RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The team was founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons in 1941, a member of the National Basketball League (NBL), where it won two NBL championships: in 1944 and 1945. The Pistons later joined the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1948. The NBL and BAA merged to become the NBA in 1949, and the Pistons became part of the merged league. In 1957, the franchise moved to Detroit. The Pistons have won three NBA championships: in 1989, 1990 and 2004.
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Isiah Thomas 12x NBA All Star on Detroit Bad Boys, Magic Johnson & Feud w/ Michael Jordan
Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with one of the most iconic athletes who just happens to be their long time idol, NBA hall of famer, Isiah Thomas. The original Bad Boy of Detroit Pistons is opening up and talking everything from his relationship with Magic Johnson to Detroit Pistons changing the game to sharing his side of the infamous Michael Jordan feud.
Isiah starts the show saying very simply that he is going to state facts and you can’t argue facts and that it’s one thing to win a championship in the NBA but it’s another to win a championship at every level ever played.
Growing up on the West Side of Chicago, Isiah shares how his upbringing was shaped by his mother’s guidance and a family first mentality where his mother cared more about the type of man he’d become vs the money and opportunity being offered. His mom’s influence was so great, it became her decision where he played college basketball and also who he played for.
Explaining how he ended up in Bloomington, Indiana playing for Bobby Knight, he expounds on the life lessons that shaped him there not just winning back to back collegiate championships.
The West Side of Chicago is home to many activists and organizations such as Fred Hampton, Martin Luther King Jr, and The Black Panther Party. Isiah grew up in this environment and recalls marching alongside his mother with Dr.King. Spearheading change at the national level, Isiah used his local groundwork in Detroit to advocate for Black journalists covering the team, more rights for Black NBA players leaving a greater impact with his legacy not just on the court but in culture.
Isiah makes his case known for why so many people overlook Detroit Pistons as transcending the NBA and shares what the team really did for the league and how they were the firsts to do many things back then setting the example of how teams should be and move.
Known for his historic rivalry with Michael Jordan, Ryan asks what were his thoughts on the way his character was portrayed by Jordan in The Last Dance. Isiah provides The Pivot with an exclusive inside look to his true relationship with MJ and goes on to say that he always looked out for Michael and that their families were even close. He also speaks about how rules within the NBA were changed to protect Michael Jordan. Isaih doesn’t hold back as he shares his thoughts on while he was deemed the a-hole of the NBA when in fact he was the nice guy.
Lastly, Isiah lets the guys in on the history of his and Magic’s close relationship and what led up to their legendary interview. He gives credit to the current legends playing the game such as Lebron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, and says they’ve transformed the game in a way we may never see again.
May 31, 2006 - The Detroit Pistons stave off elimination in the 2006 Eastern Conference...
Ben Wallace Blocks Shaquille O'Neal (Sportscenter Coverage) / May 31, 2006 - The Detroit Pistons stave off elimination in the 2006 Eastern Conference Finals as center Ben Wallace records one of the most memorable blocked shots in NBA history by overpowering Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal's attempt to finish at the rim.
May 24, 2004 - Nursing a two point lead late in Game 2 of this...
Tayshaun Prince - The Greatest Block in NBA Playoff History... Until LBJ? / May 24, 2004 - Nursing a two point lead late in Game 2 of this Eastern Conference Finals series, Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince successfully chases down the Indiana Pacers' Reggie Miller and tallies Detroit's 19th block of the evening.
The Pistons would go on to win game 2 and eventually the series. Detroit would then defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games to win their first NBA championship in 14 years.
Contrary to the broadcast's assertions, this game did not set the all-time mark for combined blocked shots in a playoff game. That mark still belongs to the 1981 Game 1 performance between the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, who combined for 29 blocked shots. The 76ers also set the single-game mark with 20 (thanks to Corey Rondeau for the cite).
http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200405240IND.html
Ben Wallace joins ‘The Ryen Russillo Podcast’ to discuss the Pistons’ approach to containing Shaq,...
Ben Wallace on Facing Shaq and Kobe in the 2004 Finals / Ben Wallace joins ‘The Ryen Russillo Podcast’ to discuss the Pistons’ approach to containing Shaq, Kobe, and the Lakers for their 2004 championship.
Listen to the full podcast: https://www.theringer.com/2022/5/12/23069116/did-the-bucks-punch-their-finals-ticket-what-to-make-of-the-warriors-historic-loss-plus-ben-wallace
Milwaukee Bucks v Detroit Pistons
6th December 1988 @ Bradley Center on WKBD-TV
Commentary: George Blaha &...
Bucks vs Pistons in Milwaukee / Milwaukee Bucks v Detroit Pistons
6th December 1988 @ Bradley Center on WKBD-TV
Commentary: George Blaha & Dick Motta with Bob Lanier
Box Score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198812060MIL.html
In the world of NBA simulations, the 1989 Detroit Pistons, also known as the "Bad...
1989 Detroit Pistons vs 2004 Pistons • 3-on-3 Blacktop Simulation / In the world of NBA simulations, the 1989 Detroit Pistons, also known as the "Bad Boys", are about to face off against the 2004 Pistons in a 3-on-3 Blacktop match. The 1989 Pistons, known for their physical and aggressive style of play, were the champions of their era, marking the end of the Lakers and Celtics dominance and paving the way for the Bulls' dynasty. On the other hand, the 2004 Pistons were the underdogs who defied the odds to clinch the title in a season dominated by star-studded teams. This simulation is set in September, the off-season, a time typically used for teams to regroup and strategize. However, in this alternate reality, we're about to witness a clash of two generations, each with their own unique style and approach to the game.
In the context of the NBA, both the 1989 and 2004 Pistons represent the city's blue-collar spirit and the franchise's ability to assemble championship teams without relying on superstar talent. The 1989 team, coached by Chuck Daly, was known for its "Bad Boys" image and used a physical style of defense that was later curtailed by rule changes. The 2004 team, under the guidance of Larry Brown, won by emphasizing team play and strong defense, which was a contrast to the more superstar-focused teams of the era. This match brings together two different eras of basketball, offering a unique perspective on how the game has evolved.
John Salley shared his thoughts on Jalen Rose telling VladTV that Salley needed to be...
John Salley Agrees with Jalen Rose: I Hate on Jordan Because I'm a "Bad Boy" / John Salley shared his thoughts on Jalen Rose telling VladTV that Salley needed to be drug tested for saying that Scottie Pippen is the most skilled NBA player that he ever played against. Salley explained that Jalen is "100% right" in his assessment that John's role as a member of the Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys" is the reason he can't say Jordan is the most skilled.
In this clip, John Salley explained where the origin of the perceived beef between Michael...
John Salley: Magic, Not Jordan, was the Reason Isiah Thomas Didn't Make the Dream Team / In this clip, John Salley explained where the origin of the perceived beef between Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas started. According to John, it was sparked by Isiah's nephew wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey which made Isiah develop a certain disdain for the Bulls. But John explained further that it wasn't personal. He also said that the story of MJ keeping Isiah off the Dream Team was a myth and in fact, it was Magic Johnson's doing which kept him from making the Olympic squad.
Later on, John Salley talked about the Bulls becoming a force only after Scottie Pippen assumed more responsibility and that the narrative around the "Bad Boys" of the Detroit Pistons was started by Phil Jackson.
In an engaging conversation filled with nostalgia and respect, Indiana basketball legends Reggie Miller, Larry...
Indiana Glory with Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, and Isiah Thomas / In an engaging conversation filled with nostalgia and respect, Indiana basketball legends Reggie Miller, Larry Bird, and Isaiah Thomas reminisced about their illustrious careers, sharing insights and memories that highlight their impact on the game. The discussion took a playful start with a light-hearted debate about coming in second in a shooting contest, setting the tone for a journey through basketball history.
Larry Bird, known for his incredible shooting ability, shared anecdotes about his career, including his record-breaking performances and his approach to the game. His story about returning to play after a concussion during a critical playoff game against the Pacers underlines his competitive spirit and dedication.
Isaiah Thomas, reflecting on his time with the Detroit Pistons, spoke about the intense rivalry with Bird's Celtics and the challenges of leading a team to the NBA Finals. Thomas also touched on the controversial comments about Bird and the profound respect he holds for him, highlighting Bird's gracious response that defused potential tension.
Reggie Miller, the host, shared his admiration for both Bird and Thomas, expressing regret for not delivering a championship under their coaching. The conversation also delved into the evolution of basketball, with discussions about the art of trash-talking, the impact of iconic players on the game, and the transition from playing to coaching.
Bird and Thomas offered their perspectives on current NBA stars, praising the talents of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant, while also reflecting on the game's evolution and the future of basketball. Their commentary on the potential for players to reach scoring milestones and the strategic changes in the NBA underscores their deep understanding and love for the game.
April 30, 1976 - After sneaking into the postseason with a 36-46 record, the Detroit...
Pistons' John Mengelt Hits the Deck, Young Mike Abdenour Arrives on the Scene (1976) / April 30, 1976 - After sneaking into the postseason with a 36-46 record, the Detroit Pistons took down the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and nearly pushed the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors to the brink in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Late in Game 6, with their season on the line, Pistons guard John "Crash" Mengelt canned a jumper then drew a foul in the paint on back-to-back plays.
Mengelt's visible pain following his tumble sprung young Pistons trainer Mike Abdenour into action (red pants, blue shirt, sideburn, mustache, glasses). Abdenour went on to spend 35 years as the team's trainer, with a three-year stay in Philadelphia (1992-1995) wedged in-between. As of 2018, Abdenour remains on staff in Detroit, serving as Director of Team Operations, now in his 42nd year in the NBA.
Back to Game 6, two clutch blocks from Bob Lanier helped forced overtime before the Warriors ultimately brought the Pistons' season to an unceremonious close. Lanier's game-saving blocks can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMNhPxxQito
Three additional notes:
-The man in the tan jacket bending over next to Abdenour is Pistons head coach Herb Brown, brother of future Pistons head coach Larry Brown.
-Jerry West was working color commentary for Game 6.
-The Detroit Pistons played in the Western Conference until 1979-80, hence the matchup with the Warriors.
Box Score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197604300DET.html
