History of the Pistons

The Fort Wayne Pistons were one of the original members of the National Basketball Association (NBA) when it was founded in 1946. The team had a long and successful history, winning two championships during their tenure in the league. They also produced some of basketball's greatest players, including Hall-of-Famers George Yardley and Bob Cousy.

The Pistons played at North Side High School gymnasium for most of their time in Fort Wayne before moving to Detroit after the 1957 season due to financial difficulties. During those 11 seasons, they made six playoff appearances and won two NBA Championships (1955 & 1956). In addition to these successes on the court, many notable figures from basketball’s early days spent time with the organization such as Bill Sharman, Larry Foust, Andy Phillip, and Dick McGuire who all eventually entered into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame as coaches or players later on the down line.

In 1987 an effort began by local fans called “Bring Back The Pistons” aimed at bringing professional basketball back to Ft Wayne but unfortunately never materialized due to lack of funding or political willpower needed to achieve that goal. Regardless, Fort Wayne pistons remain a part important piece of NBA history having been the first-ever franchise to become a member association over 70 years ago now. Though they no longer exist in physical form, legacy Fort Wayne pistons live through hall farmers they produced well achievements earned while playing under banner city Fort Wayne Indiana.