The Detroit Pistons finished 50-32 and captured their first Central Division title since 1990 and made it to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1991. Detroit defeated Toronto three games to two in the first round and lost to Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals four games to one.

Rick Carlisle was named NBA Coach of the Year, becoming the second Detroit coach (Ray Scott, 1973-74) to win the honor. With 50 victories, Carlisle became the winningest first-year coach in franchise history. The Pistons led the league in blocked shots (6.89 bpg) and had the fewest shots blocked (4.09 bpg). The team lost 11 consecutive road games from December 4 through January 11 and won a franchise-record seven consecutive road games from January 18 through February 22.

Jerry Stackhouse led the Pistons in scoring (21.4 ppg, 14th in the NBA) and assists (a career-high 5.3 apg). He also shot a career-high 85.8 percent from (495-577 FT) from the free throw line.

Ben Wallace led the league in rebounds (13.0 rpg), blocked shots (3.48 bpg) and steals per turnover (1.97) en route to being named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Wallace became the fourth player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounds and blocked shots in the same season, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton and Hakeem Olajuwon. He also averaged a career-high 7.6 points and 1.73 steals (T-14th in the NBA). Wallace, an All-NBA Third Team selection, pulled down an NBA season-high 28 rebounds in a March 24 game vs. Boston and had 10 blocks (tying for the franchise single-season high) in a February 24 game at Milwaukee.

Corliss Williamson was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 13.6 points in 78 games, 71 off the bench. He shot a career-high 51.0 percent from the from the field (8th in the NBA) and 80.5 from the free throw line… Clifford Robinson was second on the team in scoring (14.6 ppg) and rebounding (4.8 rpg) and earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors. Zeljko Rebraca earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.