The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with General Manager David Griffin, marking the end of a six-year tenure that saw the team draft Zion Williamson but struggle to win consistently. The decision comes as the Pelicans’ 21-61 record this season, their fourth-worst mark in the NBA, has raised questions about the team’s front office and coaching staff.
Griffin’s departure leaves the team without a clear plan for the future, with the ownership group citing the need for a fresh approach to build a culture that will deliver sustainable success. The Pelicans’ struggles this season have been largely attributed to injuries, which affected even top players on the roster, including Williamson and Dejounte Murray.
Coach Willie Green’s future remains uncertain, with Griffin’s replacement yet to be named. Green has taken ownership of the team’s disappointing performance, acknowledging that he failed to deliver results. Despite his success in qualifying for the Western Conference play-in and advancing to first-round playoff series in previous seasons, Green is facing an uncertain future.
The Pelicans’ struggles under Griffin’s leadership have been a subject of concern, with Williamson missing 52 games due to injuries and other key players also struggling with injuries. The team’s record since Griffin joined in 2019 stands at 209-263, including two first-round playoff series losses.
As the offseason approaches, uncertainty surrounds the Pelicans’ roster, with players like Herb Jones and Brandon Ingram missing significant time due to injuries. Murphy stated that “nobody is safe” in terms of being re-signed or traded, highlighting the team’s need for a fresh approach to build a winning culture.
Source: https://www.nba.com/news/pelicans-part-ways-david-griffin-2025