The New Orleans Pelicans have confirmed that Jordan Dumars, son of Executive Vice President Joe Dumars, serves as a Basketball Operations Consultant. The 34-year-old had been a constant presence at practices, team flights, and high-level meetings for weeks before the organization acknowledged his role.
According to team sources and rival executives, Jordan Dumars has accompanied the team regularly alongside his father and Senior Vice President Troy Weaver. The three form what sources describe as an insular leadership circle within the organization. The Pelicans acknowledged his omission from official staff listings was an oversight that would be corrected.
The situation highlights an unusual power structure within the Pelicans organization. Owner Gayle Benson granted Joe Dumars near-total autonomy over basketball decisions after hiring him without a formal search. Weaver handles day-to-day general manager responsibilities while Joe Dumars maintains final authority on major decisions.
“I hired Joe Dumars… When he makes a decision, that’s up to him. That’s why I hired him. I trust Joe… I’ve left that in his hands,” Benson told The Times-Picayune.
Jordan Dumars’ background includes time as a walk-on at the University of Michigan and work at Compass Management Group, a financial services firm. The Pelicans confirmed he participates in basketball strategy meetings and conversations.
Team sources indicate the tight-knit leadership group operates separately from other basketball operations staff. This has created uncertainty among employees about communication channels and decision-making processes.