The Pistons have "decided not to renew" President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars' contract, according to Vince Ellis of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. A source said that Dumars has "agreed to remain as an executive adviser outside the basketball operations domain." Pistons Assistant GM George David and Dir of Basketball Operations Ken Catanella will "run the team in the interim," while the ownership group "searches for a replacement." Dumars was named President of Basketball Operations before the '00-01 season, and the Pistons "were champions again in three seasons," winning the '04 NBA title against the Lakers. He was "named the league's executive of the year" in '03. But now the team is "struggling on the floor and at the box office and ownership made the decision to move on from Dumars even before the firing of [coach] Maurice Cheeks 50 games into this season on Feb. 9 as it has grown unhappy with Dumars' direction." Out of "respect to Dumars' run with the Pistons, the two sides have been discussing another role for Dumars in the past few weeks." He agreed Sunday, but it "doesn't preclude him from pursuing another job with another organization" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/14). In Detroit, Vincent Goodwill notes what Pistons Principal Owner Tom Gores and investors will be "looking for is someone charismatic, who they can present to the public as the face of the franchise." Dumars, even in his "playing days, kept a low profile and didn't enjoy being in the limelight." Gores' camp appears to "be open to all kinds of candidates from various backgrounds" (DETROIT NEWS, 4/14).
ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END: In Detroit, Bob Wojnowski writes Dumars for most of his nearly 30 years with the Pistons "was basketball royalty, connecting eras and championships." But the connection "is broken, for several reasons, and it's time for a change." The sad part is that Dumars' "storied run would end with such a thud of inevitability." When he took over the Pistons "it was an aimless franchise, and that's where it is again." Gores "hasn't shown he's around enough, or inclined enough, to fill the daily leadership role." If he hires the "right people, it doesn't have to be a problem." But until he "hires the right people, it is a problem" (DETROIT NEWS, 4/14). Also in Detroit, Drew Sharp writes the Pistons "consider this a respectful compromise, an appreciative thank-you for Dumars’ significant contributions to three NBA championships, but also a strong rebuke for his role in what has become five straight playoff-less springs." However Gores "dresses up this transition for public display, the owner got what he sought all along -- a fall guy." Dumars "should be relieved," as he "is free from this nonsense." But the Pistons "gave Dumars a titular title and told him to sit in the corner with his mouth shut." That is "a slap in the face" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/14).
