The New Orleans Pelicans finished the 2024–25 season with a dismal 21–61 record, the second-worst in franchise history. The team struggled through injuries, inconsistency, and an apparent lack of organizational direction. The Pels ended their season quietly with a 115–100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it was clear that changes were coming.
A Major Move: David Griffin Fired
On Monday, the Pelicans announced they had parted ways with Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin. In a statement released by the team, Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson said:
“After considerable thought and evaluation, I have decided to relieve David Griffin of his duties… This was a difficult decision, but one that I feel is necessary at this time to bring a fresh approach to our front office and build a culture that will deliver sustainable success, on and off the court.”
Griffin’s tenure ends after six seasons and a cumulative record of 209-263, with only two playoff appearances (2022 and 2024) and no series wins. While Benson thanked Griffin for his service to the organization, her message was clear. The Pelicans have to get better.
“I am committed to hiring the right person to lead our basketball operations department and deliver an NBA Championship to our city,” Benson said. “That is what our fans deserve.”
Offseason Challenges: Big Decisions Ahead
Griffin’s departure is the first domino in what could be a transformative offseason. Questions now surround the fate of head coach Willie Green. Green has gone 148–180 over four seasons. While he is respected in the locker room, there are lingering questions about Green’s ability to do something other than motivate his players.
Meanwhile, the roster features young talent in Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Dejounte Murray, but significant questions remain around durability, fit, and leadership. With a likely top-five draft pick incoming, a potential coaching change looming, and now a leadership vacuum in the front office, the Pelicans are entering a critical stretch in their history.
Griffin’s Missteps: What Went Wrong?
Griffin arrived in 2019 with a championship pedigree from his time in Cleveland. New Orleans was loaded with potential, the rights to the No. 1 pick (Zion Williamson), and the assets acquired from the Anthony Davis trade. However, his tenure was marred by inconsistency and key miscalculations.
Here are some of the most notable missteps under Griffin’s leadership:
- Coaching Carousel: The Pelicans burned through three head coaches in six years—Alvin Gentry, Stan Van Gundy, and Willie Green—resulting in little continuity and a lack of identity.
- Roster Construction: Griffin often failed to build lineups around Zion Williamson. Shooting, floor spacing, playmaking, and rim protection were ongoing weaknesses.
- Front Office Drama: Reports of disjointed communication between Griffin and coaching staff, and perceived micromanagement, plagued the organization.
- Playoff Results: Despite promising pieces, the Pelicans only made the playoffs twice and never advanced past the first round.
The optimism of six years ago has been replaced by frustration, disappointment, and in some cases, outright anger from the fan base. The responsibility for the Pelicans being no closer to a championship than when they drafted Williamson falls squarely on Griffin’s shoulders.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
In her statement, Benson indicated a broader focus on elevating the basketball product and the fan experience. She emphasized improving media accessibility across the Gulf South and making the Smoothie King Center the “best arena in the NBA.” While those ambitions are important, they only matter if the on-court product is competitive and entertaining.
The Pelicans now have an opportunity to correct course. 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.
If Benson truly wants to build a culture of “sustainable success,” the next hire must finally match the urgency and expectations of a city hungry for more than just flashes of potential.
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