2008–09 Detroit Pistons season
The 2008–09 Detroit Pistons season was the 68th season of the franchise, the 61st in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the 52nd in the Detroit area. The season was the first under new head coach Michael Curry, who took over for Flip Saunders who was fired at the conclusion of the 2007–08 season.
| 2008–09 Detroit Pistons season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Michael Curry |
| General manager | Joe Dumars |
| President | Joe Dumars |
| Owners |
|
| Arena | The Palace of Auburn Hills |
| Results | |
| Record | 39–43 (.476) |
| Place | Division: 3rd (Central) Conference: 8th (Eastern) |
| Playoff finish | First Round (lost to Cavaliers 0–4) |
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
| Local media | |
| Television | Fox Sports Detroit |
| Radio | WXYT-FM |
In the playoffs, the Pistons were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games in the first round.
During the season, the Pistons traded Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Allen Iverson. McDyess was waived by the Nuggets and was re-signed by the Pistons. It was their first losing season since 2000–01, and the first time they didn't reach the Eastern Conference finals since 2001–02. The 2008–09 season was also the last time the Pistons qualified for the playoffs, until 2015–16 where they were also swept by the Cavaliers and again in the first round. Following the season, Rasheed Wallace signed as a free agent with the Boston Celtics, Iverson left to sign with the Memphis Grizzlies, McDyess signed with the San Antonio Spurs, and Curry was fired.