Joe Dumars

Hall of Fame guard and executive who spent his entire playing career with the Detroit Pistons.

Joe Dumars III (born May 24, 1963) is an American professional basketball executive and former player who currently serves as a special advisor to the executive vice president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans. He played his entire 14-year career with the Detroit Pistons, winning two championships as a player and one as an executive. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Quick Facts

Team: New Orleans Pelicans
League: NBA
Position: President of basketball operations
Born: 24 May 1963
Birthplace: Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
High school: Natchitoches Central (Natchitoches, Louisiana)
College: McNeese State (1981–1985)
Draft round: 1

Lore & Background

Dumars was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. He grew up in an athletic family and preferred football as a child. He played defensive back until junior high school when a big hit directed him toward basketball. He played college basketball at McNeese State University, averaging 22.5 points per game over four years. Drafted 18th overall in the 1985 NBA draft, he played guard for the Pistons from 1985 to 1999. He was named Finals MVP in 1989 after averaging 27.3 points per game in a sweep of the Lakers. He was a key part of the 'Jordan Rules' defense. He won the first NBA Sportsmanship Award for the 1995–96 season. His number 4 jersey was retired by the Pistons in March 2000.

Reader's Guide

Dumars could play either shooting guard or point guard and was a highly effective defender. He was selected to the All-Star team six times and to the All-Defensive first team four times. He led the Pistons in points per game four straight seasons (1990–91 through 1993–94). In 14 seasons, he scored 16,401 points, handed out 4,612 assists, grabbed 2,203 rebounds, and recorded 902 steals. He played for the US national team in the 1994 FIBA World Championship, winning a gold medal.

Did You Know?

Dumars was the recipient of the first NBA Sportsmanship Award, for the 1995–96 season. In 2000, this award was renamed the Joe Dumars Trophy in his honor.
Dumars served as the president of basketball operations for the Pistons from 2000 to 2014, winning a third championship as an executive in 2004.
According to Michael Jordan, Dumars was the best defender he ever faced in the NBA.