Following the recent dismissal of David Griffin, the New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly eyeing NBA Hall of Famer Joe Dumars as the leading candidate to assume the role of Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Dumars is a “serious frontrunner” for the position, with both parties expected to engage in discussions to finalize a deal by the end of the week.
Dumars’ Executive Track Record
Dumars has a strong resume as an executive, leading the Detroit Pistons from 2000 to 2014. With Dumars at the helm, the Pistons won an NBA championship in 2004 and made six consecutive trips to the Eastern Conference Finals. He was named as the league’s Executive of the Year in 2003.
After leaving the Pistons, Dumars served as Chief Strategy Officer for the Sacramento Kings before joining the NBA league office in 2022 as Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations. During that time, he oversaw all basketball operations, including player discipline and game integrity.
Challenges Ahead
Should Dumars take the job in New Orleans, he will inherit a team that finished this past season with a 21–61 record, the second-worst in franchise history. The Pelicans have struggled with injuries, particularly to star player Zion Williamson, who played in just 30 games this past season. The team also faces decisions regarding the future of head coach Willie Green and an incomplete roster with several players returning from surgeries.
A Return to Louisiana Roots
Dumars, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, played college basketball at McNeese State University before a 14-year NBA career with the Detroit Pistons. As a pro, he won two championships and an Olympic gold medal while making six All-Star game appearances and earning five selections to the All-Defensive team. Joe Dumars was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Coincidentally, he spent 14 years in the Pistons’ front office, compiling a 595-536 (.526) record and eight trips to the postseason. The Pelicans have been to the playoffs nine times in 23 seasons, with only two series wins.
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