The New Orleans Pelicans made a major move this week, firing Executive Vice President David Griffin. According to ESPN, the team chose to “move in a new direction after continued playoff shortcomings.” Now, the Pelicans must quickly regroup to maximize their promising core and secure a stable future.
After Firing David Griffin, What’s Next For The Pelicans
Why Griffin’s Tenure Ended
Griffin arrived in New Orleans with high expectations. After winning the Zion Williamson lottery in 2019, many believed he would transform the Pelicans into contenders. Instead, the team struggled with consistency, coaching turnover, and internal issues.
As reported by The Athletic, “Griffin’s vision often clashed with coaches and players,” creating instability. Despite assembling a roster featuring Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and C.J. McCollum, the Pelicans never made it past the first round of the playoffs. Injuries and chemistry problems derailed several seasons.
Griffin’s firing reflects the Pelicans’ frustration with slow progress. Ownership grew tired of excuses and underperformance, particularly with a healthy roster this past season. According to TheBirdWrites.com, “this decision was about urgency. The team can’t afford to waste any more prime years.”
Zion Williamson’s Role In The Future
The Pelicans’ next moves must center around Williamson. When healthy, Williamson is a generational talent. He played the most games of his career this past season and showed flashes of dominance.
However, questions about his commitment and long-term health remain. The Athletic reported extensively about Williamson’s strained relationship with Griffin over the course of their time together. The new front office must unlock Zion and empower him to lead the franchise.
Retaining Williamson and keeping him engaged or trading him away will define the Pelicans’ trajectory.
Finding The Right Leader
Ownership must prioritize finding a strong, respected voice to run basketball operations. The next executive must have a clear plan to stabilize the organization and elevate the roster.
As TheBirdWrites.com noted, “Whether they choose an experienced executive with a proven track record or take a swing on an unproven leader remains to be seen. But removing Griffin, as painful as it may be, is a step towards restoring hope for fans that things will improve.” The Pelicans cannot afford another misstep. Stability at the top will encourage players to buy into the long-term vision.
Joe Dumars has emerged as the leading candidate for the job. According to the ESPN, both parties are expected to engage in conversations to finalize a deal by the end of the week.
Strengthening The Roster
On the court, New Orleans faces critical offseason decisions. The team owns valuable assets, including draft picks and young players like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. They must decide whether to package assets for a star or continue developing internally.
New Orleans also needs more shooting and a reliable backup center. Targeting those areas in free agency or trades or the draft would address glaring weaknesses.
What’s Next for the Pelicans Post-David Griffin
The Pelicans’ decision to fire David Griffin signals a pivotal moment for the franchise. New leadership must maximize Williamson’s prime, stabilize the organization, and strengthen the roster.
Griffin’s tenure will always be remembered for the trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers in exchange for three players and three draft picks in 2019. The team pivoted in a new direction with the first overall pick in the 2019 draft. A top-five pick in this year’s draft offers another opportunity to recenter the franchise.
New Orleans has the talent to compete. Dumars appears set to be given a shot at unlocking that potential before time runs out.
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