The New Orleans Pelicans are undergoing significant changes in their front office following a disappointing 2024-25 season that saw the team finish with the second-worst record in the Western Conference.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the team will not retain longtime executives Todd Quinter and Gar Forman, key figures from the staff of ousted general manager David Griffin. Quinter, who worked alongside Griffin in Phoenix, and Forman, a former Chicago Bulls GM, had been instrumental in the Pelicans’ front office.
This restructuring comes on the heels of a tough campaign for the Pelicans, who posted a 21–61 record. Despite the efforts of star player Zion Williamson, the team struggled with availability issues, contributing to their dismal finish. Williamson played just 30 games, showcasing his talent with averages of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game when healthy, but injuries continued to plague him.
In his first public remarks since being named Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars addressed the ongoing speculation regarding the Pelicans’ future.
Dumars, who took over the position after Griffin’s dismissal, was quick to dismiss reports suggesting any mandates on player decisions. “There’s absolutely zero mandate,” Dumars stated during his introductory press conference. He emphasized that his discussions with Pelicans owner Gayle Benson had centered solely around winning an NBA championship, without any directives on personnel moves or coaching changes.
As the Pelicans look to revamp their roster, they are also eyeing a high lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. This draft position, combined with Dumars’ leadership, may influence decisions regarding Williamson’s role moving forward. The team is currently projected to select a top prospect, with Duke forward Cooper Flagg among the potential targets.
Dumars also addressed his relationship with head coach Willie Green, revealing that while they’ve known each other for years, formal discussions about the team’s direction have yet to take place. He’s focused on understanding the organization and its needs before initiating any major decisions.
