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The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced Monday that former Detroit Pistons player Joe Dumars is the newly appointed Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. The Hall of Famer will begin his new duties in the league office on May 9 and report to the President of League Operations, Byron Spruell.
“Joe’s extensive track record of accomplishment as an NBA player and team executive and the leadership and expertise that he has demonstrated in various roles make him a natural fit to drive efforts to further enhance
the game,” Spruell said in a statement. “As a respected longtime member of the NBA family, Joe has developed strong relationships across the league that will set the foundation for success in his new position.”With this new job, Dumars’ responsibility consists of overseeing all NBA basketball operations matters like developing playing rules and interpretations and policies and procedures regarding the operation of games. He’s expected to engage with coaches, players, coaches, team executives, officials, and other vital investors to maintain the highest level of play and competition. Dumars will lead the overall talent strategy for basketball operations and fortify practicing inclusivity and innovation.
“My life has centered on the NBA for nearly 40 years, which makes the opportunity to serve the entire league incredibly exciting and rewarding,” Dumars said. “I’m looking forward to using my skills and experience to collaborate with all 30 teams on ways to shape the future direction of the league and help the game continue to evolve.”
Dumars played for the Pistons for 14 years before serving 15 seasons with the organization as its basketball executive. He was President of Basketball Operations for the last 14 seasons. The baller vet also worked with the Sacramento King’s for three seasons, the last two years as the chief strategy officer. From 2017 to 2019, The former player was the President of the Basketball Division for Independent Sports & Entertainment. Dumars has an NBA Sportsmanship Award in his name, presented to NBA players representing sportsmanship on and off the court. The two-time basketball champion (titles won while playing with the Pistons) also received a Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his work in the community. In 2006, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The now-occupied position became vacant after the previous position’s owner, Kiki VanDeWeghe, transitioned from the league’s Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations, to special advisor to Spruell on Aug. 2, 2021.