It has been speculated for quite some time now, but it is finally official: Joe Dumars is out as GM of the Detroit Pistons. We’re a full decade removed from the last championship and it has been nothing but dark days since the likes of Billups, Rip and Sheed spent their prime years there.
This move is effective immediately and it sounds like Dumars will remain with the club in a lesser role. Here’s the press release from the Detroit Pistons:
The Detroit Pistons announced today that Joe Dumars will step aside as President of Basketball Operations, effective immediately. The team has launched a search for a new head of basketball operations.
“Joe Dumars is a great champion who has meant so much to this franchise and this community,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores. “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 continue preparing for the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency signing period, reporting to ownership executives Phil Norment and Bob Wentworth. Mr. Norment said the organization has developed a preliminary list of candidates that includes “the best executives in the business,” but he declined to place a specific timetable on selecting a replacement.
Mr. Dumars will continue his relationship with the franchise as an advisor to the organization and its ownership team.
“It’s time to turn the page on a wonderful chapter and begin writing a new one,” Dumars said. “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.”
H/T: NBA.com
