NBA News 2014: Joe Dumars Steps Down As Pistons President -- Find Out Why

Joe Dumars' role as president of basketball operations of the Detroit Pistons has come to an end after 14 seasons, writes USA Today. The announcement was made during the final home game of the Pistons against the Toronto Raptors on April 13, 2014. Dumars will, however, stay with the team as an executive adviser. 

According to ESPN, Dumars had planned to resign as early as the week after the announcement was made. 

George David, assistant general manager of the Detroit Pistons, and Ken Catanella, director of basketball operations, will be responsible for the team during the interim period, while owner Tom Gores and ownership executives Bob Wentworth and Phil Norment search for the most qualified person to substitute for Dumars. Team executives estimate that they will have the right person ready just in time for the NBA draft and free agency. 

It will be the first time in 25 years that a person outside of the "Bad Boys" of the Detroit Pistons will not have a huge role for the organization. The "Bad Boys" are composed of Detroit Pistons players who ushered a stream of NBA championship titles for the team, including the likes of Isaiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman. 

Dumars earned the 2003 executive of the year award. Under his direction, the Pistons also won the 2004 NBA title. However, Detroit has been undergoing several challenges and has not been to the playoffs since 2009. Even with Andre Drummond and Josh Smith as part of the roster, the team seems to lack cohesion and confidence to win games, only managing a 29-52 record with one last game left for the 2013-2014 regular season. Coach Maurice Cheeks was also fired in February. According to a report by NBA.com, previous coaches Lawrence Frank and John Kuester also had minimal success. 

Dumars also won titles with the Detroit Pistons as a player in 1989 and 1990. He was vice president of player personnel during the 1999 to 2000 season before becoming president. His stepping down is part of the Pistons' rebuilding process for the upcoming season.