Pelicans’ David Griffin fired after 61-loss debacle

The New Orleans Pelicans have made the decision to relieve David Griffin of his duties as executive vice president of basketball operations, the team announced on Monday morning.

“After considerable thought and evaluation, I have decided to relieve David Griffin of his duties as executive vice president of basketball operations,” Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson said in a press release. “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.

“I am committed to hiring the right person to lead our basketball operations department and deliver an NBA Championship to our city. That is what our fans deserve. I am truly appreciative of David for his leadership and many contributions to the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community over the last six years. We wish David and his wife, Meredith, and their family all the best moving forward.”

Griffin, 52, joined the Pelicans in 2019 to help steer the franchise in the right direction. He was responsible for major franchise decisions like trading Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers and drafting Zion Williamson first in the 2019 NBA Draft.

With Griffin at the helm of the Pelicans’ front office, this organization went 209-263, posting just two winning seasons and appearing in the playoffs twice. New Orleans failed to win a playoff series both times. This season, the Pelicans went just 21-61, the second-worst season in franchise history.

Now that Griffin has been fired, all eyes are on head coach Willie Green and his future with the organization.

This is a developing story that will be updated shortly.