Editing Detroit Pistons (section)

===2008–2011: Failed rebuilding===
[[File:Ben Wallace 4104263221 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|150px|Ben Wallace in 2009.]]
On June 10, 2008, the Pistons hired [[Michael Curry (basketball)|Michael Curry]] to be their new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/curry_080610.html|title=Pistons Name Michael Curry as Head Coach|website=NBA.com|date=June 10, 2008|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731205403/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/curry_080610.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 3, 2008, the Pistons traded key members Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to the [[Denver Nuggets]] for [[Allen Iverson]].<ref name=Iverson>{{cite web|first=Marc|last=Stein|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3679931|title=Denver Nuggets trade Allen Iverson to Detroit Pistons|website=ESPN.com|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731195005/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3679931|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Acquire Allen Iverson from Denver in Exchange for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/iverson_081103.html|website=NBA.com|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=February 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224144405/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/iverson_081103.html|url-status=live}}</ref> McDyess was later waived on November 10 and rejoined the Pistons on December 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2008/news/11/10/111008mcdyesswaived.ap/|title=McDyess waived by Nuggets|website=NBA.com|agency=Associated Press|date=November 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113211258/https://www.nba.com/2008/news/11/10/111008mcdyesswaived.ap/|archive-date=November 13, 2018|access-date=December 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Sign Free Agent Antonio McDyess|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/mcdyess_081209.html|website=NBA.com|date=December 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119100749/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/mcdyess_081209.html|archive-date=November 19, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2019}}</ref> The trade was marked as the start of a new rebuilding process due to Iverson's free agent status at the end of the season.<ref name=Iverson/> Indeed, Joe Dumars previously made it clear that no player on the team was guaranteed a position, bluntly saying they lost their sacred cow status.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dumars puts players on notice|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-06-04-0806040138-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=June 4, 2008|access-date=January 20, 2022|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120134104/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-06-04-0806040138-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The season was marked with many controversies and injuries.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mitch|last=Lawrence|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/pistons-sputter-swapping-chauncey-billups-allen-iverson-article-1.393447|title=Lawrence: Pistons sputter since Iverson trade|website=New York Daily News|date=March 1, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221245/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/pistons-sputter-swapping-chauncey-billups-allen-iverson-article-1.393447|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Marc|last=Stein|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4602452|title=Richard Hamilton of Detroit Pistons echoes Allen Iverson on problems with ex-coach Michael Curry|website=ESPN.com|date=October 28, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221403/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4602452|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of this and poor play, the Pistons dropped down the standings, only clinching a playoff berth on April 10, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290410008|title=Youthful Nets falter as Pistons clinch eighth straight playoff appearance|website=ESPN.com|date=April 11, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221327/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290410008|url-status=live}}</ref> The Pistons finished the season at 39–43, their first losing season in eight years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290413008|title=Piston confined to eighth seed after Gordon's layup in final ticks breaks tie|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422133926/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290413008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290415014|title=Wade wins scoring title as Heat finish season with OT victory|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422135922/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290415014|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> The Pistons were then swept by the [[2008–09 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]] in four games in the first round of the [[2009 NBA playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290426008|title=LeBron takes control as Cavaliers sweep up Pistons|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422173210/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=290426008|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> On June 30, 2009, Curry was fired as head coach.<ref>{{cite web|first=A. Sherrod|last=Blakely|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2009/06/pistons_head_coach_michael_cur.html|title=Pistons fire coach Michael Curry after one season|website=MLive|date=June 30, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011655/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2009/06/pistons_head_coach_michael_cur.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Iverson signed with the [[Memphis Grizzlies]] during the off-season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Allen Iverson officially joins Memphis Grizzlies|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4462209|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=September 10, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221407/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4462209|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the off-season, the Pistons reached an agreement with former Chicago Bulls guard [[Ben Gordon (basketball)|Ben Gordon]] on a five-year/$55 million contract, as well as an agreement with former [[Milwaukee Bucks]] forward [[Charlie Villanueva]] on a five-year contract worth $35 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/gordon_villanueva_090708.html|title=Pistons Sign Free Agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva|website=NBA.com|date=July 8, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805225623/http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/gordon_villanueva_090708.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4314591|title=NBA free agents: Detroit Pistons sign Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 8, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805222334/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4314591|url-status=live}}</ref> That same month, the Pistons lost their two key members during the last few years, veterans Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess.<ref>{{cite web|first=J.A.|last=Adande|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4307834|title=NBA free agents: Agent: Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace to sign with Boston Celtics|website=ESPN.com|date=July 6, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221730/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4307834|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4314974|title=NBA free agents: Antonio McDyess chooses San Antonio Spurs|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=July 8, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=June 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628001243/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4314974|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 8, 2009, the Pistons hired former Cavaliers assistant coach [[John Kuester]] to be the new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|first=Marc|last=Stein|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4311090|title=Sources: John Kuester of Cleveland Cavaliers to be Detroit Pistons' coach|website=ESPN.com|date=July 8, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221852/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4311090|url-status=live}}</ref> The Pistons later re-signed Ben Wallace on August 12, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pistons Sign Free Agent Center Ben Wallace|url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/wallace_090812.html|website=NBA.com|date=August 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106054123/https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/wallace_090812.html|archive-date=January 6, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2019}}</ref>

Despite these changes, the team regressed even further, as they were hampered by setbacks and injuries.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Poll: If no more roster moves are made, how good will the Pistons be this season?|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2010/07/poll_if_no_more_roster_moves_a.html|website=MLive|date=July 29, 2010|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011659/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2010/07/poll_if_no_more_roster_moves_a.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Aschburner|title=Villanueva vows to make up for poor debut in Detroit|url=https://www.nba.com/seasonpreview/2010/DET/|website=NBA.com|date=October 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310013432/https://www.nba.com/seasonpreview/2010/DET/|archive-date=March 10, 2018|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> On March 23, 2010, the Pistons were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the [[2009–10 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana Pacers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300323008|title=Pacers sweep season series vs. Pistons|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623061819/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300323008|archive-date=June 23, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> The Pistons finished with a 27–55 record, their worst since 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300414016|title=Pistons hand Timberwolves franchise record-tying 67th loss|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623061826/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=300414016|archive-date=June 23, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref> Another 50-loss season, this time finishing at 30–52, led to the firing of Kuester at the end of the 2010–11 season; he had gotten into several disputes with the players, culminating with a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on February 25, 2011, where it was reported several players staged a protest that morning during shootaround; Kuester responded by benching all those involved, and the animosity was so high that some of the benched players could be seen laughing in response to his ejection from the game late in the first half.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sources: Some Pistons AWOL in protest|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6159298|website=ESPN.com|date=February 25, 2011|access-date=March 19, 2025|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203031754/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6159298|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Pistons coach John Kuester can't survive much longer with team in constant turmoil|url=https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2011/02/post_13.html|website=MLive|date=February 26, 2011|access-date=March 19, 2025|archive-date=March 19, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319024956/https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2011/02/post_13.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Rachel|last=Shuster|title=Pistons fire coach John Kuester after two seasons|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pistons/2011-06-05-coach-kuester-fired_N.htm|website=USA Today|date=June 5, 2011|access-date=June 24, 2017|archive-date=July 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719181246/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pistons/2011-06-05-coach-kuester-fired_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>