Joe Dumars
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Joe Dumars (born May 24, 1963 in Shreveport, Louisiana) is the Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations (as of 2005) and a former NBA basketball player. At 6'3 he could play either shooting guard or point guard and was effective in defense. Initially a shooting guard, Dumars shifted to point guard following the retirement of teammate Isiah Thomas.
Playing career
Drafted in the first round, out of McNeese State University, he played guard for the Detroit Pistons for his entire career, from 1985 to 1999. He won two championships as a player in 1989 and 1990. He was the NBA Finals MVP in 1989. The following year, he won accolades during the Eastern Conference Finals when, with Dennis Rodman he was a cornerstone of coach Chuck Daly's "Jordan Rules" defensive playbook which forced the Chicago Bulls to change their offensive strategy to include less of Michael Jordan and more of the other members of the team.
During his regular season career, he was a five time All-Star, and four time all-defensive first team selection. Although he was a member of the famed "Bad Boys" he was known for his sportmanship. The NBA sportmanship award is named after him.
His #4 jersey was retired by the Pistons in 2000.
NBA Executive career
Dumars became the Pistons' President of Basketball Operations prior to 2000-2001 season. He quietly built the team that would go on to win the 2004 NBA Championship and contend for many more.
Notable Trades:
- Grant Hill for Chucky Atkins and Ben Wallace
- Jerome Williams for Corliss Williamson
- Mateen Cleaves for Jon Barry
- Jud Buechler for Clifford Robinson
- Jerry Stackhouse for Richard Hamilton
- Zeljko Rebraca, Bobby Sura, and two first round picks for Rasheed Wallace
Notable Draft Picks:
- Tayshaun Prince with the 23rd overall pick
- Mehmet Okur in the 2nd round
Notable Signings: