The New Orleans Pelicans are officially moving in a new direction.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the franchise has fired executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin after six seasons at the helm. Griffin, who joined the team in 2019, finishes with a record of 209-263, overseeing a stretch of ups and downs for the Pels.
Despite building what many considered one of the most talented rosters in the Western Conference this season, injuries once again derailed the team’s playoff hopes. Star players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have frequently struggled with availability throughout Griffin’s tenure, frustrating a fan base that has seen only brief flashes of the team’s full potential.
Still, it wasn’t all bad. Griffin helped bring in key pieces like CJ McCollum and helped draft high-upside talent like Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Dyson Daniels. The Pelicans even made the playoffs in 2022, pushing the No. 1 seed Suns to six games in a competitive first-round series.
Head coach Willie Green will remain in place, and the organization is now conducting a full search for a new lead executive to guide basketball operations.
The firing comes at a critical point for the franchise, as the Pelicans face major offseason questions around roster health, fit, and the long-term trajectory of their young core. The next hire will be crucial in determining whether New Orleans can finally capitalize on its promise—or risk a complete reset.
