Expectations were high with the Pistons entering the season with hopes for continued improvement and a playoff berth, having improved from 16 to 21 to 39 wins in the previous three seasons, but the team regressed, finishing 37–45 (.451), 3rd in the Central Division.
The team was led on the season by guard Isiah Thomas (22.9 ppg, 7.8 apg, NBA All-Star), center Bill Laimbeer (13.6 ppg, 12.1 rpg, NBA All-Star) and forward Kelly Tripucka (26.5 ppg).
With the disappointing record and frequent clashes with team leader Thomas, the team fired coach Scotty Robertson at the end of the season.
'I thought Jack and I would discuss various aspects of the team and go on from there.
The team would hire Chuck Daly as his replacement for the 1983-84 Detroit Pistons season.