Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association (NBA) based in Auburn Hills, Michigan in Metro Detroit. In 1941, the team was founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne (Zollner) Pistons, a member of the National Basketball League (NBL). Since moving to Detroit in 1957, the Pistons have won NBA championships in 1989, 1990 and 2004. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills.
2011-present: New ownership and a new direction[]
In April 2011, the Detroit Pistons reached a long awaited agreement to sell the NBA franchise to billionaire Tom Gores. The deal was granted by NBA in June and also included The Palace of Auburn Hills andDTE Energy Music Theatre.[16]
Prior to the 2011-12 season, the team decided to hire a new coach, Lawrence Frank, former head coach of theNew Jersey Nets and an assistant coach of the Boston Celtics, and part ways with yet another member of the 2004 championship team, veteran guard Richard Hamilton.
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 managed to win half their remaining games to finish a lockou -shortened season with a record of 25-41. The team continued to build upon a young core consisting ofRodney Stuckey, Jonas Jerebko, rookie Brandon Knight and talented sophomore Greg Monroe, all drafted in recent years.
Following the drafting of the talented center Andre Drummond, the new direction of rebuilding with young draft picks was never more obvious, with five rookies on the roster set for the 2012-13 NBA season.
In January 2013, the Pistons executed a 3-team trade with Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors. With that move, the last remaining member of the famous 2004 championship team, Tayshaun Prince, was sent to Memphis, ending his 10 year stint with his native team. The Pistons acquired guard Jose Calderon.
On April 18, 2013, the Pistons fired coach Lawrence Frank after 2 seasons with the club.
On June 10, 2013, the Pistons hired former player and coach, Maurice Cheeks.
Detroit Pistons Roster[]
| Player | # Number | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon Knight | 7 | Point guard |
| jose Calderon | 8 | Point guard |
| Andre Drummond | 1 | Power forward |
| Greg Manore | 10 | Center |
| Rodney Stucky | 3 | Point guard |
| Charlie Villanueva | 31 | Power forward |
| Kyler Singler | 25 | Small forward |
| Jonas Jerebko | 33 | Small forward |
| Will Bynum | 12 | Point guard |
| Khris Middleton | 32 | Small forward |
| Corey Maggette | 50 | Small forward |
| Jasson Mixiell | 54 | Power forward |
| Kim English | 24 | Shooting guard |
| Viacheslav Kravtsov | 55 | Center |