Detroit Pistons say Joe Dumars’ job is safe

The Detroit Pistons made two of the biggest moves of the entire offseason.

They signed former Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith and acquired former Milwaukee Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings in a sign-and-trade, giving up former Kentucky Wildcats’ point guard Brandon Knight to do it.

They also brought back a Pistons’ legend in point guard Chauncey Billups.

Obviously, general manager Joe Dumars had a lot to do with that.

Dumars has been one of the most criticized executives in the NBA lately and with good reason. Since he helped build the Pistons into eastern conference power, the team has faltered. Poor free agency signings, such as forward Charlie Villanueva and guard Ben Gordon have done the Pistons in.

However, the Pistons have drafted very well lately and can now pair Smith with big men Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond.

Pistons’ owner Tom Gores is set to let Dumars see this through and said as much when he asked if Dumars was on the hot seat.

“He’s not. Joe and I collaborated on these moves, we talk every other day, ” Gores told Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News. “He’s done everything we’ve asked, and his basketball organization is really solid. I’m excited where they’re at. I don’t think I could’ve asked for more this summer.”

Dumars is in the final year of his contract.