The 1978–79 Detroit Pistons season was the Detroit Pistons' 31st season in the NBA, 22nd season in the metropolitan area of Detroit, first at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, and first in the Eastern Conference.1978-79 Detroit Pistons
New Coach Dick Vitale did little to revitalize the direction of the franchise as the team finished with a 30-52 (.366) record, 4th place in the Central Division. Vitale was even hospitalized with stress during the season. The team was led by point guard Kevin Porter, who led the league with 13.4 assists per game, forward M.L. Carr (18.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg), center Bob Lanier (23.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg, NBA All-Star, limited to 53 games due to injury), and the addition of two rookies Vitale drafted from the University of Detroit, where he had coached previously - John Long (16.1 ppg) and Terry Tyler (12.9 ppg, 2.5 blocks per game).
Draft picks
Round Pick Player Position Nationality College223Terry TylerG/FUniversity of Detroit Mercy229John Long G/FUniversity of Detroit Mercy8157Earl EvansFUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas
Roster
Regular season
Season standings
z - clinched division title y - clinched division title x - clinched playoff spot
Season
Awards and records M. L. Carr, NBA All-Defensive Second Team Terry Tyler, NBA All-Rookie Team 1st Team
References