Through extensive research (Wikipedia), the vegter21 lab has uncovered the early history of the Timberwolves next opponent, the Detroit Pistons:
The team was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1941. At the time, they were known as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons after the team owners Fred and Janet Zollner. Why is this important? Because it helps explain one aspect of the original team logo...
While the Piston Man ‘Z’ can be justified, there are many questions left unanswered. Is there a real person inside this piston costume? If so, are his left leg and right arm horribly disfigured?