1991–92 Detroit Pistons season

March 2026 August 2023 Detroit Pistons 1992 48 34 Central 3 5 Chuck Daly Jack McCloskey William Davidson The Palace of Auburn Hills WKBD-TVPASS Sports WWJ First round(lost to Knicks 2–3) DET The 1991–92 Detroit Pistons season was the 44th season for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association, and their 35th season in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/ August 6, 2026 Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Pistons acquired Orlando Woolridge from the Denver Nuggets, Report: Nuggets May Trade Woolridge to Pistons Tampa Bay Times August 2, 1991 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1991/08/02/report-nuggets-may-trade-woolridge-to-pistons/ November 21, 2022 Sports People: Pro Basketball: 2 Big Trades for Pistons The New York Times August 14, 1991 https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/14/sports/sports-people-pro-basketball-2-big-trades-for-pistons.html December 2, 2021 and acquired Darrell Walker from the Washington Bullets. Sports People: Pro Basketball: Remaking the Pistons The New York Times September 6, 1991 https://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/06/sports/sports-people-pro-basketball-remaking-the-pistons.html July 1, 2025 Aldridge David Bullets Trade Walker to Pistons for Picks The Washington Post September 6, 1991 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1991/09/06/bullets-trade-walker-to-pistons-for-picks/8023f97a-1d45-4a8b-83b3-5d77ae45527c/ July 1, 2025 Regular season With the addition of Woolridge and Walker, the Pistons struggled with a 10–14 start to the regular season, but then won 12 of their next 14 games, and later on held a 28–20 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 6, 1992 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.fcgi?month=2&day=6&year=1992 November 21, 2022 The team posted a seven-game winning streak in March, and then posted a six-game winning streak in April. The Pistons finished in third place in the Central Division with a 48–34 record, and earned the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference; 1991–92 Detroit Pistons Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1992_games.html December 1, 2021 the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the ninth consecutive year. Joe Dumars averaged 19.9 points and 4.6 assists per game, while Isiah Thomas averaged 18.5 points, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game, and Woolridge provided the team with 14.0 points per game. In addition, sixth man Mark Aguirre contributed 11.3 points per game off the bench, while Bill Laimbeer provided with 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, and Dennis Rodman averaged 9.8 points, and led the league with 18.7 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, off the bench, John Salley provided with 9.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, and Walker contributed 5.2 points and 2.8 assists per game. 1991–92 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1992.html December 1, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida, Dumars, Thomas and Rodman were all selected for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Eastern Conference All-Star team; it was Rodman's second and final All-Star appearance. Heisler Mark Comeback or Farewell, a Magical All-Star Game Los Angeles Times February 9, 1992 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-02-09-sp-3573-story.html January 28, 2023 NBA.com Staff 1992 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1992 July 10, 2025 1992 NBA All-Star Game: West 153, East 113 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1992.html November 27, 2021 Dumars and Rodman were both named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, while Rodman was named to the All-NBA Third Team. Rodman finished in second place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, behind David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs, while Dumars finished in fifth place; Rodman Yields as Top NBA Defender  Chicago Tribune  April 30, 1992  https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/04/30/rodman-yields-as-top-nba-defender/ December 8, 2025 1991–92 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1992.html January 3, 2022 Rodman also finished in tenth place in Most Valuable Player voting, and head coach Chuck Daly finished tied in ninth place in Coach of the Year voting. The Pistons finished second in the NBA in home-game attendance behind the Charlotte Hornets, with an attendance of 879,614 at The Palace of Auburn Hills during the regular season. 1991–92 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1992.html February 23, 2026 Throughout the regular season, speculation that it was Daly's last season as head coach of the Pistons lingered in the media, intensifying as the season went out and well into the NBA playoffs. Thomas Jr. Robert Mcg. Hockey: Daly Resigns as Pistons Coach The New York Times May 6, 1992 https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/06/sports/hockey-daly-resigns-as-pistons-coach.html January 19, 2022 Associated Press Daly Says Pistons Heard Enough: Pro Basketball: After Nine Seasons, He Steps Down as Coach, Saying They Need Another Voice Los Angeles Times May 6, 1992 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-06-sp-1188-story.html November 21, 2022 Aldridge David Daly Leaves Pistons, Keeps Options Open The Washington Post May 6, 1992 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1992/05/06/daly-leaves-pistons-keeps-options-open/ecfe9e5a-cab4-4fd6-8741-4d2c8a5b07a4/ November 21, 2022 NBA playoffs In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 1992 NBA playoffs, the Pistons faced off against the 4th–seeded New York Knicks, who were led by All-Star center Patrick Ewing, Xavier McDaniel, and sixth man John Starks. The Knicks took a 2–1 series lead before the Pistons won Game 4 at home, 86–82 at The Palace of Auburn Hills to even the series. Brown Clifton  Basketball: Knicks and Pistons Shove Series to Sunday Showdown  The New York Times  May 2, 1992  https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/02/sports/basketball-knicks-and-pistons-shove-series-to-sunday-showdown.html June 27, 2026 Atkins Harry  Pistons Edge Knicks, 86-82 to Force Game 5 in New York  Deseret News  May 2, 1992  2D  https://books.google.com/books?id=gJ8pAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA17&dq=1992+Detroit+Pistons+New+York+Knicks+86-82&article_id=6739,542322&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiDm_nA5aeVAxUr5ckDHakyPZkQ6AF6BAgNEAM#v=onepage&q=1992%20Detroit%20Pistons%20New%20York%20Knicks%2086-82&f=false June 27, 2026 1992 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 4: New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons Box Score, May 1, 1992 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199205010DET.html June 27, 2026 However, the Pistons lost Game 5 to the Knicks on the road, 94–87 at Madison Square Garden, thus losing in a hard-fought five-game series, as the "Bad Boys" era was fading. Brown Clifton Pro Basketball: Knicks Unite to Undo Pistons The New York Times May 4, 1992 https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/04/sports/pro-basketball-knicks-unite-to-undo-pistons.html July 26, 2022 Associated Press Knicks Win by Playing Pistons-Style Basketball Deseret News May 4, 1992 https://www.deseret.com/1992/5/4/18982186/knicks-win-by-playing-pistons-style-basketball-br July 26, 2022 1992 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Pistons vs. Knicks Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1992-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-pistons-vs-knicks.html April 18, 2023 The Pistons would not return to the NBA playoffs again until the 1995–96 season. Notable incidents One notable incident of the regular season occurred on December 14, 1991, during a road game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center. Early in the first quarter, All-Star forward Karl Malone committed a flagrant foul on Thomas, in which Malone hit Thomas's forehead with his elbow; Thomas had to receive 40 stitches, while Malone was suspended for one game. Hafner Dan NBA Roundup: Jazz Elbows the Pistons Aside Los Angeles Times December 15, 1991 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-12-15-sp-824-story.html November 21, 2022 Rock Brad  Jazz Bruise Pistons, 102-100  Deseret News  December 15, 1991  https://www.deseret.com/1991/12/15/18956643/jazz-bruise-pistons-102-100/ May 29, 2026 Sports People: Basketball: Suspension for Malone The New York Times December 17, 1991 https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/17/sports/sports-people-basketball-suspension-for-malone.html November 21, 2022 The Pistons lost to the Jazz by a score of 102–100. Detroit Pistons at Utah Jazz Box Score, December 14, 1991 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199112140UTA.html May 29, 2026 Prior to the regular season, the Bulls–Pistons rivalry took another ugly turn, as Thomas was left off the Dream Team for the 1992 Summer Olympics coached by Daly, reportedly at the request of All-Star guard Michael Jordan. Associated Press Daly Named Coach of '92 Olympic Squad: Basketball: The Pistons' Boss Will Guide the U.S. Team, Which for the First Time Will Include NBA Players Los Angeles Times February 15, 1991 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-02-15-sp-1417-story.html November 21, 2022 Heisler Mark Thomas Not Part of Best in the U.S.: Basketball: As Expected, 10-Man Olympic Squad Has Magic, Jordan and Bird, But Not Pistons' Star Guard Los Angeles Times September 22, 1991 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-09-22-sp-4125-story.html November 21, 2022 Araton Harvey Basketball: Thomas Is Not Taking His Exclusion from Olympics Lightly The New York Times September 24, 1991 https://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/24/sports/basketball-thomas-is-not-taking-his-exclusion-from-olympics-lightly.html January 19, 2022 Aftermath Following the season, Daly resigned and left to coach the New Jersey Nets, Vecsey George Sports of the Times: Good Move: Hiring Coach of Bad Boys The New York Times May 29, 1992 https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/29/sports/sports-of-the-times-good-move-hiring-coach-of-bad-boys.html December 1, 2021 Araton Harvey Basketball: Call It Daly's Passion: A New Nets Era Begins The New York Times May 29, 1992 https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/29/sports/basketball-call-it-daly-s-passion-a-new-nets-era-begins.html December 27, 2022 Hubbard Jan By Hiring Daly, No One Can Laugh at Nets Now Los Angeles Times May 30, 1992 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-30-sp-15-story.html November 21, 2022 and Salley was traded to the Miami Heat. Salley Traded to Miami Heat United Press International September 8, 1992 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/08/Salley-traded-to-Miami-Heat/8080715924800/ December 31, 2021 Associated Press Sports People: Basketball: Enough Complaints: Pistons Trade Salley The New York Times September 9, 1992 https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/09/sports/sports-people-basketball-enough-complaints-pistons-trade-salley.html January 6, 2023 Times Wire Services Richardson Traded to Pacers, Timberwolves Get Person: NBA: Former UCLA Star Will Be Reunited with Reggie Miller. Pistons Trade John Salley to the Heat Los Angeles Times September 9, 1992 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-09-09-sp-261-story.html July 24, 2022 Draft picks 1991 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 2 40 Doug Overton PG La Salle Roster Detroit Pistons 1991–92 23 Mark Aguirre SF 6 6 232 1959–12–10 DePaul 50 William Bedford basketball C 7 0 225 1963–12–14 Memphis 32 Lance Blanks SG 6 4 190 1966–09–09 Texas 4 Joe Dumars SG 6 3 190 1963–05–24 McNeese State 12 Gerald Henderson PG 6 2 175 1956–01–16 Virginia Commonwealth 40 Bill Laimbeer C 6 11 245 1957–05–19 Notre Dame 30 Bob McCann PF 6 6 244 1964–04–22 Morehead State 10 Dennis Rodman PF 6 7 210 1961–05–13 Southeastern Oklahoma State University 22 John Salley PF 6 11 230 1964–05–16 Georgia Tech 2 Brad Sellers C 7 0 210 1962–12–17 Ohio State 14 Charles Thomas basketball, born 1969 PG 6 3 175 1969–10–03 Eastern Michigan 11 Isiah Thomas PG 6 1 180 1961–04–30 Indiana 5 Darrell Walker SG 6 4 180 1961–03–09 Arkansas 6 /0 Orlando Woolridge PF 6 9 215 1959–12–16 Notre Dame Chuck Daly Brendan Malone Brendan Suhr Regular season Season standings DET y - clinched division title x - clinched playoff spot DET z - clinched conference title y - clinched division title x - clinched playoff spot Game log January 2011 Playoffs Detroit Pistons 1992 yes Detroit Pistons First Round yes yes no 1 1 1 2 |- | 1 | April 24 | @ New York | L 75–109 | Joe Dumars (13) | John Salley (5) | Joe Dumars (5) | Madison Square Garden19,081 | 1–0 |- | 2 | April 26 | @ New York | W 89–88 | Joe Dumars (21) | Bill Laimbeer (12) | Isiah Thomas (6) | Madison Square Garden18,793 | 1–1 |- | 3 | April 28 | New York | L 87–90 (OT) | John Salley (20) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Isiah Thomas (11) | The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 | 2–1 |- | 4 | May 1 | New York | W 86–82 | Joe Dumars (23) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Isiah Thomas (12) | The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 | 2–2 |- | 5 | May 3 | @ New York | L 87–94 | Isiah Thomas (31) | Isiah Thomas (10) | Isiah Thomas (6) | Madison Square Garden19,135 | 3–2 |- DET 1992 yes Player statistics Season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Aguirre, Mark Mark Aguirre 75 12 21.1 .431 .211 .687 3.1 1.7 0.68 0.15 11.3 Bedford, William William Bedford 32 8 11.3 .413 .000 .636 2.0 0.4 0.19 0.56 3.6 Blanks, Lance Lance Blanks 43 0 4.4 .455 .375 .727 0.5 0.4 0.33 0.02 1.5 Dumars, Joe Joe Dumars 82 82 38.9 .448 .408 .867 2.3 4.6 0.87 0.15 19.9 Henderson, Gerald Gerald Henderson 8 0 7.8 .381 .600 1.000 0.8 0.6 0.38 0.00 3.0 Laimbeer, Bill Bill Laimbeer 81 46 27.6 .470 .376 .893 5.6 2.0 0.63 0.67 9.7 McCann, Bob Bob McCann 26 0 5.0 .394 .000 .308 1.2 0.2 0.23 0.15 1.2 Rodman, Dennis Dennis Rodman 82 80 40.3 .539 .317 .600 18.7 2.3 0.83 0.85 9.8 Salley, John John Salley 72 38 24.6 .512 .000 .715 4.1 1.6 0.68 1.53 9.5 Sellers, Brad Brad Sellers 43 1 5.3 .466 .000 .769 1.0 0.3 0.02 0.23 2.4 Thomas, Charles Charles Thomas 36 0 4.3 .353 .118 .667 0.6 0.6 0.11 0.03 1.3 Thomas, Isiah Isiah Thomas 78 78 37.4 .446 .291 .772 3.2 7.2 1.51 0.19 18.5 Walker, Darrell Darrell Walker 74 4 20.8 .423 .000 .619 3.2 2.8 0.85 0.24 5.2 Woolridge, Orlando Orlando Woolridge 82 61 25.8 .498 .111 .683 3.2 1.1 0.50 0.40 14.0 Playoffs PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPGMark Aguirre 5 0 22.6 .333 .200 .750 1.8 2.4 .4 .2 9.0William Bedford basketball 1 0 9.0 .500 2.0 .0 1.0 .0 6.0Lance Blanks 1 0 10.0 .500 1.0 3.0 3.0 .0 2.0Joe Dumars 5 5 44.2 .471 .500 .789 1.6 3.2 1.0 .2 16.8Bill Laimbeer 5 4 29.0 .370 .200 1.000 6.6 1.6 .8 .2 8.2Bob McCann 1 0 13.0 .500 2.0 .0 .0 1.0 6.0Dennis Rodman 5 5 31.2 .593 .000 .500 10.2 1.8 .8 .4 7.2John Salley 5 1 29.8 .455 .000 .821 6.0 2.8 .6 2.8 12.6Brad Sellers 2 0 6.5 .500 1.000 .0 1.0 .0 1.0 3.0Isiah Thomas 5 5 40.0 .338 .364 .786 5.2 7.4 1.0 .0 14.0Darrell Walker 5 0 13.6 .333 1.000 2.4 .8 .2 .0 2.0Orlando Woolridge 5 5 25.6 .442 .563 2.0 .6 .2 .2 11.0 Player statistics citation: Awards and records Dennis Rodman, All-NBA Third Team Joe Dumars, NBA All-Defensive First Team Dennis Rodman, NBA All-Defensive First Team Transactions January 2011 See also 1991–92 NBA season References Category:Detroit Pistons seasons Detroit Detroit Detroit