More NBA: Power Rankings | Expert Picks | Latest news, notes
The Pistons are restructuring their front office, which includes Joe Dumars moving in to a new role and out of his basketball decision-making position.
As Ken Berger of CBSSports.com reported on Sunday, Dumars will leave his position of president of basketball operations as the team begins a search for a new one. Dumars will stay with the team as an advisor.
“Joe Dumars is a great champion who has meant so much to this franchise and this community,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores in a release. “We are turning the page with great respect for what he has accomplished not only as a player and a front office executive, but as a person who has represented this team and the NBA with extraordinary dignity.”
During the transition, director of basketball operations Ken Catanella and assistant general manager George David will prepare for the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency.
“It’s time to turn the page on a wonderful chapter and begin writing a new one,” Dumars said in a release. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great people throughout the last 29 years as both a player and executive, and I’m proud of our accomplishments. Tom Gores and ownership is committed to winning and they will continue to move the franchise forward.”
Dumars was drafted by the Pistons in 1985, spending 29 seasons with the organization, 14 as a player (1985-1999) and 15 in the front office (1999-2014). Dumars won three championships with the Pistons, two as a player (1989 and 1990) and one as their general manager (2004). As a GM, the Pistons made it to the Finals twice (2004 and 2005).
Since taking over as general manager, the Pistons went 595-536, had 73 playoff wins and went to the Eastern Conference finals six consecutive times (2003-2008).
