What Happened to Detroit Pistons?
After years of rebuilding and a historically bad 2023-24 season, the Detroit Pistons have undergone a dramatic turnaround, culminating in a 60-22 record and the top seed in the Eastern Conference in the 2025-26 season. Led by emerging superstar Cade Cunningham and new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the team broke a long playoff drought and won their first playoff series since 2008, though their 2026 playoff run ended in the Conference Semifinals. The Pistons are now focused on building around their young core and making strategic offseason moves to contend for an NBA championship.
Quick Answer
The Detroit Pistons have experienced a remarkable resurgence from their franchise-worst 14-68 season in 2023-24. Under new President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon and Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the team achieved a 60-22 record in the 2025-26 season, securing the Eastern Conference's top seed. Led by All-Stars Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, they broke a long playoff drought, winning their first series since 2008 before being eliminated in the Conference Semifinals. As of June 2026, the Pistons are actively looking to enhance their roster around their young core through the draft and free agency to pursue an NBA championship.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Ties NBA Record for Longest Single-Season Losing Streak
The Pistons lost their 28th consecutive game, tying the NBA record for the longest single-season losing streak.
Ends 2023-24 Season with Franchise-Worst Record
The Detroit Pistons concluded the 2023-24 season with a 14-68 record, the worst in franchise history.
Fires Head Coach Monty Williams and GM Troy Weaver
Following the dismal 2023-24 season, owner Tom Gores fired head coach Monty Williams and general manager Troy Weaver, despite Williams' large contract.
Hires J.B. Bickerstaff as Head Coach
J.B. Bickerstaff, formerly of the Cleveland Cavaliers, was appointed as the new head coach of the Detroit Pistons, handpicked by newly minted President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon.
Owner Tom Gores Acquires Stake in LA Chargers
Pistons owner Tom Gores' purchase of a 27% stake in the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers was approved by NFL owners, diversifying his sports investments.
Clinches First Playoff Spot Since 2019
The Pistons secured a playoff berth for the first time since 2019, finishing the 2024-25 regular season with a 44-38 record.
Snaps 15-Game Postseason Losing Streak
In Game 2 of their first-round series against the New York Knicks, the Pistons earned their first playoff win since 2008, ending an NBA-record 15-game postseason losing streak.
Ends 2024-25 Season in First Round Playoff Loss
The Pistons were eliminated by the New York Knicks in six games in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Ties Franchise Record with 13-Game Win Streak
From October 29 to November 26, 2025, the Pistons won 13 consecutive games, tying the longest winning streak in franchise history.
Clinches Eastern Conference No. 1 Seed
The Pistons clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2007, following a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
J.B. Bickerstaff Named NBCA Coach of the Year
Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff was recognized with the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award, voted on by his fellow NBA coaches.
Wins First Playoff Series Since 2008
The Pistons overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic in seven games in the first round, marking their first playoff series victory since 2008.
Eliminated in Conference Semifinals
The Pistons were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, despite holding a 2-0 series lead.
Prepares for 2026 NBA Draft with No. 21 Pick
As of June 22, 2026, the Pistons are preparing for the 2026 NBA Draft, holding the No. 21 overall pick, with President Trajan Langdon indicating openness to moving up or making trades to improve the roster.
Actively Pursuing Offseason Roster Upgrades
The Pistons are actively exploring free agency and trade discussions to add ball-handling and scoring around Cade Cunningham, with rumored interest in players like Trey Murphy III and Tyler Herro.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Detroit Pistons endured a challenging period in the early 2020s, culminating in a historically poor 2023-24 season where they finished with a franchise-worst 14-68 record, including a record-tying 28-game losing streak. This dismal performance led to significant changes in the organization. Owner Tom Gores, who became the sole owner in 2015, initiated a front-office overhaul, replacing General Manager Troy Weaver and Head Coach Monty Williams in June 2024.
The turning point began with the appointment of Trajan Langdon as President of Basketball Operations and J.B. Bickerstaff as the new head coach in July 2024. Bickerstaff, known as a culture changer and a 'players' coach,' quickly began to reshape the team's identity. The young core, including Cade Cunningham (the 2021 No. 1 overall pick), Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Jaden Ivey, who had experienced the depths of the 2023-24 season, showed significant development. The 2024-25 season marked a substantial improvement, with the Pistons finishing 44-38 and clinching their first playoff spot since 2019. They secured their first playoff win since 2008 against the New York Knicks, breaking a 15-game postseason losing streak, before ultimately falling in six games in the first round.
The 2025-26 season saw the Pistons' meteoric rise continue, achieving a 60-22 record, their first 60-win season since 2005-06, and securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2007. Cade Cunningham emerged as an All-Star, earning All-NBA Third and First Team nods and finishing seventh and fifth in MVP voting over the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, averaging 25.1 points and 9.5 assists. Jalen Duren also made an All-NBA Third Team in 2025-26, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. Bickerstaff received the NBCA Coach of the Year Award in 2026.
Despite their regular-season success, the 2026 playoffs ended in disappointment. The Pistons overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Orlando Magic in the first round, winning their first playoff series since 2008. However, they were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, despite holding a 2-0 series lead. This early exit, particularly after winning 60 regular-season games, has led to a sense of urgency for the front office to further upgrade the roster.
As of June 23, 2026, the Detroit Pistons are entering a pivotal offseason. President Trajan Langdon has indicated the team will be aggressive in upgrading the roster around Cunningham, focusing on sustainable growth and adding pieces that accentuate their core players. They hold the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and are open to moving up the board or making trades to acquire more established talent, with players like Trey Murphy III and Tyler Herro being rumored targets. The team aims to find a reliable second offensive option for Cunningham to alleviate his burden and position themselves for a deeper playoff run and an NBA championship.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Detroit Pistons made different choices?