Detroit Pistons fans are divided over the nickname 'The Stones,' with some claiming it has been used for over 20 years while others deny its existence. The debate has sparked discussions on social media.
Key points
Debate over the nickname 'The Stones' among Detroit Pistons fans
Some fans claim it has been used for over 20 years
Others deny ever hearing the nickname
Discussion has gained traction on social media
Detroit Pistons
Do Detroit Pistons fans really call them 'The Stones?'
The latest controversy surrounding the Detroit Pistons doesn't involve basketball, but whether or not local fans have been calling them "Stones." And it's tearing social media apart.
OK, not really – but it's still an interesting discussion.
Many Detroit basketball fans claim they have been hearing the "Stones" nickname for over 20 years. Other longtime fans say they have never heard it before. But if it indeed is a part of Pistons lore, how come so many fans say it's not a real nickname?
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) steals the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren dunks past Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley during the second half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Q&A
What is the origin of the nickname 'The Stones' for the Detroit Pistons?
The nickname 'The Stones' has been claimed by some Detroit basketball fans to have been in use for over 20 years, though its exact origin remains unclear.
Why are Detroit Pistons fans debating the nickname 'The Stones'?
Fans are debating the nickname because while some assert it is a longstanding term for the team, others have never heard it, leading to discussions on social media.
How do Detroit Pistons fans feel about the nickname 'The Stones'?
Feelings are mixed; some fans embrace the nickname as part of Pistons lore, while others reject it, claiming it is not widely recognized.
Has the nickname 'The Stones' been officially adopted by the Detroit Pistons?
No, the nickname 'The Stones' has not been officially adopted by the Detroit Pistons and remains a topic of informal fan debate.
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Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) makes a jump shot against Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (5) celebrates a three point basket against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) dribbles against Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley during the first half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) celebrates a three point basket against Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) makes a lay up against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) and guard Daniss Jenkins (24) during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons react to a play during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0), left, and forward Isaiah Stewart (28) at players introduction before the first half o Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs against Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic with guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) makes a jump shot against Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) during the second half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) makes a jump shot against Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) celebrates a play against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons fans cheer on during player introductions before tipoff against the Orlando Magic in Game 7 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons fans cheer on against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dunks against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) and center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) blocks Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham blocks Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero during the first half of Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson blocks the shot of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black during the second half of Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 5 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) reacts after Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) committed his 5th personal foul during the second half of Game 5 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) high-fives fans after 116-109 win over Orlando Magic at Game 5 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Detroit Pistons player introductions before hosting the Orlando Magic for Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) blocks Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) during the first half of Game 5 of First Round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson dunks against the Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dunks against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) blocks Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is interviewed after scoring 27 points with 11 assists in the 98-83 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) grabs a rebound against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) and guard Javonte Green (31) block Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) blocks Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) walks up after making an and-one against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) high-fives fans as he exits the court after 98-83 win over Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas cheers on for the Pistons during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs between Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) and forward Ronald Holland II (5) ran into each other while grabbing a rebound against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) celebrates a play against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) blocks Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) at the rim during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins celebrates a play against the Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) passes the ball against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Musician Big Sean cheers on for Detroit Pistons during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff complains about a call to a referee during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs against Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) defends Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) and forward Isaiah Stewart (28) at players introduction before tipoff of the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) talks to center Jalen Duren (0) before a play against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) steals the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) steals the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren dunks past Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley during the second half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) makes a jump shot against Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (5) celebrates a three point basket against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) dribbles against Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley during the first half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) celebrates a three point basket against Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) makes a lay up against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) and guard Daniss Jenkins (24) during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons react to a play during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0), left, and forward Isaiah Stewart (28) at players introduction before the first half o Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs against Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic with guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) makes a jump shot against Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) during the second half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) makes a jump shot against Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) celebrates a play against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons fans cheer on during player introductions before tipoff against the Orlando Magic in Game 7 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons fans cheer on against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dunks against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) and center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) blocks Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham blocks Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero during the first half of Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson blocks the shot of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black during the second half of Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 5 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) reacts after Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) committed his 5th personal foul during the second half of Game 5 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) high-fives fans after 116-109 win over Orlando Magic at Game 5 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons player introductions before hosting the Orlando Magic for Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) blocks Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) during the first half of Game 5 of First Round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson dunks against the Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dunks against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) blocks Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons' run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons' run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is interviewed after scoring 27 points with 11 assists in the 98-83 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons' run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) grabs a rebound against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons' run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) and guard Javonte Green (31) block Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) blocks Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons' run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) walks up after making an and-one against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) high-fives fans as he exits the court after 98-83 win over Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas cheers on for the Pistons during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs between Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) and forward Ronald Holland II (5) ran into each other while grabbing a rebound against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons' run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) celebrates a play against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) blocks Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) at the rim during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins celebrates a play against the Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) passes the ball against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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Musician Big Sean cheers on for Detroit Pistons during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons' run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff complains about a call to a referee during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs against Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons' run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) defends Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons' run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) and forward Isaiah Stewart (28) at players introduction before tipoff of the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons' run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) talks to center Jalen Duren (0) before a play against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
First, let's dive into the origin of this recent "controversy."
Evan Fox, a video producer for ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show" and Detroit sports fan, has been claiming that Pistons fans "really call them [the Stones]" on various episodes of the show, most recently on a May 7 broadcast that featured NBA star Tyrese Haliburton and former NBA player Quentin Richardson.
Notably, neither Haliburton nor Richardson seemed to recognize the nickname.
Fox has been fanning the "Stones" flame on his X account throughout the NBA playoffs, and as the Pistons have improved to a 2-0 series lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, more people have started to argue whether "The Stones" is real or fake.
Our Pistons insider Omari Sankofa II weighed in, saying that while the nickname is "not super common," it has "been a thing for a long time."
Many commentors on that post and others claim they had never heard the nickname, while others claim they have been hearing it for decades.
Jemele Hill, former Free Press sportswriter and current writer for "The Atlantic," believes the separation between those who have heard "The Stones" and those who haven't starts at the border of Detroit's city limits.
Hill was born and raised in Detroit and is a Michigan State graduate, while Fox, also a Michigan State graduate, is from Williamston.
The Pistons do not use "The Stones" in any official marketing, and much of the social media conversation around the nickname has been limited to the past couple of days. But one post from nearly 10 years ago from Pistons legend Rick Mahorn has resurfaced, with Mahorn casually referring to the Pistons as "Stones."
So while your exposure to "The Stones" may depend on where you live, it has certainly existed (at least in some parts of Metro Detroit) for a while now.
