Pelicans Officially Hire Joe Dumars As Head Of Basketball Operations

The New Orleans Pelicans have hired Hall of Famer Joe Dumars as their new executive vice president of basketball operations, the team announced in a press release.

The Pelicans fired former head of basketball operations David Griffin after six seasons earlier this week.

Dumars, a six-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion as a player with the Detroit Pistons, previously served as president of basketball operations in Detroit and most recently held the role of executive vice president and head of basketball operations at the NBA league office.

“Joe’s achievements as a renowned Hall of Fame player, NBA champion and front office executive are indisputable,” Pelicans governor Gayle Benson said in a statement. “I have a great deal of respect for what Joe has already accomplished as a player and executive, but more importantly I admire his character and leadership. 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.”

Benson added, “While at the league, he was involved in every aspect of basketball operations and got unparalleled perspective and knowledge of the most effective personnel, strategy and tactics throughout the league. That will benefit our team immediately as we move forward. I am delighted to welcome Joe, his wife Debbie, and their children Jordan and Aren to the Pelicans.”

In a statement of his own, Dumars said he sees a strong foundation already in place in New Orleans.

“The Pelicans have a lot of talent and a passionate fan base, and I’m excited to get to work,” Dumars said. “I look forward to helping build a disciplined team that is built on toughness, smart decision-making and a no-excuses mindset.”

With Dumars nearing an agreement to take over basketball operations, the future of head coach Willie Green remains uncertain. While Green is expected to be retained for now, the decision on whether he returns for a fifth season will likely fall to Dumars.

Green has compiled a 148-179 record over four seasons, guiding New Orleans to two postseason appearances. The Pelicans failed to advance beyond the first round in either instance. They went 21-61 in 2024-25, hampered by injuries to key players throughout the season.

“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.”