In 1961-62 the Pistons began playing their home games at Cobo Arena, where they remained through the 1977-78 season. Led by Howell, the squad set an all-time Pistons single-season record with 5,823 rebounds and struggled to a 37-43 record. In a January 5 game against Syracuse, the Pistons made a team-record 48 free throws. They again reached the playoffs, edging Cincinnati before losing to Los Angeles.

In 1962 the Pistons drafted Dave DeBusschere. The 6-6, 235-pounder led the Pistons in rebounding for three seasons, beginning in 1965-66. He made three All-Star appearances while in a Detroit uniform. An outstanding all-around player and exceptional rebounder, DeBusschere was traded in 1968 to New York, where he became an integral part of the Knicks' championship teams of the early 1970s.

DeBusschere also had many achievements off the basketball court. He had been a pitcher in the Chicago White Sox organization, playing 36 games in the majors in 1962 and 1963. He then spent two more seasons in the minors before returning to basketball full time. After his playing career DeBusschere held front-office jobs with the Nets and the Knicks and was ABA commissioner in 1975.

One of the more unusual chapters in NBA coaching history was written while DeBusschere was still playing for Detroit. The heady 24-year-old forward was named player-coach just 11 games into the 1964-65 season, making him the youngest coach in league history. He coaxed 29 wins out of his colleagues, and Detroit finished the season with a 31-49 record. The Pistons' Joe Caldwell was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team at season's end.

In 1965-66 the team fell to 22-58. The silver lining for the season was Tom Van Arsdale, an NBA All-Rookie Team selection.