After six tumultuous years and a staggering 2,190 days without significant progress, the New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with David Griffin. They currently rank 25th in points per game and 29th in defensive rating. As Griffin said his goodbyes to the team, which he has been at the helm of since 2019, the Franchise Owner also expressed his gratitude to the former. He stated that the team needs a new direction. With changes underway, it seems the Pelicans are now looking to move in a different direction under experienced hands.

Joe Dumars, renowned for his basketball acumen, steps in to guide the New Orleans Pelicans. Dumars was previously the President of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons from 2000 to 2014. His accomplishments are out there for all to see; he built the 2004 championship team and led the franchise to six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. The team even achieved seven consecutive 50-win seasons! So the rumors were that he was the front-runner candidate for this newly vacant position. Now, Dumars appears ready to further his legacy with the Pelicans, bringing his wealth of experience to New Orleans.

Dumars is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the President of the Pelicans. Recently, Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania made a big announcement. He took to Instagram to write, “Joe Dumars was president of the Pistons from 2000-14, building the 2004 Detroit championship team. Now returns home to Louisiana.”

This move signals a major shift in the franchise’s approach, aiming to replicate Dumars’ past successes. Dumars is expected to quickly plug into a system already led by GM Bryson Graham and coach Willie Green. Could Dumars be the one to finally unlock the Pelicans’ full potential?

Griffin’s departure came after years of frustration. He spent six years in New Orleans, compiling a 209-263 record with just two playoff appearances. Despite the excitement surrounding Zion Williamson’s arrival, injuries derailed the team’s success. Moreover, Griffin had also warned his staff to “brace for his exit,” according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. And the warning ended up coming true.

His six-year run, with 2,190 attempts at success, ultimately ended. Dumars, now stepping in, is tasked with continuing what Griffin couldn’t finish: leading the Pelicans to their first championship. Could Dumars follow suit and redefine success for a franchise still trying to find its identity?

The disappointing end of the season for the Pelicans

You could feel the disappointment that came with as the season came to an end for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson sat on the bench in street clothes again, joined by key teammates like CJ McCollum and Herb Jones. The team closed out its worst campaign in twenty years with a seventh straight loss. Across the court, David Griffin watched silently. He’s yet to see the full roster he built actually play together. At this point, it seems he won’t get the chance to see it while acting as the President of the Franchise.

Coach Willie Green didn’t sugarcoat anything. “We failed. I failed,” he said honestly when asked about the team’s collapse. He accepted full responsibility, though he hoped people would see the bigger picture. In his first three years, Green had guided New Orleans to play-in appearances and even a couple of first-round series. But this year’s disaster might outweigh all that. “I had to be chosen for this position, and I’m grateful,” he added, hinting at his uncertain future.

Injuries didn’t just hit the Pelicans this season: they tore the roster apart. Williamson missed 52 games. Dejounte Murray was out for 51. Herb Jones missed over 60 games with a shoulder issue. Brandon Ingram only played 18 games before getting traded. Trey Murphy had his own stretches on the injury list, too. It felt like every time the team found rhythm, someone else went down. How do you win like that?

Back in 2019, Griffin must’ve felt like he hit the jackpot when the Pelicans landed the No. 1 pick. Zion was supposed to change everything. Instead, it’s been a cycle of injuries, letdowns, and questions. Zion’s never even played in a playoff game. And Griffin, once hailed as a savior, started to look like he was on borrowed time, which came true in the end.

“I’m just trying to be honest with you. Nobody is safe,” said Murphy. That might be the most honest summary of where the Pelicans stand now. So the real question is: will this be the end of an era, or just the start of something new?