New Orleans, Louisiana – After a disappointing season for the New Orleans Pelicans, changes were on the horizon for the franchise. Following a 21-61 record, Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson made the decision to part ways with former executive David Griffin, hiring Joe Dumars as the team’s new lead executive.
Griffin had reportedly wanted to replace coach Willie Green earlier in the season, but ownership denied the request. With Dumars now at the helm, it is expected that Green will continue as the head coach of the Pelicans. Green has led the team to the playoffs twice in his four seasons, with 49 wins in the previous season.
Interestingly, Dumars had previous interactions with Green when he was with the Detroit Pistons, hosting Green for workouts and considering drafting him in 2003. Despite reported interest from the Phoenix Suns in Green for their coaching vacancy, Pelicans ownership remains supportive of Green’s leadership.
As Green prepares to return, changes in the assistant coaching staff are anticipated. Associate head coach James Borrego is expected to be a contender for coaching roles this summer, potentially with the Phoenix Suns. Former assistant coach Dan Geriot recently departed to become Iona’s head coach, opening up a position on the Pelicans’ coaching staff.
Dumars is also expected to bring in familiar faces to help build out the front office. Scott Perry, who worked closely with Dumars at the Detroit Pistons, and Ryan Hoover from the Milwaukee Bucks, are rumored to join the Pelicans. Perry, coincidentally, was with the Orlando Magic when Green played for the team, adding another layer to the potential lineup changes for New Orleans.