DETROIT – Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores penned an open letter to fans following his team’s magical run this past season.
The Pistons finished the 2024-25 regular season 44-38, locking up the No. 6 seed, where they took on the No. 3 seed Knicks.
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Although they fell to 0-7 inside Little Caesars Arena in postseason play, Pistons fans couldn’t ask for much more.
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Detroit finished the 2023-24 season with just 14 wins, a franchise record.
However, they became the first NBA team to triple its win total from the previous year in an 82-game season.
Tripling their wins was the seventh-largest ever from one season to the next in National Basketball Association history.
Gores said he felt gratitude after witnessing what the Pistons did this season.
“Dear Pistons fans,
Gratitude. That’s what I feel when I think about what our team accomplished this season and your unwavering support.
Our team fought hard and put their hearts on the line. They competed every night and for every possession. We watched every game on the edge of our seats because each one came down to the wire.
This team inspired and excited our city, which is why the outcome is so tough and emotional. We didn’t want the ride to end, but I believe this is only the beginning.
As I reflect on this season, I’m not only thankful for what we accomplished this year, but I’m also proud of how we did it. We did it the right way.
This group felt no limits. They ignored the outside voices and came to work each day with a sense of urgency. They were disciplined and held themselves and each other accountable. That set the stage for our success.
From day one, Trajan and J.B. focused on culture and operational excellence. They set the tone in training camp and stayed consistent throughout the season. J.B. brought energy, emotion and discipline and expected the same from every player.
With that mindset, we completed one of the most impressive turnarounds in NBA history, tripling our regular season performance and winning our first playoff game since 2008.
We played an exciting brand of Pistons basketball fueled by tremendous unselfishness. I was inspired by this team’s ability to play for each other, stay in the moment, and commit to be great.
I am also grateful for you, our incredible fans. Last year was tough and rebuilds are not easy. Through it all, your loyalty has never waned. Your support means a great deal to me. I can’t say it enough: Thank you.
With a return to full strength next year and valuable experience under our belts, advancing in the playoffs will be the goal.
I promise our urgency will not stop. Our players and coaching staff are focused on continuing our positive momentum. Trajan and his team will act with urgency to strengthen our roster. And I will continue to ensure this organization has the necessary resources to succeed.
I believe in what we’re building. I’m excited about this journey and hope you will stick with us as we continue to build on this foundation for success. I look forward to seeing you next season.
Let’s get Back to Work."
Detroit Pistons Owner Tom Gores
The improvement was thanks in part to the hiring of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who replaced Monty Williams during the 2024-25 season.
The turnaround was also due to a management shift, as team president Trajan Langdon replaced Troy Weaver.
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Those two moves, along with the addition of assistant coaches Luke Walton, Kevin Burleson, Sidney Lowe, Fred Vinson, Vitaly Potapenko, Josh Estes, and Jerome Allen, proved vital for the new look Pistons.
The shift in management led to the rebuild as the Pistons added veterans around All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, like franchise holder for most three-pointers made in a season in guard Malik Beasley, Tobias Harris, Dennis Schröder, and former Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. to the roster.
Beasley, Schröder, and Hardaway Jr. are all key free agents this offseason.
Still, the Pistons are getting back Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart from injury to complement their main core of Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland II as they prepare for the NBA draft.
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