The 2001–02 NBA season was the Pistons' 61st season, the 54th in the National Basketball Association, and the 45th in the Detroit area. After missing the playoffs the previous season, the Pistons selected Rodney White from the University of Charlotte with the ninth pick in the 2001 NBA draft. During the off-season, the team acquired Clifford Robinson from the Phoenix Suns, and Jon Barry from the Sacramento Kings. Under new head coach Rick Carlisle, the Pistons won 14 of their first 20 games, but then suffered a 7-game losing streak in December. However, after a 19–20 start, they would win 15 of their next 18 games. After a 26–21 record at the All-Star break, the Pistons won 24 of their final 35 games, returning to the playoffs after a one-year absence, finishing first place in the Central