In a significant shake-up for the New Orleans Pelicans, the franchise has reportedly finalized a deal to hire Joe Dumars as its new president of basketball operations, just one day after firing David Griffin. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Dumars, a Louisiana native and Naismith Hall of Famer, will take the helm of the Pelicans' basketball operations, stepping into a role that comes with high expectations and pressing challenges.
Dumars, who is best known for his illustrious playing career with the Detroit Pistons, where he won two NBA championships in 1989 and 1990, will now return to his home state of Louisiana. After spending 14 seasons as a player, he transitioned into an executive role, leading the Pistons from 2000 to 2014. During his tenure, he was instrumental in constructing the team that won the NBA title in 2004 and earned the Executive of the Year award in 2003.
The Pelicans announced Griffin's dismissal on April 14, 2025, citing a need for a "fresh approach" after a disappointing season that saw the team finish with a 21-61 record, the fourth-worst in the league. Griffin's six-year stint included just two playoff appearances, with the Pelicans winning only two playoff games during that time.
Griffin's tenure was marked by key decisions that shaped the franchise's future. He joined the Pelicans ahead of the 2019-20 NBA season, leading the team to win the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. With that pick, the Pelicans selected Zion Williamson, a player who has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with injuries, limiting him to just 30 games this season due to hamstring and back issues.
In addition to Williamson, Griffin orchestrated a blockbuster trade, sending disgruntled star Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and the No. 4 overall pick in the same draft. The Pelicans used that pick to select Jaxson Hayes at No. 8 overall. While Davis went on to help the Lakers capture a title during the 2020 NBA bubble, Hayes failed to develop into a consistent starter and has since departed New Orleans for the Lakers.
Over his career, Williamson has averaged an impressive 24.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential as a franchise cornerstone. However, his inability to stay healthy has raised questions about his long-term future with the Pelicans. Dumars is expected to engage in candid discussions with Williamson regarding his direction with the team.
As Dumars steps into his new role, he faces a Pelicans franchise at a crossroads. The team not only needs to address the future of Williamson but also must consider the fate of head coach Willie Green. Reports have circulated that Dumars may be inclined to retain Green, but the coaching landscape is fluid, with Green potentially eyeing opportunities elsewhere, including a vacancy with the Phoenix Suns.
In his new position, Dumars will also need to navigate the complexities of a roster ravaged by injuries this season. Key players such as Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and CJ McCollum have all faced significant health challenges, contributing to the Pelicans' struggles. The franchise must also evaluate the performance of players like Dyson Daniels, who has blossomed after being traded to the Atlanta Hawks, raising concerns about the team's player development strategies.
Dumars' extensive experience in both playing and executive roles gives him a unique perspective as he embarks on this new chapter with the Pelicans. His history of building competitive teams in Detroit, including seven consecutive seasons with at least 50 wins from 2001-02 to 2007-08, will be invaluable as he seeks to turn the Pelicans into a playoff contender.
In the coming weeks, Dumars will likely begin to assess the current basketball staff, led by general manager Bryson Graham and head coach Willie Green, to determine the best path forward for the franchise. The Pelicans' ownership is expected to support Dumars in his efforts to reshape the team's identity and build a roster capable of competing in the Western Conference.
As the Pelicans look to rebound from a disappointing season, Dumars' return to Louisiana marks a pivotal moment for the franchise. With his proven track record and deep understanding of the game, he is poised to make a significant impact in New Orleans. The upcoming offseason will be crucial, as Dumars must address the pressing questions surrounding Williamson and the team's overall direction.
As the situation develops, Pelicans fans will be eagerly watching to see how Dumars navigates this challenging landscape and whether he can restore the franchise to its former glory.
