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[Saba Sports News] After parting ways with David Griffin this week, the New Orleans Pelicans appear set to bring in another NBA champion to lead their front office.
On Monday, the team announced the dismissal of Griffin, who had served as executive VP of basketball operations since 2019. Despite previously helping the Cleveland Cavaliers win a title, Griffin’s tenure in New Orleans ended following a disastrous 21-61 season.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Hall of Famer Joe Dumars has emerged as the favorite to replace Griffin. A deal is expected to be finalized by the end of the week.
A Louisiana native, Dumars had a legendary career as a guard with the Detroit Pistons from 1985 to 1999. He was a six-time All-Star, five-time All-Defensive selection, and the 1989 NBA Finals MVP during Detroit’s back-to-back championship run.
Following his playing days, Dumars served as president of basketball operations for the Pistons, earning NBA Executive of the Year in 2003 and overseeing their 2004 championship.
His later years in Detroit were marred by questionable free-agent signings and frequent coaching changes, ultimately leading to his resignation in 2014. He later held executive roles with the Kings and the NBA league office.
Now, it looks like Dumars is poised to return to a lead role with a franchise—potentially completing a long-rumored connection with the Pelicans that dates back nearly a decade.