In Joe Dumars We Trust?

Rewind back to the late spring of 2008.  The Detroit Pistons saw another strong season end in disappointment.  The fans saw another Rasheed Wallace meltdown and another disappearing act by Chauncey Billups.

This time around, Joe Dumars (Pistons President of Operations) vowed that changes would be made, citing complacency as a major factor for the team's failures in the playoffs for the past three seasons.

The rumors spread like a brush fire in Southern California, with players like Baron Davis, Tracy McGrady, and Carmelo Anthony being linked to the Pistons.  For weeks different players were thrown into the rumor mill...and for weeks, the Pistons didn't make a move. 

Joe D. promised change, but would not compromise the team's chances of competing both today and tomorrow.

This season tipped off with the roster virtually unchanged.  Fans grumbled a bit, but at the same time were reminded of how much worse things could be when taking a look at the local football team.  The assumption was made that no changes would be made until February, at the earliest.

Dumars is nothing if not unpredictable. Just a handful of games into the season, the promised shake-up occurred, as the Pistons sent Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess packing to Denver in return for Allen Iverson. (McDyess was bought out, and returned to the Pistons a month later.) 

For a couple days after completing this blockbuster deal, the Pistons were the talk of the league. While fans wanted change, they were left wondering, "Was this the best that Joe D. could do?"

The media's take on the trade is still undecided. 

From a financial standpoint, this move was a slam dunk.  The cap relief that will be attained at the end of the year from Iverson's expiring contract (as well as Rasheed Wallace's) will help to position the Pistons for a big free agent this next offseason, or for the summer of 2010, when many of the biggest names in the league will be available.

The competition aspect of this trade is still very much in the air.  While it's still early to completely rule on how this trade has turned out, the early returns have been mediocre at best.  The Pistons have lost a lot of stability on both ends of the floor, while gaining more athleticism and firepower on the offensive end. 

Overall, has Dumars made the right moves with this team?  The facts supporting Joe D. are indisputable: The man has brought a championship and consistency to this franchise.  The only really bad decision he's made since his tenure began was the drafting of Darko Milicic in 2003, and he was able to parlay that into Rodney Stuckey in the 2007 NBA draft.

If nothing else, Joe Dumars has earned the right for some patience and trust in his decisions.  It's definitely too early to count out this year's team, and the potential of luring a big-time free agent in the near future should keep fans from abandoning their loyalties should a step back be taken in the playoffs this year.