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Sitting Down With Joe Dumars

Known around the NBA for his selflessness, work ethic and competitiveness, Joe Dumars has become one of the most well-respected figures in the league. As both a player and executive, Dumars has brought stability and leadership to the Pistons organization. A stallworth in the backcourt, Dumars played his entire 14-year career with the Pistons, won two World Championships (including MVP of the 1989 NBA Finals), was a six-time NBA All-Star, first-team All-Defense four times and finished his career averaging 16.1 points per game and 4.5 assists. Dumars is the Pistons second all-time leading scorer (16,401), he is second in assists (4, 612) and ranks third in field goals made (5,994).

After his playing days, Dumars became the president of basketball operations for the Pistons in 2000. Besides his Pistons responsibilities, Dumars is also the majority owner and CEO of Detroit Technologies, Inc. and a partner in the Joe Dumars Fieldhouse, an indoor sports and entertainment facility.

During the 2005-06, the Detroit Pistons will honor their legends with Flashback Fridays. On Friday, December 23rd when the Golden State Warriors invade the Palace, Dumars will be honored by the organization that owes him so much. As part of the week-long celebration, Pistons.com will post ?20 Questions with Joe Dumars? and include questions from the fans.

Pistons fans submitted their questions online and Pistons.com got the answers from Dumars.

Mexico City: I admired you in and out of the court, what is the best advice to be a gentleman?

Jon H., Kalamazoo, MI: You have made some great trades as a General Manager over the years and have a knack for seeing talent in players before others do in the business. What is your secret?

Rhonda: Detroit: Hey Joe.I have two quick questions for you. 1. On the subject of Darko, how is our guy looking to the management in practice? He seems to have a great build and a nice attitude as he enters his third season. 2. What style does Coach Flip Saunders bring to the ball club? Go Pistons!

Andy (Farmington): Describe the differences between winning a championship as an executive and winning as a player.

John Swartz (Los Angeles): On the court and especially in the community, you've been such a positive force. Thank you. Who were your heroes growing up? Any players you wanted to be like?

Joe (Zeeland): Joe, what free agent are you most proud of bringing to the Pistons?

Michael Megill (Chesaning MI): Has the NBA or you ever considered having an "old-timers" game during all-star weekend like they do in the NHL and some other sports? It would be great fun seeing who out there still had some game.

Mark Haskin (Zeeland, MI): Joe, What experiences when you were a player impacted and affected you and the way you run operations in Detroit?

Eric Apollo (Ann Arbor): During your career, what opposing players really got your competitive juices flowing and took your game to the highest level. What was your biggest disappointment during your career?

Ann Arbor: Hi Joe. All I can say is I watched you and the Pistons while I lived in Boston. I stayed loyal to the Pistons although everyone around me was green and white (Yuck). What was the hardest arena to play in?

Patrick Fogle (East Lansing): Mr. Dumars, Since you are a huge part of both teams, who do you think would win in a match between the Bad Boys and the modern-day Pistons, and why? Thanks!

Mike - Grand Rapids, MI: Joe - What would you say is the most important life lesson you have learned through the game of basketball? Whether it is about attitude, hard work, etc.

Ann Arbor: I know you are continuously improving the team. Do you see any area so far you may have to address in the off-season or possibly before the trading deadline? Also, what is the timetable for Lindsey's return?

Corbin Walker (Saginaw): How do you decide whether a player will fit in with the Pistons, and what are you looking for in them?

Dan (Warren): I've been a fan of the Pistons for a number of years and have seen some very memorable plays in that time. One play in particular that always brings a smile to my face was your baseline "turn & burn" reverse lay-up against MJ and the Bulls at The Palace in 1990. What is your most memorable play/game as a player and why?