1980's - Over the course of nine months, Pistons GM “Trader” Jack McCloskey would change the future of the franchise. In 1981 he drafted Isiah Thomas and Kelly Tripucka and signed Bill Laimbeer and Vinnie Johnson. Chuck Daly was named head coach and players like Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, Adrian Dantley, Mark Aguirre, John Salley, Rick Mahorn, and James Edwards were added. The 1980’s were trademarked with a tough, physical style of basketball, which would lead to the nickname, “the Bad Boys.” The team became hated throughout the NBA, but no place more than Chicago and Boston, the Pistons main rivals in their quest to win an NBA Championship. The Pistons made the postseason from 1983-1990. Every series was a tough battle, with the Pistons going to at least six games in six different series, ultimately winning back-to-back NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990. Buy Detroit Pistons Tickets.