New Orleans Pelicans fire David Griffin after disappointing season
- The New Orleans Pelicans ended the season with a detrimental record of 21-61, plagued by injuries to key players.
- David Griffin was dismissed after failing to deliver consistent success during his six years with the team.
- The franchise faces a significant offseason filled with uncertainty and potential changes in management and roster.
In April 2025, the New Orleans Pelicans completed their worst regular season in two decades with a 21-61 record. This catastrophic performance was marked by injuries to top players, including Zion Williamson, who missed 52 games, and other key players such as Herb Jones and Brandon Ingram, who also faced significant injuries throughout the season. This disappointing showing stands as the second-worst record in franchise history, drawing concerns about the team's future and the stability of its management. The Pelicans' owner, Gayle Benson, made the decision to fire David Griffin, their executive vice president of basketball operations, following a string of losses that capped off a disappointing season. Griffin's six-year tenure saw the drafting of Zion Williamson, yet the team struggled to find consistent success. His departure signified the organization's desire for a fresh approach as they look to rebuild and create a sustainable winning culture. Griffin’s management period resulted in a disappointing overall record of 209-263 and no playoff series victories. Injuries plagued the team significantly, making this season particularly difficult. Williamson managed to play only 20 games this season due to recurring health issues, which continued to be a major concern for the franchise. Other players, such as CJ McCollum and Herb Jones, spent significant time on the sidelines as well, illustrating the havoc injuries wreaked on the Pelicans' lineup. This inability to maintain a healthy roster collectively inhibited the Pelicans from achieving any substantial success and placed uncertainty over the upcoming offseason. As the team moves forward, the future of head coach Willie Green remains murky, as his fate is intertwined with Griffin's successor. Willie Green expressed the need for the evaluation of his performance to consider all the seasons he managed, emphasizing his hope for the team's improvement despite the recent failures. This offseason signals potential change and shifts not only in the managerial and coaching roles but also in player acquisitions, aiming for a stronger and healthier roster in the next NBA season.