1965–66 Detroit Pistons season

The 1965–66 NBA season was the Detroit Pistons' 18th season in the NBA and its ninth season in the city of Detroit. The team played at Cobo Arena in Detroit.

Before the start of the 1965–66 season, the Pistons lost their leading scorer, Terry Dischinger, due to military service, and starting center, Reggie Harding, due to suspension. On September 28, 1965, general manager Don Wattrick died of a heart attack. The team's first round pick in the 1965 NBA draft, Bill Buntin did not sign until October due to a contract dispute.

The Pistons struggled on the season, finishing 22-58 (.275), 5th in the Western Division and with the worst record in the NBA. The team was led on the season by guard Eddie Miles (19.6 ppg, NBA All-Star) and player-coach Dave DeBusschere (16.4 ppg, 11.6 rpg, NBA All-Star). Rookie guard Tom Van Arsdale (10.5 ppg, NBA First-Team All-Rookie) added to the cause. Adding insult on the year, two Baltimore Bullets, Don Ohl and Bailey Howell, made the NBA All-Star game, having been traded the year prior by the Pistons.

Awards and records

 * Tom Van Arsdale, NBA All-Rookie Team 1st Team