New Pelicans VP Of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars To Meet With Willie Green, GM

Dumars, 61, returns to his home state of Louisiana after a decorated career as both a player and executive. He replaces David Griffin as the lead decision-maker for the Pelicans’ basketball operations. Griffin was fired Monday.

“Joe’s achievements as a renowned Hall of Fame player, NBA champion and front office executive are indisputable,” Pelicans owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. “His vast experience and relationships throughout the NBA, along with his strong leadership qualities, will have a tremendous impact on our organization and our goal of winning an NBA championship.”

A two-time NBA champion as a player and 2004 title-winning executive with the Detroit Pistons, Dumars has spent the past three years in the league office as executive vice president of basketball operations. He previously served as chief strategy officer for the Sacramento Kings from 2019–22.

Dumars ran the Pistons’ front office from 2000–14, earning Executive of the Year honors in 2003 and constructing a roster that delivered an NBA title in 2004. Under his leadership, Detroit reached the Eastern Conference finals six straight seasons and won 50 or more games for seven consecutive years. His key moves included acquiring Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups, and drafting Tayshaun Prince.

Drafted by Detroit in 1985, Dumars played his entire 14-year NBA career with the Pistons, helping the franchise to championships in 1989 and 1990.

“As a Louisiana native, this is truly a full circle moment,” Dumars said. “This opportunity is very special to me on a personal level. I look forward to being a part of the Pelicans organization, and building a team that proudly represents our fans on the court and in our community.”

In New Orleans, Dumars will work closely with Graham and Green as the team looks to rebound from a 21–61 season, the fourth-worst record in the NBA. A key decision will center around the future of star forward Zion Williamson, who has appeared in just 45 percent of possible games since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2019.

“There is a lot of talent on this roster,” Dumars said. “My vision is to build a disciplined team that is built on toughness, smart decision-making and a no-excuses mindset.”

Green said before Griffin’s dismissal he had not spoken to the team about his future.

“I haven’t had any discussions, any talks yet,” Green told reporters prior to Griffin’s firing. “I didn’t do great. I have to take full ownership of where we are as a team. We failed. I failed.”