The Pistons were founded in 1941 as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons before moving to Detroit in 1957.¹⁾

The team was originally owned by Fred Zollner, who made pistons for cars and trucks—hence the name.²⁾

They were one of the original teams that merged into the NBA when it formed in 1949.³⁾

In 1957, the franchise moved to Detroit to expand its market and identity.⁴⁾

Their first home court in Detroit was Olympia Stadium, also used by the Detroit Red Wings.⁵⁾

The Pistons won NBA titles in 1989, 1990, and 2004.⁶⁾

The late '80s Pistons were known as the “Bad Boys” for their physical, tough playing style.⁷⁾

Detroit won back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990, led by Isiah Thomas and coach Chuck Daly.⁸⁾

The 2004 team stunned the star-studded Lakers in the Finals, winning in just five games.⁹⁾

Joe Dumars (1989), Isiah Thomas (1990), and Chauncey Billups (2004) were Finals MVPs for the Pistons.¹⁰⁾

Isiah Thomas is widely considered the greatest Piston of all time, playing from 1981–1994.¹¹⁾

Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman started his career in Detroit and won two titles with the Pistons.¹²⁾

Dumars was known for his smooth offense and lockdown defense—he later became the team's GM.¹³⁾

Laimbeer was a key part of the Bad Boys and one of the most hated (and effective) players in the league.¹⁴⁾

Ben Wallace, a 4-time Defensive Player of the Year, was never drafted—a true underdog story.¹⁵⁾