The 1998–99 NBA season was the Pistons' 51st season in the National Basketball Association, and 42nd season in the city of Detroit. In the offseason, the Pistons signed free agents Christian Laettner, Jud Buechler and Loy Vaught. However, Laettner would only play just 16 games due to an Achilles injury and broken rib. After a solid year the previous season, Brian Williams changed his named to Bison Dele to honor his Cherokee heritage. In a season cut in half by a four-month lockout, the Pistons would bounce back from their disappointing season to finish third in the Central Division with a 29–21 record, and return to the playoffs after a one-year absence. Grant Hill led the team in scoring, rebounds and assists. In the playoffs, they would lose in five games to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. This season also marked an end of an era as Joe Dumars retired after a solid fourteen year career. This was also Dele's final season of his career as he retired before the following season.

(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Detroit Pistons: Hawks win series 3-2

Last Playoff Meeting: 1997 Eastern Conference First Round (Atlanta won 3-2)

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