahnke|title=Pistons finally eliminate Bulls in Game 6|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-17-pistons-bulls_N.htm|website=USA Today|agency=Detroit Free Press|date=May 17, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809041253/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-05-17-pistons-bulls_N.htm|url-status=live}} In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons faced the Cleveland Cavaliers. After both teams split the first four games of the series, the turning point happened in Game 5. The game is best remembered for LeBron James' performance where he scored the Cavaliers' final 29 of 30 points, including the team's final 25 points, to help defeat the Pistons 109–107 in double overtime.{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Pinto|title=Top Moments: LeBron James dominates Pistons en route to Finals|url=https://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/2007-lebron-pistons-playoffs|website=NBA.com|date=May 20, 2013|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=September 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917223938/http://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/2007-lebron-pistons-playoffs|url-status=live}} The Pistons never recovered as they were eliminated in Game 6, 98–82.{{cite web|title=Gibson's 31 points, James' balanced play puts Cavs in NBA Finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270602005|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 3, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705233029/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270602005|archive-date=July 5, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}}

In the 2007 NBA draft, the Pistons selected Rodney Stuckey with the 15th overall pick and Arron Afflalo with the 27th overall pick.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/draft2007/board.html|title=2007 NBA Draft Board|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307180118/http://www.nba.com/draft2007/board.html|archive-date=March 7, 2009|url-status=dead}} They also re-signed Chauncey Billups to a long-term contract, as well as top prospect Amir Johnson and key reserve Antonio McDyess.{{cite web|title=Pistons Re-Sign Guard Chauncey Billups|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/billups_signs_070711.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119101856/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/billups_signs_070711.html|archive-date=November 19, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2019}}{{cite web|first=Keith|last=Langlois|title=Staying Put|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/ajohnson_070713.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119101852/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/ajohnson_070713.html|archive-date=November 19, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2019}}{{cite web|title=Pistons Ink Forward Antonio McDyess to Contract Extension|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/mcdyesss_070723.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 23, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119101829/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/mcdyesss_070723.html|archive-date=November 19, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2019}} This season marked the 50th anniversary of the franchise in Detroit.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/alltime_team_080318.html|title=Pistons to Name All-Time Team as Part of 50th Season Celebration on April 8|website=NBA.com|date=March 18, 2008|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310031204/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/alltime_team_080318.html|url-status=live}}

At the start of the 2007–08 season, Rasheed Wallace became the Pistons' new center.{{cite web|title=Daily Dime 2007-08 Preview Edition: Detroit Pistons|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-detroitpreview0708|website=ESPN.com|date=October 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902012344/http://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-detroitpreview0708|archive-date=September 2, 2017|access-date=November 13, 2018}} Upon entering his third season, Saunders became the longest-tenured Pistons coach since Chuck Daly.{{cite web|title=Pistons fire head coach Lawrence Frank|url=https://www.foxsports.com/west/story/pistons-fire-head-coach-lawrence-frank-041813|website=Fox Sports|date=April 18, 2013|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=September 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902044905/http://www.foxsports.com/west/story/pistons-fire-head-coach-lawrence-frank-041813|url-status=live}} Detroit finished the season with the second-best record in the league at 59–23.{{cite web|title=2007-08 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101163900/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2008.html|url-status=live}} The Boston Celtics held the first seed, and many speculated that Boston was their main competition in the Eastern Conference.{{cite web|first=John|last=Hollinger|title=Who will win it all? The numbers speak|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=playoffpredictions-080418|website=ESPN.com|date=April 18, 2008|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=September 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902012558/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=playoffpredictions-080418|url-status=live}} In the 2008 NBA playoffs, Detroit started out poorly with a Game 1 loss to the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers and found themselves in a 2–1 deficit.{{cite web|title=76ers limit No. 2 seed Pistons to 35 2nd-half points in Game 1 upset|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280420008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422140113/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280420008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Dalembert spearheads Sixers' stifling defense in Game 3 win|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280425020|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422134255/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280425020|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}} However, the Pistons rallied to defeat the Sixers in six games.{{cite web|title=Strong start boosts Pistons past 76ers, into second round|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280501020|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422140048/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280501020|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}

In the semifinals, the Pistons faced the Orlando Magic. The Pistons rolled out to a Game 1 romp,{{cite web|title=Howard fails to put up big numbers as Billups, Pistons win Game 1|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280503008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422140034/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280503008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}} and won a tight Game 2 amid mild controversy. At the very end of the third quarter, Chauncey Billups hit a three-point field goal that gave the Pistons a three-point lead. However, the clock had stopped shortly into the play. League rules currently prohibit officials from using both instant replay and a timing device to measure how much time has elapsed when a clock malfunctions, nor is a replay from the time of the malfunction onward allowed. The officials estimated that the play took 4.6 seconds, and since there were 5.1 seconds remaining when it began, the field goal was counted. The NBA later admitted that the play actually took 5.7 seconds and the basket should not have counted.{{cite web|title=After review, NBA says Billups' 3-pointer should not have counted|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3384577|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 7, 2008|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-date=March 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321114927/http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3384577|url-status=live}}

In addition to losing Game 3 badly, 111–86, the Pistons also lost all-star point guard and team leader Chauncey Billups to a hamstring injury.{{cite web|title=Lewis leads way as Magic punish Pistons with 3-pointers in Game 3|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280507019|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422135427/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280507019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}} Despite his absence, the Pistons rallied from 15 down in the third quarter to win Game 4 90–89 on a field goal by Tayshaun Prince with just 8.9 seconds to play, taking a 3–1 series lead.{{cite web|title=Hamilton scores 32, Prince nails go-ahead shot to seal Game 4 win|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280510019|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422134117/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280510019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}} Again with Billups sitting on the sideline, they then proceeded to win Game 5 in Detroit, winning the series 4–1.{{cite web|title=Pistons pull away late to advance to 6th straight conference finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280513008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826182952/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280513008|archive-date=August 26, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}}

Detroit advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth straight season, squaring off against the Celtics.{{cite web|title=Pierce, James duke it out as Celtics close out Cavs in Game 7|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280518002|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 19, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202224033/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280518002|archive-date=December 2, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}} This put the 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.{{cite web|title=Reaching Five Consecutive Conference Finals|url=http://www.nba.com/news/5_conf_finals.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=May 17, 2007|access-date=January 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109191131/http://www.nba.com/news/5_conf_finals.html|archive-date=November 9, 2012|url-status=dead}} They lost Game 1 88–79, but won in Game 2 on the road, 103–97, marking the Celtics' first home court loss in the postseason.{{cite web|title=Celtics too much for Pistons as Boston maintains unbeaten record at home|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280520002|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014341/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280520002|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Hamilton's 25 help Pistons derail Celtics, even Eastern finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280522002|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014311/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280522002|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}} Immediately following that, the Celtics won their first road game of the postseason, 94–80, in Game 3.{{cite web|title=Garnett, balanced Celtics stun Pistons for first playoff road win|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280524008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014543/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280524008|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}} Game 4 saw the Pistons win 94–75.{{cite web|title=Celtics have trouble with shot as Pistons send series to Boston tied 2-2|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280526008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014539/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280526008|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}} In the pivotal Game 5 they lost 106–102, despite rallying from 17 points down late in the game.{{cite web|title=Celtics stifle Pistons' Game 5 push on Allen's jumper, free throws|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280528002|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014130/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280528002|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}} In Game 6, the Pistons entered the fourth quarter leading 70–60, but a lack of focus, a poor game from Rasheed Wallace, and a rally-killing turnover by Tayshaun Prince ultimately led to their demise; the Pistons ended their season with an 89–81 loss.

In what would ultimately be a bellwether moment in the franchise's history, Wallace refused to take any post-game questions, simply walking back to the locker room afterwards, aware that Joe Dumars would likely start dismantling the team, saying only, "It's over, man."{{cite web|title=Pierce shoots Celtics to first Finals appearance since '87|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280530008|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014518/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280530008|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}} The Celtics went on to win the 2008 NBA Finals.{{cite web|title=Celtics smash Lakers, bring home 17th NBA championship|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280617002|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403144612/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280617002|archive-date=April 3, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}} On June 3, 2008, the Pistons announced that Saunders would not return as head coach.{{cite news|title=Source: Curry to succeed Saunders as Pistons seek new voice|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3423956|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=June 3, 2008|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221049/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3423956|url-status=live}}

File:Ben Wallace 4104263221 (cropped).jpg

On June 10, 2008, the Pistons hired Michael Curry to be their new head coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/curry_080610.html|title=Pistons Name Michael Curry as Head Coach|website=NBA.com|date=June 10, 2008|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731205403/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/curry_080610.html|url-status=live}} On November 3, 2008, the Pistons traded key members Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to the Denver Nuggets for Allen Iverson.{{cite web|first=Marc|last=Stein|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3679931|title=Denver Nuggets trade Allen Iverson to Detroit Pistons|website=ESPN.com|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731195005/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3679931|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Pistons Acquire Allen Iverson from Denver in Exchange for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/iverson_081103.html|website=NBA.com|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=February 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224144405/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/iverson_081103.html|url-status=live}} McDyess was later waived on November 10 and rejoined the Pistons on December 9.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2008/news/11/10/111008mcdyesswaived.ap/|title=McDyess waived by Nuggets|website=NBA.com|agency=Associated Press|date=November 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113211258/https://www.nba.com/2008/news/11/10/111008mcdyesswaived.ap/|archive-date=November 13, 2018|access-date=December 24, 2019}}{{cite web|title=Pistons Sign Free Agent Antonio McDyess|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/mcdyess_081209.html|website=NBA.com|date=December 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119100749/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/mcdyess_081209.html|archive-date=November 19, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2019}} The trade was marked as the start of a new rebuilding process due to Iverson's free agent status at the end of the season. Indeed, Joe Dumars previously made it clear that no player on the team was guaranteed a position, bluntly saying they lost their sacred cow status.{{cite web|title=Dumars puts players on notice|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-06-04-0806040138-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=June 4, 2008|access-date=January 20, 2022|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120134104/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-06-04-0806040138-story.html|url-status=live}}

The season was marked with many controversies and injuries.{{cite web|first=Mitch|last=Lawrence|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/pistons-sputter-swapping-chauncey-billups-allen-iverson-article-1.393447|title=Lawrence: Pistons sputter since Iverson trade|website=New York Daily News|date=March 1, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221245/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/pistons-sputter-swapping-chauncey-billups-allen-iverson-article-1.393447|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Marc|last=Stein|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4602452|title=Richard Hamilton of Detroit Pistons echoes Allen Iverson on problems with ex-coach Michael Curry|website=ESPN.com|date=October 28, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221403/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4602452|url-status=live}} As a result of this and poor play, the Pistons dropped down the standings, only clinching a playoff berth on April 10, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290410008|title=Youthful Nets falter as Pistons clinch eighth straight playoff appearance|website=ESPN.com|date=April 11, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221327/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290410008|url-status=live}} The Pistons finished the season at 39–43, their first losing season in eight years.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290413008|title=Piston confined to eighth seed after Gordon's layup in final ticks breaks tie|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422133926/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290413008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290415014|title=Wade wins scoring title as Heat finish season with OT victory|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422135922/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290415014|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}} The Pistons were then swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games in the first round of the 2009 NBA playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290426008|title=LeBron takes control as Cavaliers sweep up Pistons|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422173210/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290426008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}} On June 30, 2009, Curry was fired as head coach.{{cite web|first=A. Sherrod|last=Blakely|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2009/06/pistons_head_coach_michael_cur.html|title=Pistons fire coach Michael Curry after one season|website=MLive|date=June 30, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011655/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2009/06/pistons_head_coach_michael_cur.html|url-status=live}} Iverson signed with the Memphis Grizzlies during the off-season.{{cite web|title=Allen Iverson officially joins Memphis Grizzlies|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4462209|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=September 10, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221407/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4462209|url-status=live}}

In the off-season, the Pistons reached an agreement with former Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon on a five-year/$55 million contract, as well as an agreement with former Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva on a five-year contract worth $35 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/gordon_villanueva_090708.html|title=Pistons Sign Free Agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva|website=NBA.com|date=July 8, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805225623/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/gordon_villanueva_090708.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4314591|title=NBA free agents: Detroit Pistons sign Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 8, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805222334/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4314591|url-status=live}} That same month, the Pistons lost their two key members during the last few years, veterans Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess.{{cite web|first=J.A.|last=Adande|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4307834|title=NBA free agents: Agent: Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace to sign with Boston Celtics|website=ESPN.com|date=July 6, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221730/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4307834|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4314974|title=NBA free agents: Antonio McDyess chooses San Antonio Spurs|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=July 8, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628001243/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4314974|url-status=live}} On July 8, 2009, the Pistons hired former Cavaliers assistant coach John Kuester to be the new head coach.{{cite web|first=Marc|last=Stein|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4311090|title=Sources: John Kuester of Cleveland Cavaliers to be Detroit Pistons' coach|website=ESPN.com|date=July 8, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221852/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4311090|url-status=live}} The Pistons later re-signed Ben Wallace on August 12, 2009.{{cite web|title=Pistons Sign Free Agent Center Ben Wallace|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/wallace_090812.html|website=NBA.com|date=August 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106054123/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/wallace_090812.html|archive-date=January 6, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2019}}

Despite these changes, the team regressed even further, as they were hampered by setbacks and injuries.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Poll: If no more roster moves are made, how good will the Pistons be this season?|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2010/07/poll_if_no_more_roster_moves_a.html|website=MLive|date=July 29, 2010|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011659/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2010/07/poll_if_no_more_roster_moves_a.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Aschburner|title=Villanueva vows to make up for poor debut in Detroit|url=https://www.nba.com/seasonpreview/2010/DET/|website=NBA.com|date=October 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310013432/https://www.nba.com/seasonpreview/2010/DET/|archive-date=March 10, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}} On March 23, 2010, the Pistons were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Indiana Pacers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300323008|title=Pacers sweep season series vs. Pistons|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623061819/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300323008|archive-date=June 23, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}} The Pistons finished with a 27–55 record, their worst since 1994.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300414016|title=Pistons hand Timberwolves franchise record-tying 67th loss|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623061826/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300414016|archive-date=June 23, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}} Another 50-loss season, this time finishing at 30–52, led to the firing of Kuester at the end of the 2010–11 season; he had gotten into several disputes with the players, culminating with a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on February 25, 2011, where it was reported several players staged a protest that morning during shootaround; Kuester responded by benching all those involved, and the animosity was so high that some of the benched players could be seen laughing in response to his ejection from the game late in the first half.{{cite web|title=Sources: Some Pistons AWOL in protest|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6159298|website=ESPN.com|date=February 25, 2011|access-date=March 19, 2025|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203031754/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6159298|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Pistons coach John Kuester can't survive much longer with team in constant turmoil|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2011/02/post_13.html|website=MLive|date=February 26, 2011|access-date=March 19, 2025|archive-date=March 19, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319024956/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2011/02/post_13.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Rachel|last=Shuster|title=Pistons fire coach John Kuester after two seasons|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pistons/2011-06-05-coach-kuester-fired_N.htm|website=USA Today|date=June 5, 2011|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=July 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719181246/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pistons/2011-06-05-coach-kuester-fired_N.htm|url-status=live}}

File:Andre Drummond vs Wizards 2014.jpg was selected by the Pistons with the ninth overall pick in 2012 NBA draft.]]

On April 7, 2011, Karen Davidson, the widow of the late Bill Davidson, reached a long-awaited agreement to sell the franchise to billionaire Tom Gores, which was approved by the NBA Board of Governors in May. The deal also included The Palace of Auburn Hills and DTE Energy Music Theatre.{{cite press release|title=Karen Davidson and Tom Gores Reach Agreement on Sale of Detroit Pistons|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/gores_110408.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=April 8, 2011|access-date=May 16, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805164754/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/gores_110408.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Detroit Pistons Sold To Billionaire Tom Gores|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/detroit-pistons-sold_n_846778|work=HuffPost|date=April 8, 2011|access-date=January 23, 2012|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729201644/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/detroit-pistons-sold_n_846778|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Langlois|first=Keith|title=NBA Approves Tom Gores|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/gores_110531.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=May 31, 2011|access-date=May 16, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215201025/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/gores_110531.html|url-status=live}} According to Crain's Detroit Business, the final sale price was $325 million, far lower than expected.{{cite news|first=Bill|last=Shea|title='Shocking' bargain: Gores pays $325 million for Pistons|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110605/FREE/306059954/shocking-bargain-gores-pays-325-million-for-pistons|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=June 5, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222214136/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110605/FREE/306059954/shocking-bargain-gores-pays-325-million-for-pistons|archivedate=December 22, 2020|access-date=November 13, 2018}} In the 2011 NBA draft, the Pistons selected Brandon Knight, Kyle Singler and Vernon Macklin.{{cite web|title=2011 NBA Draft|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2011.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 19, 2019|archive-date=January 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111024418/http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2011.html|url-status=live}}

Prior to the start of the 2011–12 season, the Pistons made several leadership changes, including appointing Dennis Mannion as president of the franchise and Palace Sports & Entertainment.{{cite web|first=Brendan|last=Savage|title=Dennis Mannion named president of Detroit Pistons, Palace Sports & Entertainment|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2011/09/dennis_mannion_named_president.html|website=MLive|date=September 6, 2011|access-date=June 19, 2019|archive-date=June 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619182700/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2011/09/dennis_mannion_named_president.html|url-status=live}} The team decided to hire Lawrence Frank as the head coach.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons hire Lawrence Frank as new head coach|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2011/07/pistons_hire_frank_as_new_head.html|website=MLive|agency=Associated Press|date=July 29, 2011|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011657/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2011/07/pistons_hire_frank_as_new_head.html|url-status=live}} The 2011–12 season was an improvement from previous years for the Pistons, although they still posted a losing record. While they started the season 4–20, they won half their remaining games to finish a lockout-shortened season with a record of 25–41.{{cite web|first=Noah|last=Trister|title=Pistons show improvement, but rebuilding continues|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/pistons-show-improvement-but-rebuilding-continues/article_e82d61a2-64b9-52a0-b13e-1f141fd3a19e.html|website=The Oakland Press|agency=Associated Press|date=April 28, 2012|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827173931/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/pistons-show-improvement-but-rebuilding-continues/article_e82d61a2-64b9-52a0-b13e-1f141fd3a19e.html|url-status=live}} The team continued to build its young core with the drafting of the talented center Andre Drummond.{{cite web|first=David|last=Mayo|title=NBA Draft 2012: Detroit Pistons select Andre Drummond with No. 9 overall pick|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2012/06/nba_draft_2012_detroit_pistons_1.html|website=MLive|date=June 29, 2012|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011701/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2012/06/nba_draft_2012_detroit_pistons_1.html|url-status=live}}

Following the 2012–13 season, Frank was fired as head coach on April 18, 2013, after two losing seasons,{{cite web|first=Marc|last=Stein|title=Lawrence Frank fired by Detroit Pistons|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9186721/lawrence-frank-fired-detroit-pistons-sources|website=ESPN.com|date=April 18, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113210923/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9186721/lawrence-frank-fired-detroit-pistons-sources|url-status=live}} and on June 10, 2013, the Pistons hired former player and coach Maurice Cheeks.{{cite web|title=Pistons hire Cheeks as coach|url=https://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/detroit-pistons-hire-maurice-cheeks-as-new-head-coach-philadelphia-76ers-portland-trailblazers-061013|website=Fox Sports|date=June 10, 2013|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=December 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225091852/https://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/detroit-pistons-hire-maurice-cheeks-as-new-head-coach-philadelphia-76ers-portland-trailblazers-061013|url-status=live}} His tenure lasted for just a bit more than half a season, as he was replaced by interim coach John Loyer.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons Relieve Maurice Cheeks of Head Coaching Duties|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-relieve-maurice-cheeks-head-coaching-duties|website=NBA.com|date=February 9, 2014|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224155614/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-relieve-maurice-cheeks-head-coaching-duties|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=David|last=Mayo|title=Pistons owner Tom Gores: Poor progress under Mo Cheeks; John Loyer interim coach|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2014/02/pistons_owner_tom_gores_poor_p.html|website=MLive|date=February 9, 2014|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011640/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2014/02/pistons_owner_tom_gores_poor_p.html|url-status=live}} In April, the Pistons announced that Joe Dumars would step down as president of basketball operations but remain as an advisor to the organization and its ownership team.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons Announce Organizational Changes|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-announce-organizational-changes|website=NBA.com|date=April 14, 2014|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206074333/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-announce-organizational-changes|url-status=live}} On May 14, 2014, Stan Van Gundy was hired. Van Gundy signed a 5-year, $35 million contract to become the head coach and president of basketball operations for the team.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons Name Stan Van Gundy Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-name-stan-van-gundy-head-coach-and-president-basketball-operations|website=NBA.com|date=May 14, 2014|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-date=June 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626055524/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-name-stan-van-gundy-head-coach-and-president-basketball-operations|url-status=live}}

After starting the 2014–15 season with a 5–23 record, the Pistons waived Josh Smith, who was acquired in the summer of 2013.{{cite press release|title=Pistons waive Josh Smith|url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/12/22/pistons-waive-josh-smith/index.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=December 22, 2014|access-date=November 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216105011/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/12/22/pistons-waive-josh-smith/index.html|archive-date=February 16, 2015|url-status=dead}} The team went on a lengthy winning streak, but finished the season with a record of only 32–50 after Brandon Jennings' Achilles injury.{{cite web|first=Jakub|last=Rudnik|title=What We Learned About the Detroit Pistons During the 2014-15 NBA Season|url=https://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/2457892-what-we-learned-about-the-detroit-pistons-during-the-2014-15-nba-season|website=Bleacher Report|date=May 8, 2015|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010736/http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/2457892-what-we-learned-about-the-detroit-pistons-during-the-2014-15-nba-season|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=2014-15 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2015.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=June 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624021049/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2015.html|url-status=live}}

In the 2015 off-season, Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy began to change the roster by making such acquisitions as Ersan İlyasova, Marcus Morris, Aron Baynes, and Steve Blake.{{cite web|first=Terry|last=Foster|title=Pistons get Ersan Ilyasova from Bucks for Butler, Williams|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/06/11/report-pistons-get-ersan-ilyasova-from-bucks/71079300/|website=The Detroit News|date=June 11, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806020321/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/06/11/report-pistons-get-ersan-ilyasova-from-bucks/71079300/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first1=James|last1=Jahnke|first2=Vince|last2=Ellis|title=Pistons get small forward Marcus Morris in trade with Suns|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/07/02/detroit-pistons-phoenix-suns-trade/29632765/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=July 2, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805230325/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/07/02/detroit-pistons-phoenix-suns-trade/29632765/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first1=James|last1=Jahnke|first2=Vince|last2=Ellis|title=Pistons agree to deal with Spurs center Baynes|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/07/02/aron-baynes-detroit-pistons/29624025/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=July 3, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805220704/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/07/02/aron-baynes-detroit-pistons/29624025/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Ellis|title=Pistons acquire Steve Blake for insurance at point|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/07/13/detroit-pistons-trade-steve-blake/30114459/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=July 13, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805223312/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/07/13/detroit-pistons-trade-steve-blake/30114459/|url-status=live}} They also drafted rookie Stanley Johnson with the eighth pick in the 2015 NBA draft and re-signed point guard Reggie Jackson.{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Ellis|title=Pistons draft Johnson No. 8: 'We love Stanley's skills'|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/06/25/stanley-johnson-detroit-pistons-nba-draft/29306599/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=June 26, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805222727/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/06/25/stanley-johnson-detroit-pistons-nba-draft/29306599/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Windhorst|title=Sources: Reggie Jackson re-signs with Pistons on 5-year, $80M contract|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13204357/reggie-jackson-detroit-pistons-agree-five-year-80-million-contract|website=ESPN.com|date=July 6, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221408/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13204357/reggie-jackson-detroit-pistons-agree-five-year-80-million-contract|url-status=live}} The Pistons entered the 2015–16 season with a stronger roster than the previous season, although they lost starter Greg Monroe to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency.{{cite web|first=Ohm|last=Youngmisuk|title=Greg Monroe chooses maximum deal with Bucks|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13186937/greg-monroe-chooses-maximum-contract-milwaukee-bucks|website=ESPN.com|date=July 2, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=May 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517060316/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13186937/greg-monroe-chooses-maximum-contract-milwaukee-bucks|url-status=live}} Andre Drummond started the season strong, earning consecutive Eastern Conference Player of the Week awards for the weeks of November 1 and 8.{{cite web|first=Rod|last=Beard|title=Pistons' Drummond named Eastern Conference player of the week|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/11/02/pistons-drummond-named-eastern-conference-player-week/75060632/|website=The Detroit News|date=November 2, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221900/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/11/02/pistons-drummond-named-eastern-conference-player-week/75060632/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Andre Drummond Named Eastern Conference Player of the Week|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/andre-drummond-named-eastern-conference-player-week-0/|website=NBA.com|date=November 9, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=June 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621001407/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/andre-drummond-named-eastern-conference-player-week-0|url-status=live}}

The Pistons entered the All-Star break at 27–27.{{cite web|title=Nuggets hold off short-handed Pistons 103-92|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828681|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422173519/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828681|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}} The Pistons surpassed their win totals from the 2009–10 season to the 2014–15 season on March 9, 2016, when they defeated the Dallas Mavericks 102–96.{{cite web|title=Morris, Drummond help Pistons beat Mavericks 102-96|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828841|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031213936/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828841|archive-date=October 31, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}} On April 6, 2016, following a 108–104 win over the Orlando Magic, the Pistons reached 42 wins and were assured their first winning season since the 2007–08 season.{{cite web|title=Pistons use strong second half to get past Magic 108-104|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/400829053|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114060424/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/400829053|archive-date=November 14, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}} On April 8, 2016, the Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards 112–99 and clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2009.{{cite web|title=Pistons head to playoffs for 1st time in 7 years with win over Wizards|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/400829069|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114060549/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/400829069|archive-date=November 14, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}} The eighth-seeded Pistons faced the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 2016 NBA playoffs. They were swept in four games in a highly competitive series.{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Pemberton|title=Pistons hoping to build on sweep by Cavaliers|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/pistons-hoping-to-build-on-sweep-by-cavaliers/article_3269b883-7012-5e09-866c-dc5fe36dcde2.html|website=The Oakland Press|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=November 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114223945/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/pistons-hoping-to-build-on-sweep-by-cavaliers/article_3269b883-7012-5e09-866c-dc5fe36dcde2.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Ellis|title=Cleveland 100, Detroit 98: Pistons one shot short, swept by Cavaliers|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/04/24/detroit-pistons-cleveland-cavaliers-game-4/83483378/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=April 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406142237/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/04/24/detroit-pistons-cleveland-cavaliers-game-4/83483378/|url-status=live}}

File:New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons December 2021 06 (opening tip).jpg]]

Beginning with the 1978–79 season, the Pistons played their home games in suburban Oakland County, directly north of Detroit/Wayne County, first playing ten seasons at the Pontiac Silverdome and then playing at The Palace of Auburn Hills starting in the 1988–89 season.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Shea|title=After 29 years, Pistons say goodbye to the Palace tonight|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170410/NEWS/170419988/after-29-years-pistons-say-goodbye-to-the-palace-tonight|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=April 10, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308235331/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170410/NEWS/170419988/after-29-years-pistons-say-goodbye-to-the-palace-tonight|archivedate=March 8, 2021|access-date=June 27, 2017}}{{cite web|first=Rod|last=Beard|title=Pistons' fight back falls short in Palace finale|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/04/10/pistons-rally-falls-short-last-game-palace/100313978/|website=The Detroit News|date=April 11, 2017|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-date=June 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613152842/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/04/10/pistons-rally-falls-short-last-game-palace/100313978/|url-status=live}} Pistons owner Tom Gores, Palace Sports & Entertainment vice chairman Arn Tellum, and Olympia Entertainment, the Ilitch family's holding company that controls the Red Wings and Tigers, had been in negotiations over a partnership since the summer of 2015, with the Pistons possibly relocating to the new Little Caesars Arena as soon as the 2017–18 season. Talks intensified just as the Pistons were set to open their 2016–17 season, and as part of the terms of the agreement, there was discussion of a possible merger between Olympia and PS&E.{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Ellis|title=Gores: Pistons 'very close' to move downtown, and soon|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/10/28/detroit-pistons-move-downtown-tom-gores/92911674/|website=Detroit Free Press|publisher=Gannett Company|date=October 29, 2016|access-date=October 29, 2016|archive-date=October 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030142002/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/10/28/detroit-pistons-move-downtown-tom-gores/92911674/|url-status=live}} Also contingent on a finalized agreement, the Pistons were looking for a parcel of land in the arena's vicinity to build a new practice facility and team headquarters.{{cite web|first=Gregg|last=Krupa|title=The final period begins for Joe Louis Arena|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2016/10/17/final-period-begins-joe-louis-arena/92218854/|website=The Detroit News|date=October 17, 2016|access-date=November 1, 2016|archive-date=April 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419043239/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2016/10/17/final-period-begins-joe-louis-arena/92218854/|url-status=live}} The leasing agreement/partnership needed both city and league approval to be finalized.{{cite web|first=Derick|last=Hutchinson|url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2016/10/27/detroit-pistons-finalizing-deal-to-move-downtown-sources-say/|title=Detroit Pistons finalizing deal to move downtown, sources say|website=ClickOnDetroit.com|publisher=Graham Media Group|date=October 26, 2016|access-date=October 30, 2016|archive-date=July 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724124638/https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2016/10/27/detroit-pistons-finalizing-deal-to-move-downtown-sources-say/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Ellis|title=Detroit Pistons hammering out 2 key issues for downtown arena move|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/10/26/detroit-pistons-move-downtown/92770520/|website=Detroit Free Press|publisher=Gannett Company|date=October 26, 2016|access-date=October 29, 2016|archive-date=October 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029120011/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/10/26/detroit-pistons-move-downtown/92770520/|url-status=live}}

On November 22, 2016, the Pistons officially announced their intention to move to Little Caesars Arena, and the site of The Palace of Auburn Hills was to be redeveloped and sold, with the arena likely to be demolished as part of the redevelopment.{{cite news|title=Pistons to Move to Downtown Detroit|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/pistons-move-downtown-detroit|website=NBA.com|date=November 22, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123061457/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/pistons-move-downtown-detroit|archivedate=November 23, 2016|access-date=November 24, 2016}} The last remaining NBA franchise to play in a suburban location, the Pistons ended their 39-year stay in Oakland County.{{cite web|first=Dustin|last=Block|title=Dan Gilbert: All 30 NBA arenas now in urban cores|url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2016/11/22/dan-gilbert-all-30-nba-arenas-now-in-urban-cores/|website=ClickOnDetroit.com|date=November 22, 2016|access-date=June 10, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729215520/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2016/11/22/dan-gilbert-all-30-nba-arenas-now-in-urban-cores/|url-status=live}}

On June 20, 2017, Detroit City Council approved the Pistons' move to Little Caesars Arena.{{cite web|first=Katrease|last=Stafford|title=Detroit City Council OKs $34.5M public funding for Pistons move|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2017/06/20/detroit-pistons-council-downtown/411786001/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=June 20, 2017|access-date=August 3, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804020321/http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2017/06/20/detroit-pistons-council-downtown/411786001/|url-status=live}} On August 3, 2017, the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the move, which made it official.{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Ellis|title=NBA gives approval for Pistons move downtown|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/08/03/nba-approves-detroit-pistons-move-downtown/536859001/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=August 3, 2017|access-date=August 3, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804013235/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/08/03/nba-approves-detroit-pistons-move-downtown/536859001/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Shea|title=NBA owners approve Pistons move to downtown Detroit|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170803/news/635551/nba-owners-approve-pistons-move-to-downtown-detroit|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=August 3, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729224501/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170803/news/635551/nba-owners-approve-pistons-move-to-downtown-detroit|archivedate=July 29, 2020|access-date=August 3, 2017}} The move made Detroit the only U.S. city to have its Major League Baseball (MLB), National Football League (NFL), NBA, and NHL teams playing in its downtown district, and one of only two U.S. cities to have all their teams playing in one place, the other being Philadelphia.{{cite web|first=Dustin|last=Block|title=Pistons move makes Detroit only North American city with 4 pro teams in its downtown|url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2016/11/22/pistons-move-makes-detroit-only-north-american-city-with-4-pro-teams-in-its-downtown/|website=ClickOnDetroit.com|date=November 22, 2016|access-date=February 4, 2018|archive-date=July 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724123744/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2016/11/22/pistons-move-makes-detroit-only-north-american-city-with-4-pro-teams-in-its-downtown/|url-status=live}}

On January 29, 2018, the Pistons announced they had 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2018/01/30/detroit-pistons-acquire-griffin-harris-bradley-marjanovic-release|title=Detroit Pistons acquire Blake Griffin, Willie Reed, Brice Johnson from LA Clippers|work=NBA.com|date=January 30, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=January 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130145547/http://www.nba.com/article/2018/01/30/detroit-pistons-acquire-griffin-harris-bradley-marjanovic-release|url-status=live}}

The Pistons finished the 2017–18 season with a 39–43 record. They missed the playoffs for the eighth time in ten years.{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Ellis|title=Detroit Pistons save best for last in season finale win at Chicago, 119-87|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2018/04/11/detroit-pistons-chicago-bulls-score/509435002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 11, 2018|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-date=April 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412071613/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2018/04/11/detroit-pistons-chicago-bulls-score/509435002/|url-status=live}} On May 7, 2018, the Pistons announced that Stan Van Gundy would not return as head coach and president of basketball operations.{{cite web |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2018/05/07/detroit-pistons-stan-van-gundy/518825002/ |title=Detroit Pistons part ways with Stan Van Gundy, seek new direction |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |first=Vince |last=Ellis |date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2018 |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729221931/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2018/05/07/detroit-pistons-stan-van-gundy/518825002/ |url-status=live }} On June 11, 2018, Dwane Casey was hired by the Pistons to be their new head coach, agreeing to a five-year deal.{{cite web|first=Rod|last=Beard|title=Dwane Casey agrees to five-year deal to become Pistons coach|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2018/06/11/detroit-pistons-agree-hire-dwane-casey-head-coach/690623002/|website=The Detroit News|date=June 11, 2018|access-date=June 11, 2018|archive-date=February 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209153444/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2018/06/11/detroit-pistons-agree-hire-dwane-casey-head-coach/690623002/|url-status=live}} The Pistons finished the 2018–19 season with a 41–41 record, clinching a playoff spot as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.{{cite web|first=Rod|last=Beard|title=Pistons clinch spot in postseason with win over Knicks|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2019/04/10/pistons-clinch-spot-postseason-win-over-knicks/3431709002/|website=The Detroit News|date=April 10, 2019|access-date=April 23, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423150732/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2019/04/10/pistons-clinch-spot-postseason-win-over-knicks/3431709002/|url-status=live}} In the first round of the 2019 NBA playoffs, the Pistons were swept in four games by the Milwaukee Bucks, setting an NBA record for the most consecutive playoff losses with 14.{{cite web|first=Rod|last=Beard|title=Broomed and gloom: Pistons start strong, still swept by Bucks|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2019/04/22/broomed-and-gloom-pistons-start-strong-still-swept-bucks/3545927002/|website=The Detroit News|date=April 22, 2019|access-date=April 23, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423145231/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2019/04/22/broomed-and-gloom-pistons-start-strong-still-swept-bucks/3545927002/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Noah|last=Trister|title=Pistons by swept by Bucks; set NBA record for most consecutive playoff losses|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/pistons/pistons-by-swept-by-bucks-set-nba-record-for-most/article_4d1af77a-6576-11e9-8cf8-e383eaab9f2f.html|website=The Oakland Press|agency=Associated Press|date=April 22, 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423151243/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/pistons/pistons-by-swept-by-bucks-set-nba-record-for-most/article_4d1af77a-6576-11e9-8cf8-e383eaab9f2f.html|archivedate=April 23, 2019|access-date=April 23, 2019}}

On March 11, 2020, the 2019–20 season was suspended by the NBA after it was reported that Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.{{cite web|title=NBA to suspend season following Wednesday's games|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2020/03/11/nba-suspend-season-following-wednesdays-games|website=NBA.com|date=March 11, 2020|access-date=June 5, 2020|archive-date=March 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312022654/https://www.nba.com/article/2020/03/11/nba-suspend-season-following-wednesdays-games|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Tim|last=Reynolds|title=NBA suspends season until further notice, over coronavirus|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2020/03/11/nba-suspends-season-virus-outbreak-ap|website=NBA.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 11, 2020|access-date=June 5, 2020|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003051714/https://www.nba.com/article/2020/03/11/nba-suspends-season-virus-outbreak-ap|url-status=live}} On June 4, 2020, the season came to an end for the Pistons when the NBA Board of Governors approved a plan that would restart the season with 22 teams returning to play in the NBA bubble on July 31, 2020, which was approved by the National Basketball Players Association the next day.{{cite web|title=NBA Board of Governors approves competitive format to restart 2019-20 season with 22 teams returning to play|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2020/06/04/board-of-governors-approves-nba-return-official-release|website=NBA.com|date=June 4, 2020|access-date=June 5, 2020|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612050333/https://www.nba.com/article/2020/06/04/board-of-governors-approves-nba-return-official-release|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Adrian|last=Wojnarowski|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29272443/sources-nbpa-reps-approve-22-team-format-finish-season|title=NBPA reps vote to approve 22-team format to finish season|website=ESPN.com|date=June 5, 2020|access-date=June 6, 2020|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713005037/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29272443/sources-nbpa-reps-approve-22-team-format-finish-season|url-status=live}} The Pistons finished the season with a 20–46 record.{{cite web|first=Luke|last=McGrath|title=NBA set to restart season — without Detroit Pistons|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/sports/nba-set-restart-season-without-detroit-pistons|website=Crain's Detroit Business|agency=Bloomberg L.P.|date=June 5, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308220332/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/sports/nba-set-restart-season-without-detroit-pistons|archivedate=March 8, 2021|access-date=June 5, 2020}}

File:Cunningham 2022.jpg was selected first overall in the 2021 NBA draft.]]

On June 18, 2020, the Pistons hired Troy Weaver as the new general manager.{{cite web|title=Pistons hire Troy Weaver as new GM|url=https://www.nba.com/news/reports-pistons-hire-weaver-gm|website=NBA.com|date=June 18, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182412/https://www.nba.com/news/reports-pistons-hire-weaver-gm|url-status=live}} The Pistons finished the 2020–21 season with the second-worst record in the league at 20–52, missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season. The 20 wins were also tied for the second-fewest in franchise history at the time.{{cite web|first=Omari|last=Sankofa II|title=Detroit Pistons secure second-best odds in NBA draft lottery with 120-107 loss to Heat|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2021/05/16/detroit-pistons-score-miami-heat-nba-draft-lottery/5124021001/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=May 16, 2021|access-date=July 1, 2021|archive-date=June 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623035225/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2021/05/16/detroit-pistons-score-miami-heat-nba-draft-lottery/5124021001/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Rod|last=Beard|title=Pistons scorched by Heat in finale, finish with second-worst record at 20-52|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2021/05/16/detroit-pistons-scorched-miami-heat-finale-finish-second-worst-record/5119593001/|website=The Detroit News|date=May 16, 2021|access-date=July 1, 2021|archive-date=June 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615213304/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2021/05/16/detroit-pistons-scorched-miami-heat-finale-finish-second-worst-record/5119593001/|url-status=live}} In the 2021 NBA draft, the Pistons selected Cade Cunningham with the first overall pick.{{cite web|first=Aaron|last=Beard|title=Detroit Pistons grab Cade Cunningham at No. 1 in NBA draft|url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-nba-basketball-nba-draft-detroit-pistons-bd83dcc8efc44bfa6a40a46683ed5f85|website=Associated Press|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=April 11, 2022|archive-date=April 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411113633/https://apnews.com/article/sports-nba-basketball-nba-draft-detroit-pistons-bd83dcc8efc44bfa6a40a46683ed5f85|url-status=live}} The Pistons finished the 2021–22 season at 23–59, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season.{{cite web|first=Omari|last=Sankofa II|title=Detroit Pistons end with 118-106 loss to Philadelphia 76ers, nail down No. 3 lottery odds|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2022/04/10/detroit-pistons-score-philadelphia-76-ers/9536294002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 10, 2022|access-date=September 17, 2022|archive-date=September 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172315/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2022/04/10/detroit-pistons-score-philadelphia-76-ers/9536294002/|url-status=live}}

With the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, the Pistons selected Jaden Ivey. Later in the first round, the Pistons acquired Jalen Duren via a trade with the New York Knicks.{{Cite web |title=NBA 2022 Draft Prospects |url=https://www.nba.com/draft/2022/team-profiles/2022-detroit-pistons |access-date=July 31, 2022 |website=NBA.com |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802002559/https://www.nba.com/draft/2022/team-profiles/2022-detroit-pistons |url-status=live }} The Pistons finished the 2022–23 season with the worst overall record in NBA and third-worst in franchise history at 17–65.{{cite web|first=Omari|last=Sankofa II|title=Detroit Pistons whacked 103-81 by Chicago Bulls in Dwane Casey's final game as coach|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2023/04/09/detroit-pistons-nba-game-bulls-dwane-casey/70096921007/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 9, 2023|access-date=April 9, 2023|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409211159/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2023/04/09/detroit-pistons-nba-game-bulls-dwane-casey/70096921007/|url-status=live}} It was their first 60-loss season since 1993–94.{{cite web|first=Sean|last=Corp|title=Detroit Pistons in danger of historic franchise futility mark|url=https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2023/3/30/23662993/detroit-pistons-worst-team-in-franchise-history-maybe|website=Detroit Bad Boys|date=March 30, 2023|access-date=April 9, 2023|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409213104/https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2023/3/30/23662993/detroit-pistons-worst-team-in-franchise-history-maybe|url-status=live}} After the last game of the season on April 9, 2023, Dwane Casey stepped down as head coach to join the front office. On June 2, 2023, Monty Williams was hired by the Pistons to be their new head coach.{{cite web|title=DETROIT PISTONS NAME MONTY WILLIAMS AS HEAD COACH|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-name-monty-williams-as-head-coach|website=NBA.com|date=June 2, 2023|access-date=June 3, 2023|archive-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619074521/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-name-monty-williams-as-head-coach|url-status=live}}

After the Pistons started the 2023–24 season with a 2–1 record, they lost a franchise-record 28 games in a row from October 30 to December 30, the longest single-season losing streak and tied for the longest losing streak overall in NBA history.{{cite web|first=Omari|last=Sankofa II|title=Cade Cunningham helps Detroit Pistons bust 28-game losing skid with 129-127 win vs. Raptors|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2023/12/30/detroit-pistons-losing-streak-nba-cade-cunningham-toronto-raptors-game/72068823007/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=December 30, 2023|access-date=January 1, 2024|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231025043/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2023/12/30/detroit-pistons-losing-streak-nba-cade-cunningham-toronto-raptors-game/72068823007/|url-status=live}} They became the thirteenth team in NBA history to have a winless month, going 0–15 in November.{{Cite web|first=Sam|last=Quinn|title=Pistons become 13th team in NBA history to go winless for an entire calendar month with 16th straight loss|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/pistons-become-13th-team-in-nba-history-to-go-winless-for-an-entire-calendar-month-with-16th-straight-loss/|date=December 1, 2023|access-date=January 1, 2024|website=CBS Sports|archive-date=December 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222132413/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/pistons-become-13th-team-in-nba-history-to-go-winless-for-an-entire-calendar-month-with-16th-straight-loss/|url-status=live}} On March 9, 2024, the Pistons were officially eliminated from playoff contention for the fifth consecutive season.{{cite web|first=Jared|last=Ramsey|title=Troy Weaver has heated argument with Pistons fan: 'You're lucky I don't beat your ass'|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2024/03/10/troy-weaver-fan-detroit-pistons-game/72922769007/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=March 10, 2024|access-date=March 10, 2024|archive-date=March 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310210733/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2024/03/10/troy-weaver-fan-detroit-pistons-game/72922769007/|url-status=live}} The Pistons finished with the worst overall record in the NBA for the second consecutive season and worst in franchise history at 14–68.{{cite web|first=Marlowe|last=Alter|title=NBA draft lottery odds 2024: Detroit Pistons guaranteed another top 5 pick|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2024/04/14/detroit-pistons-nba-draft-lottery-odds-2024/73321729007/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 14, 2024|access-date=April 14, 2024}}

On May 31, 2024, the Pistons hired Trajan Langdon as President of Basketball Operations.{{cite web|title=Pistons name Trajan Langdon President of Basketball Operations|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-name-trajan-langdon-president-of-basketball-operations|website=NBA.com|date=May 31, 2024|access-date=May 31, 2024}} The following day, the Pistons announced that Troy Weaver had stepped down as general manager.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons Announce Departure of General Manager Troy Weaver|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-announce-departure-of-general-manager-troy-weaver|website=NBA.com|date=June 1, 2024|access-date=June 1, 2024}} On June 19, 2024, Monty Williams was fired as head coach.{{cite web|title=DETROIT PISTONS TO MAKE COACHING CHANGE|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-to-make-coaching-change|website=NBA.com|date=June 19, 2024|access-date=June 19, 2024}} On July 3, 2024, the Pistons hired J. B. Bickerstaff as head coach.{{cite web|title=DETROIT PISTONS ANNOUNCE J.B. BICKERSTAFF AS HEAD COACH|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-announce-j-b-bickerstaff-as-head-coach|website=NBA.com|date=July 3, 2024|access-date=July 3, 2024}}

On January 1, 2025, following a win over the Orlando Magic, the Pistons surpassed the previous season's win total.{{cite web|first=Omari|last=Sankofa II|title=Detroit Pistons surpassing last season's win total vs Magic dimmed by Jaden Ivey injury|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2025/01/01/pistons-magic-game-nba-jaden-ivey-injury/77390733007/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=January 1, 2025|access-date=January 1, 2025}} On March 28, the Pistons secured their first winning season since 2016.{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Hogg|title=Pistons beat East-leading Cavaliers 133-122 and lock down 1st winning season since 2016|url=https://apnews.com/article/cavaliers-pistons-score-e7d12de972c34adc37e6b5f5a67b500c|website=Associated Press|date=March 28, 2025|access-date=March 29, 2025}} They also became the second team in NBA history to triple their win total from the previous season, joining the 2012–13 Charlotte Bobcats, and the first to do so from the previous full season.{{cite web|first=Brad|last=Botkin|title=Pistons make NBA history by tripling win total from previous season, and they could be a playoff problem|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/pistons-make-nba-history-by-tripling-win-total-from-previous-season-and-they-could-be-a-playoff-problem/|website=CBS Sports|date=March 28, 2025|access-date=March 29, 2025}} On April 4, the Pistons clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2019 with a 117–105 win over the Toronto Raptors.{{cite web|first=Coty M.|last=Davis|title='It's a big deal': Pistons clinch playoff spot with win over Raptors|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2025/04/04/pistons-clinch-playoff-spot-with-win-over-the-raptors/82868584007/|website=The Detroit News|date=April 4, 2025|access-date=April 5, 2025}} The Pistons finished the 2024–25 season at 44–38, their best record since 2016.{{cite web|first=Kory|last=Woods|title=Pistons rally to force overtime but fall short against Bucks|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2025/04/pistons-rally-to-force-overtime-but-fall-short-against-bucks.html|website=MLive|date=April 13, 2025|access-date=April 13, 2025}}{{cite web|first=Omari|last=Sankofa II|title=Backup Pistons lose to Bucks in OT, 140-133, to finish best regular season in 9 years|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2025/04/13/pistons-score-bucks-nba-malik-beasley/83073178007/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 13, 2025|access-date=April 13, 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250413222456/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2025/04/13/pistons-score-bucks-nba-malik-beasley/83073178007/|archive-date=April 13, 2025|url-status=live}}

{{Main|List of Detroit Pistons broadcasters}}

The Pistons flagship radio station is WXYT-FM.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons Radio|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/radio|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=October 28, 2015|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212202731/https://www.nba.com/pistons/radio|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Rod|last=Beard|title=Pistons returning to 97.1 FM The Ticket|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/05/24/pistons-returning-fm-ticket/102115790/|website=The Detroit News|date=May 24, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603113807/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/05/24/pistons-returning-fm-ticket/102115790/|url-status=live}} There are several affiliate stations throughout Michigan. The regular radio announcers are Mark Champion with play-by-play and Rick Mahorn with color commentary.

The Pistons' current local television rights holder is FanDuel Sports Network Detroit. Since the 2023–24 NBA season, five games per season have also been simulcast over-the-air on WMYD.{{cite web |title=Detroit Pistons partner with Scripps Sports, TV-20 Detroit to broadcast 5 April games over the air |url=https://www.wxyz.com/sports/detroit-pistons-partner-with-scripps-sports-tv-20-detroit-to-broadcast-5-april-games-over-the-air |access-date=March 28, 2024 |date=March 28, 2024|website=WXYZ.com}} The regular TV announcers are George Blaha with play-by-play, Greg Kelser with color commentary, Lindsey Hunter, Grant Long or Tim McCormick with studio analysis and Johnny Kane or Natalie Kerwin with sideline reports.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons Basketball on Bally Sports Detroit|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/detroit-pistons-basketball-on-bally-sports-detroit|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=September 30, 2022|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=October 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008073825/https://www.nba.com/pistons/detroit-pistons-basketball-on-bally-sports-detroit|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Kellen|last=Voss|title=You can now watch Pistons games on the Fanduel Sports Network: Here's everything you need to know|url=https://www.wxyz.com/sports/you-can-now-watch-pistons-games-on-the-fanduel-sports-network-heres-everything-you-need-to-know|website=WXYZ.com|date=October 21, 2024|access-date=October 22, 2024|archive-date=October 22, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241022004757/https://www.wxyz.com/sports/you-can-now-watch-pistons-games-on-the-fanduel-sports-network-heres-everything-you-need-to-know|url-status=live}}

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction = horizontal

| width = 120

| perrow = 2

| header = Previous logos of the Detroit Pistons

| image1 = Pistonslogo 58-71.gif

| image2 = Pistons logo 1972-1978.gif

| image3 = DetroitPistonsOld.png

| image4 = Detroit-Pistons-Logo-2005-to-2017.png

| caption1 = 1957 to 1971.

| caption2 = 1975 to 1979.

| caption3 = 1979 to 1996.

| caption4 = 2005 to 2017.

}}

After moving from Fort Wayne, to Detroit in 1957, the Pistons' uniforms remained largely unchanged for two decades, featuring the word "Pistons" in blue block lettering. In the 1978–79 season, the team featured a uniform with lightning bolts on the sides and in the wordmark on the front of the jerseys. The team discontinued the lightning bolt theme and returned to its classic block lettering and simple side panel pattern in 1981, staying with this look until 1996. That year, the Pistons changed their colors to teal, black, yellow and, red and unveiled a new logo with a horse's head and flaming mane. This color scheme lasted until 2001, when the team returned to the traditional red, white, and blue colors and a uniform pattern taking cues from the 1981–1996 threads.{{cite web|title=Going Retro: Detroit Pistons|url=http://www.nba.com/history/uniforms_pistons.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=October 28, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208211842/http://www.nba.com/history/uniforms_pistons.html|archive-date=February 8, 2012|url-status=dead}} The horse's head and flaming mane logo lasted until 2005, when the team switched to a more classic logo design.{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons Introduce New Logos|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/logochange_050711.html|website=NBA.com|date=July 11, 2005|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224150426/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/logochange_050711.html|url-status=live}}

On May 16, 2017, the Pistons unveiled a new logo, which is a modernized version of the previous "Bad Boys" era logo used from 1979 to 1996.{{cite news|last=Ellis|first=Vince|title=Pistons go retro, unveil new logo downtown|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/05/16/detroit-pistons-logo/324953001/|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 16, 2017|access-date=May 17, 2017|archive-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520063735/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/05/16/detroit-pistons-logo/324953001/|url-status=live}}

{{Multiple image

| image1 =

| caption1 = Hooper hitting a slam dunk during haltime in a Detroit Pistons game

| image2 = Hooper at Milliken State Park Lighthouse.jpg

| caption2 = Hooper at Milliken State Park Lighthouse

}}

Hooper is the mascot of the Pistons. He is depicted as a horse wearing a Pistons jersey. The symbolism is, that like the pistons they are named after, the team produces horsepower.{{cite web|first=James|last=Edwards III|title=A wacky oral history about the origin of the Pistons' teal jersey, horse logo and Hooper|url=https://theathletic.com/1135388/2019/10/03/a-wacky-oral-history-about-the-origin-of-the-pistons-teal-jersey-horse-logo-and-hooper/|website=The Athletic|date=October 3, 2019|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20210618191910/https://theathletic.com/1135388/2019/10/03/a-wacky-oral-history-about-the-origin-of-the-pistons-teal-jersey-horse-logo-and-hooper/|archivedate=June 18, 2021|access-date=February 26, 2024}} Hooper became a part of the team on November 1, 1996, replacing Sir Slam A Lot.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/about-hooper|title=About Hooper|website=NBA.com|access-date=November 14, 2018|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825002819/https://www.nba.com/pistons/about-hooper|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=George|last=Stoia|title=Detroit Pistons add new Hooper for Summer League; is that you, dad?|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2018/07/03/detroit-pistons-max-hooper-oakland-summer-league/755750002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=July 3, 2018|access-date=August 4, 2022|archive-date=July 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706142544/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2018/07/03/detroit-pistons-max-hooper-oakland-summer-league/755750002/|url-status=live}}

Though Hooper was introduced during the teal era to coincide with the Pistons' original equestrian logo, his popularity allowed him to remain a part of the team, despite the horsepower theme being phased out in 2005.

At the start of the 1987–88 season, Al Davis, owner of the then Los Angeles Raiders, sent Raiders merchandise to the Pistons to acknowledge the shared view of the teams and their physical style of play. Dan Hauser, Pistons vice-president of Marketing said, "Al sent us Raiders sweaters, and when we played Golden State in Oakland, Al had Raiders warm-ups for us with our names and numbers on them. The rough bad-boy fighting style of the Raiders fits our image. That's why, at our home games at the Palace, you see a sea of black: black caps, black T-shirts, black sweatshirts".{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-03-24-8903290957-story.html |title=Pistons Fans Feel Good Looking Real Bad |work=Chicago Tribune |last=Jauss |first=Bill |date=March 24, 1989 |access-date=March 15, 2022 |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311144727/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-03-24-8903290957-story.html |url-status=live }}

The end of season video yearbook produced by the NBA was titled Bad Boys.{{cite web|first=Harvey|last=Araton|title=N.B.A. Dilemma: Boys Will Be Bad|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/11/sports/pro-basketball-nba-dilemma-boys-will-be-bad.html|website=The New York Times|date=April 11, 1993|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526090455/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/11/sports/pro-basketball-nba-dilemma-boys-will-be-bad.html|archivedate=May 26, 2015|access-date=February 26, 2024}} Due to these factors, the name and image was embraced by the players and fans. Pistons guard Joe Dumars said, "You can't be great in this league and have zero identity."{{cite web |url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2014/04/pistons_bad_boys_special_on_es.html |title=Pistons 'Bad Boys' special on ESPN evokes emotions a quarter-century later |work=MLive |last=Mayo |first=David |date=January 20, 2019 |access-date=March 15, 2022 |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311144727/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2014/04/pistons_bad_boys_special_on_es.html |url-status=live }} Hudson Soft would later develop and publish Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball, a futuristic basketball game released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System without rules, without fouls, and weapons are permitted.{{Cite magazine|first=Jeff|last=Marchiafava|title=The Weirdest Celebrity-Based Video Games|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/08/17/the-weirdest-celebrity-based-video-games.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|magazine=Game Informer|date=August 17, 2011|access-date=August 5, 2022|archive-date=September 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929235806/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/08/17/the-weirdest-celebrity-based-video-games.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|url-status=live}}

The positive view of the team was not universal with Michael Jordan declaring "the Bad Boys are bad for basketball", later adding "I hated them. And that hate carries even to this day."{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29102510/michael-jordan-says-hates-bad-boys-detroit-pistons |title=Michael Jordan says he still hates the 'Bad Boys' Detroit Pistons |work=ESPN.com |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |date=April 27, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2022 |archive-date=March 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311145052/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29102510/michael-jordan-says-hates-bad-boys-detroit-pistons |url-status=live }} David Stern, Commissioner of the NBA at the time, said, "If I had it to do over again, we would be more aggressive in regulating, shall we say, that style of play, because it led to our game becoming much more physical."

Jalen Rose, who later starred as a member of the Fab Five at Michigan, embraced the Bad Boys brand as a teenager growing up in Detroit, stating "I loved everything about the Bad Boys. I loved how they played and how they didn't back down. They just went out and kicked the other teams' butts." Pistons announcer George Blaha said, "I think the people of Detroit and all across Michigan loved the Pistons' don't-back-down-ever mentality. Detroit's a working person's town and that's the same type of fan that you have all across the state of Michigan from the big cities to the small towns. Never does a day go by that somebody that I talk to doesn't bring up the Bad Boys; they loved 'em."{{cite web |url=https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/06/15/the-bad-boys-capture-back-to-back-championships-an-oral-history/ |title=The Bad Boys Capture Back-To-Back Championships: Pistons Fans, Players Remember The Team's Golden Years |work=CBS Detroit |last=Burchfield |first=Will |date=June 15, 2016 |access-date=March 15, 2022 |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627115603/https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/06/15/the-bad-boys-capture-back-to-back-championships-an-oral-history/ |url-status=live }}

List of the last five seasons completed by the Pistons. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Detroit Pistons seasons.

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, W–L% = Winning percentage

File:Little Caesars Arena panorama.jpg

• North Side High School Gym (1948–1952){{cite web|title=1948-49 Fort Wayne Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/FTW/1949.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830235644/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/FTW/1949.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1949-50 Fort Wayne Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/FTW/1950.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830235109/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/FTW/1950.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1950-51 Fort Wayne Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/FTW/1951.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830235649/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/FTW/1951.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1951-52 Fort Wayne Pistons Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/FTW/1952.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831040239/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/FTW/1952.html|url-status=live}}
• Allen County War Memorial Coliseum (1952–1957){{cite web|title=Allen County War Memorial Coliseum - History|url=http://www.memorialcoliseum.com/about-us/history|website=Allen County War Memorial Coliseum|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830200502/http://www.memorialcoliseum.com/about-us/history|url-status=live}}
• Olympia Stadium (1957–1961)
• Memorial Building (University of Detroit) (1957–1961; used as an alternate when Olympia Stadium was occupied){{cite news|last=Dow|first=Bill|title=Reflections on the Humble Beginnings of the Detroit Pistons|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2009/04/18/reflections-on-the-humble-beginnings-of-the-detroit-pistons/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=April 18, 2009|access-date=December 24, 2019}}{{cite news|title=Pistons Get New Home|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19610714&id=-tEiAAAAIBAJ&pg=5010,1495441|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|date=July 14, 1961|access-date=November 24, 2016}}
• Cobo Arena (1961–1978)
• Pontiac Silverdome (1978–1988)
• The Palace of Auburn Hills (1988–2017)
• Little Caesars Arena (2017–present)

Notes:

• On March 12, 1960, the Pistons hosted a playoff game against the Minneapolis Lakers at Grosse Pointe High School when no other facility (including Olympia Stadium, which was booked for Ice Capades, and the University of Detroit) was available.
• On April 27, 1984, the Pistons played game 5 of their playoff series against the New York Knicks at Joe Louis Arena due to a scheduling conflict.
• During the 1984–85 season, the Silverdome's roof collapsed, causing the team to temporarily relocate to the Joe Louis Arena for 14 of their remaining 15 home games of the season (March 6 through May 10).{{cite news|title=The Roof Collapses at Silverdome|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-03-05-sp-12550-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press|date=March 5, 1985|access-date=June 17, 2019}} The March 11 game was played at Cobo Arena.{{cite book|first=Steve|last=Addy|title=The Detroit Pistons: More Than Four Decades of Motor City Memories|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4cHAt8SeC4UC&q=march%2011%201985%20pistons%20cobo%20arena&pg=PP1|year=2002|publisher=Sports Publishing LLC|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=4cHAt8SeC4UC&pg=PA163 163]|isbn=978-1582615530}}

{{Main|Detroit Pistons all-time roster}}

{{Detroit Pistons roster}}

The Pistons currently retain no draft rights on unsigned players.

Notes:

• ¹ Reggie Jackson wore the number at the time it was retired (2015–2020).{{cite web|title=Pistons waive Reggie Jackson, who plans to sign with Clippers|url=https://www.nba.com/article/2020/02/18/reggie-jackson-detroit-pistons-la-clippers-report|website=NBA.com|date=February 18, 2020|access-date=February 19, 2020}}
• ² The number was originally retired in honor of Chuck Daly, who never played in the NBA, as it represented the two NBA championship teams he coached. However, the number was unretired on July 30, 2021, for Cade Cunningham after he received permission to wear it from Daly's daughter.{{cite web|first=Keith|last=Langlois|title='I've never felt better' – After 10 years as Pistons owner, Tom Gores sees a glimmering future ahead|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/features/ive-never-felt-better-after-10-years-pistons-owner-tom-gores-sees-glimmering-future-ahead|website=NBA.com|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=July 30, 2021}}
• ³ Stanley Johnson wore the number at the time it was retired.{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Ellis|title=Pistons' Johnson, Jackson willing to switch numbers|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/30/detroit-pistons-retired-jersey-numbers/74876612/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=October 30, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2017}}{{cite web|first=Ben|last=Quagliata|title=Stanley Johnson changes his number out of respect for Ben Wallace|url=https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2016/6/29/12058380/stanley-johnson-number-change-ben-wallace|website=Detroit Bad Boys|date=June 29, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2017}}
• ⁴ Also team president from 2000 to 2014.{{cite web|first=Vito|last=Chirco|title=Dumars was an important man in both Detroit Pistons dynasties|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2017/03/07/joe-dumars-pistons-legend/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=March 7, 2017|access-date=July 27, 2020}}
• ⁵ Greg Monroe wore the number at the time it was retired (2010–2015).{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Pistons' Greg Monroe on Dennis Rodman: 'He gave me his blessing' to continue wearing No. 10|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2011/04/pistons_greg_monroe_on_dennis.html|website=MLive|date=April 1, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2017}}{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Pistons' Greg Monroe likely to give up No. 10 jersey out of respect for Dennis Rodman|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2011/05/pistons_greg_monroe_considerin.html|website=MLive|date=May 12, 2011|access-date=June 28, 2017}}
• ⁶ Banner raised to honor his 35 years with the team.
• ⁷ Banner raised to honor his 13 years as the team's general manager.
• The NBA retired Bill Russell's No. 6 for all its member teams on August 11, 2022.{{cite web |title=Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey to be retired throughout NBA |url=https://www.nba.com/news/bill-russells-no-6-jersey-to-be-retired-throughout-nba |website=NBA.com |access-date=August 24, 2022 |date=August 11, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Golliver |first1=Ben |title=NBA permanently retires Bill Russell's No. 6 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/08/11/bill-russell-nba-jersey-retirement/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=August 24, 2022 |date=August 11, 2022}}

Notes:

• ¹ In total, Bellamy was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice – as player and as a member of the 1960 Olympic team.{{cite web|title=1960 United States Olympic Team|url=http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/1960-united-states-olympic-team/|website=Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame|access-date=May 10, 2019}}
• ² In total, Daly was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice – as coach and as a member of the 1992 Olympic team.{{cite web|title=1992 United States Olympic Team|url=http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/1992-united-states-olympic-team/|website=Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame|access-date=April 22, 2019}}
• ³ Lloyd was inducted as a contributor as the first African American player and bench coach in the NBA.
• ⁴ Vitale was inducted as a contributor for his career as a college basketball broadcaster.
• ⁵ Thorn was inducted as a contributor.
• ⁶ Collins was inducted as a contributor.

Notes:

• ¹ In total, Daly was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame twice – as coach and as a member of the 1992 Olympic team.{{cite web|title=2017 Class of FIBA Hall of Fame: Dream Team|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/news/2017-class-of-fiba-hall-of-fame-dream-team|website=FIBA|date=September 28, 2017|access-date=May 16, 2021}}

{{Main|List of Detroit Pistons head coaches}}

Bold denotes still active with team.

Italic denotes still active but not with team.

Points scored (regular season) (as of the end of the 2023–24 season){{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons Career Leaders|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/leaders_career.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=May 18, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons All-Time Points Leaders: Career Totals in the Regular Season|url=https://www.landofbasketball.com/all_time_leaders/pistons/points_total_career_rs.htm|website=Land Of Basketball.com|access-date=May 18, 2018}}

{{Div col}}

1. Isiah Thomas (18,822)
2. Joe Dumars (16,401)
3. Bob Lanier (15,488)
4. Dave Bing (15,235)
5. Bill Laimbeer (12,665)
6. Richard Hamilton (11,582)
7. Vinnie Johnson (10,146)
8. Tayshaun Prince (10,006)
9. Grant Hill (9,393)
10. John Long (9,023)
11. Andre Drummond (8,531)
12. Bailey Howell (8,182)
13. Gene Shue (8,034)
14. Chauncey Billups (7,940)
15. Kelly Tripucka (7,597)
16. Jerry Stackhouse (7,451)
17. Eddie Miles (7,419)
18. George Yardley (7,339)
19. Larry Foust (7,124)
20. Dave DeBusschere (7,096)

{{Div col end}}

Other statistics (regular season) (as of the end of the 2023–24 season)

{{columns-start|num=3}}

{{column}}

{{column}}

{{columns-end}}

{{columns-start|num=3}}

{{column}}

{{column}}

{{columns-end}}

{{Columns-start|num=3}}

NBA Finals MVP

• Joe Dumars – 1989
• Isiah Thomas – 1990
• Chauncey Billups – 2004

NBA Defensive Player of the Year

• Dennis Rodman – 1990, 1991{{cite web|title=NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award Winners|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-defensive-player-of-the-year-winners|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 30, 2017}}
• Ben Wallace – 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006

NBA Rookie of the Year

• Don Meineke – 1953{{cite web|title=NBA Rookie of the Year Award Winners|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-rookie-of-the-year-winners|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 30, 2017}}
• Dave Bing – 1967
• Grant Hill – 1995

NBA Sixth Man of the Year

• Corliss Williamson – 2002{{cite web|title=Corliss Williamson Wins Sixth Man Award|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/SixthManWinner_020423.html|website=NBA.com|date=April 23, 2002|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040810181106/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/SixthManWinner_020423.html|archivedate=August 10, 2004|access-date=August 30, 2017}}

NBA Coach of the Year

• Ray Scott – 1974{{cite web|title=NBA Coach of the Year Award Winners|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-coach-of-the-year-winners|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 30, 2017}}
• Rick Carlisle – 2002

NBA Executive of the Year

• Joe Dumars – 2003{{cite web|title=Detroit's Dumars Named Executive of the Year|url=https://www.nba.com/news/dumars_executive_award_030514.html|website=NBA.com|date=May 14, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830155647/https://www.nba.com/news/dumars_executive_award_030514.html|archive-date=August 30, 2017|access-date=January 18, 2020}}

NBA Sportsmanship Award

• Joe Dumars – 1996{{cite web|title=NBA Sportsmanship Award Winners|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-sportsmanship-award-winners|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 30, 2017}}

J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

• Bob Lanier – 1978{{cite web|title=NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award Winners|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-citizenship-award-winners|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 30, 2017}}
• Kent Benson – 1982
• Isiah Thomas – 1987
• Joe Dumars – 1994
• Chauncey Billups – 2008

{{Column}}

All-NBA First Team

• Larry Foust – 1955{{cite web|title=Year-by-year All-NBA Teams|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-nba-teams|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 30, 2017}}
• George Yardley – 1958
• Gene Shue – 1960
• Dave Bing – 1968, 1971
• Isiah Thomas – 1984–1986
• Grant Hill – 1997

All-NBA Second Team

• Fred Schaus – 1950
• Larry Foust – 1952
• George Yardley – 1957
• Gene Shue – 1961
• Bailey Howell – 1963
• Dave DeBusschere – 1969
• Dave Bing – 1974
• Isiah Thomas – 1983, 1987
• Joe Dumars – 1993
• Grant Hill – 1996, 1998–2000
• Ben Wallace – 2003, 2004, 2006
• Chauncey Billups – 2006

All-NBA Third Team

• Joe Dumars – 1990, 1991
• Dennis Rodman – 1992
• Ben Wallace – 2002, 2005
• Chauncey Billups – 2007
• Andre Drummond – 2016
• Blake Griffin – 2019

{{Column}}

NBA All-Defensive First Team

• Joe Dumars – 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993{{cite web|title=Year-by-year NBA All-Defensive Teams|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-defensive-team|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 30, 2017}}
• Dennis Rodman – 1989–1993
• Ben Wallace – 2002–2006

NBA All-Defensive Second Team

• M. L. Carr – 1979
• Joe Dumars – 1991
• Clifford Robinson – 2002
• Chauncey Billups – 2005, 2006
• Tayshaun Prince – 2005–2008

NBA All-Rookie First Team

• Dave DeBusschere – 1963{{cite web|title=Year-by-year NBA All-Rookie Teams|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-rookie-teams|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 30, 2017}}
• Joe Caldwell – 1965
• Tom Van Arsdale – 1966
• Dave Bing – 1967
• Bob Lanier – 1971
• Terry Tyler – 1979
• Isiah Thomas – 1982
• Kelly Tripucka – 1982
• Joe Dumars – 1986
• Grant Hill – 1995
• Brandon Knight – 2012
• Saddiq Bey – 2021{{cite web|title=LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards headline 2020-21 All-Rookie Teams|url=https://www.nba.com/news/lamelo-ball-anthony-edwards-headline-2020-21-all-rookie-teams|website=NBA.com|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=June 18, 2021}}
• Cade Cunningham – 2022{{cite web|title=Barnes, Cunningham, Mobley lead 2021-22 Kia NBA All-Rookie First Team|url=https://www.nba.com/news/barnes-cunningham-mobley-lead-2021-22-kia-nba-all-rookie-first-team|website=NBA.com|date=May 18, 2022|access-date=May 19, 2022}}

NBA All-Rookie Second Team

• Lindsey Hunter – 1994
• Željko Rebrača – 2002
• Rodney Stuckey – 2008
• Jonas Jerebko – 2010
• Greg Monroe – 2011
• Andre Drummond – 2013
• Kyle Singler – 2013
• Isaiah Stewart – 2021
• Jalen Duren – 2023
• Jaden Ivey – 2023

{{Columns-end}}

NBA Eastern All-Star Game head coach

• Chuck Daly – 1990{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Pretzer|title=Early Pistons All-Stars|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/allstar_history_070216.html|website=NBA.com|date=February 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830013640/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/allstar_history_070216.html|archive-date=August 30, 2017|access-date=January 18, 2020}}
• Doug Collins – 1997
• Flip Saunders – 2006

NBA All-Star Game MVP

• Bob Lanier  – 1974{{cite web|title=NBA All-Star Game MVPs|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-game-mvp|website=NBA.com|access-date=August 30, 2017}}
• Isiah Thomas  – 1984, 1986

{{see also|National Basketball Association rivalries}}

{{main|Bulls–Pistons rivalry}}

{{main|Celtics–Pistons rivalry}}

{{main|Lakers–Pistons rivalry}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Detroit Pistons}}

• {{Official website}}

{{Detroit Pistons}}

{{Navboxes|titlestyle={{NBA color cell|Detroit Pistons|border=2}}|list =

{{Detroit Pistons seasons}}

{{NBArelocated}}

{{NBA}}

{{Michigan Sports}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Portal bar|Basketball|Michigan}}

Category:1937 establishments in Indiana

Category:Basketball teams established in 1937

Category:Basketball teams in Detroit

Category:Culture of Detroit

Category:NBA teams

Category:Relocated NBA teams

Category:Sports in Auburn Hills, Michigan

Category:Sports in Pontiac, Michigan