The New Orleans Pelicans have fired executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin, ending a six-year tenure marked by high expectations, persistent injuries, and limited success.
The move comes one day after the Pelicans’ season ended with a 115–100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, capping a seven-game losing streak. The team finished with a 21–61 record — the fourth-worst in the NBA this year and the franchise’s worst since 2004–05.
“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,” team owner Gayle Benson said in a statement on Monday.
Griffin was hired in 2019 and oversaw the drafting of Duke standout Zion Williamson after the Pelicans won the lottery that year. But Williamson’s career has been plagued by injuries — he has missed 258 of a possible 472 regular-season games and has yet to play in a postseason contest.
The team compiled a 209–263 record during Griffin’s time in charge and reached the playoffs only twice, losing in the first round both times.
This season, the Pelicans were hit hard by injuries. Williamson missed 52 games due to multiple ailments, including a major hamstring strain. Star acquisition Dejounte Murray played in just 31 games due to hand and Achilles issues. Defensive standout Herb Jones missed 62 games with shoulder problems, and Trey Murphy III missed 29 games before suffering a torn labrum this week that ended his season.
Former All-Star Brandon Ingram appeared in only 18 games before being traded to Toronto in February amid tensions over a stalled contract extension.
Head coach Willie Green’s future remains uncertain and could depend on who replaces Griffin. Green, who was hired by Griffin in 2021, accepted responsibility for the team’s performance but emphasized his full body of work, which includes two playoff appearances in the previous three seasons.
“I didn’t do great. I have to take full ownership of where we are as a team,” Green said. “But I think it’s important to look at the full body of work.”
Griffin previously replaced Alvin Gentry, whom he inherited and fired after one season. Gentry was followed by Stan Van Gundy, who lasted only one year before being replaced by Green.
As the franchise heads into a pivotal offseason, uncertainty surrounds not only the front office and coaching staff but also the roster.
“We truly don’t know who’s going back,” Murphy said bluntly. “Nobody is safe.”
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