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⁾

Daly led the Pistons to two titles and also coached the 1992 Dream Team.¹⁶⁾

Larry Brown coached Detroit to their 2004 title, stressing team play and fundamentals.¹⁷⁾

As GM, Dumars built the 2004 title team, acquiring stars like Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace.¹⁸⁾

Under Saunders (2005–2008), Detroit made three straight Eastern Conference Finals.¹⁹⁾

As of 2024, Dwane Casey transitioned from head coach to a front-office position.²⁰⁾

Their long-time home, the Palace, opened in 1988 and was revolutionary for its luxury suites.²¹⁾

The Palace was the first NBA arena to feature club-level suites, changing the game for arena design.²²⁾

In 2017, the Pistons moved to Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit, shared with the Red Wings.²³⁾

The “De-troit Bas-ket-ball” chant became iconic during the 2004 championship run.²⁴⁾

Pistons fans are known for their blue-collar, no-nonsense attitude—matching the team’s identity.²⁵⁾

From 2002 to 2008, the Pistons made six straight Eastern Conference Finals.²⁶⁾

In 2003–04, Detroit held teams under 70 points 11 times—a modern NBA record.²⁷⁾

No starter on the 2004 Finals team averaged more than 17 PPG—teamwork over superstars.²⁸⁾

Isiah Thomas averaged 21.3 PPG and 13.9 assists in the 1985 playoffs—a rare feat.²⁹⁾

Wallace led the NBA in blocks and rebounds multiple times—one of the few to ever do both.³⁰⁾