NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 13: New Orleans Pelicans executive David Griffin looks on prior to … More
After 6 seasons, the New Orleans Pelicans have fired executive vice president David Griffin. For the first time in 6 years, New Orleans will have a new mind at the helm of their basketball operations. With the franchise in a state of turmoil over the last few seasons, ownership decided to make a change.
Under Griffin’s leadership, New Orleans recorded a record of 209-263, well under what they were expected to do when he took over. Griffin’s tenure with the Pelicans began with a splash move of trading franchise superstar Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. Griffin turned Davis into Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and three first round picks. Griffin was also at the helm when New Orleans selected Zion Williamson with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.
Griffin’s tenure was marred by poor draft picks, poor trades, and a lot of injuries to key players. Griffin did hit in the draft many times, but ultimately it was not enough to push New Orleans over the edge, especially with Williamson missing so much time due to injuries every season. Ball, Ingram, and Hart were all shipped out for much less than they were truly worth, another thing that hurt the franchise.
New Orleans will be on the search for a new head of basketball operations, and it will be seen in the coming days whether or not they make a change at head coach as well.
