1985–86 Detroit Pistons season
| 1985–86 Detroit Pistons season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Chuck Daly |
| General manager | Jack McCloskey |
| Owner(s) | Bill Davidson |
| Arena | Pontiac Silverdome |
| Results | |
| Record | 46–36 (.561) |
| Place | Division: 3rd (Central) Conference: 5th (Eastern) |
| Playoff finish | First round (lost to Hawks 1–3) |
Stats at Basketball Reference | |
| Local media | |
| Television | |
| Radio | WJR |
The 1985–86 NBA season was the Detroit Pistons' 38th season in the NBA and 29th season in Detroit. The team played at the Pontiac Silverdome in suburban Pontiac, Michigan.
The year got off to an excellent start as the Pistons drafted future Hall of Famer Joe Dumars with the 18th pick in the first-round of the 1985 NBA draft. The team's steady rise in recent years stalled during the 1985–86 season as the Pistons finished 46–36 (.561), 3rd in the Central Division. The team advanced to the playoffs but were beaten 3–1 by Dominique Wilkins and the rising Atlanta Hawks. When the series ended, Piston guard and team leader Isiah Thomas said, “All I know is something has to change next year.”
The Pistons were led by guard Thomas (20.9 ppg, 10.8 apg, NBA All-Star), center Bill Laimbeer (16.6 ppg, 13.1 rpg), and guard Vinnie "the Microwave" Johnson (13.9 ppg). Dumars (9.4 ppg) was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. Before the 1986-87 Detroit Pistons season began, driven by Thomas, the Pistons would trade away several key players, including forward Kelly Tripucka, center Kent Benson and guard John Long.