2002–03 Detroit Pistons season


The 2002–03 NBA season was the Pistons' 62nd season as a franchise, the 55th in the National Basketball Association, and the 46th in the Detroit area. During the offseason, the Pistons acquired Richard Hamilton from the Washington Wizards and signed free agent Chauncey Billups. With the acquisitions of Hamilton and Billups, the Pistons got off to a solid start winning 12 of their first 16 games. However, the team suffered a 7-game losing streak between February and March, but managed to finish with a 50–32 record, earning them first place in the Eastern Conference. After defeating the Orlando Magic 4–3 in the first round after trailing 3–1, and then beating the Philadelphia 76ers 4–2 in the semifinals, the Pistons were a serious title contender. Instead, they had their season ended with a sweep to the New Jersey Nets in four straight Eastern Conference Final games.
Ben Wallace was voted to play in the 2003 NBA All-Star Game for the first time in his career. He also won Defensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Following the season, Pistons head coach Rick Carlisle was fired after spending only two seasons with the team and replaced by Larry Brown, who resigned by the 76ers on Memorial Day as their replacement as Carlisle will go on to coach the Indiana Pacers replaced Isiah Thomas, who was fired after failing to reach the second round for three consecutive seasons in the playoffs as Thomas will go on to be named executive of the New York Knicks, following the season. Also following the season, Clifford Robinson was traded to the Golden State Warriors, Jon Barry signed as a free agent with the Denver Nuggets, and Michael Curry was dealt to the Toronto Raptors.

Draft picks

RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalityCollege
123Tayshaun PrinceSFUnited StatesKentucky

Roster

Note

Bold = All-Star selection

Regular season

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Game log

Playoffs

East First Round

Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic
Last Playoff Meeting: 1996 Eastern Conference First Round

East Conference Semifinals

Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Last Playoff Meeting: 1955 NBA Finals
*Required overtime.

East Conference Finals

Detroit Pistons vs. New Jersey Nets
Last Playoff Meeting: 1985 Eastern Conference First Round

Player statistics

Season

Playoffs

Awards and records

Trades

Free agents