All-star Joe Dumars, a Naismith Hall of Famer as player, is playing the big hand. He is finalizing a deal to become the new president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans. This transaction stands as the most defining victory in Dumars’ otherwise stellar career. He is thrilled to be back in his home state of Louisiana and to take on this new leadership role.
He spent 14 seasons with the franchise during his playing career, establishing himself as a multidimensional shooting guard on the offensive end and a defensive dynamo. Smith served as a defensive anchor helping the team earn NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. This success coincided with the team’s iconic “Bad Boys” era. His impact on the game dwarfed these incidents. In honor of all he accomplished, he was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, ensuring his legacy would live on long after this trailblazer’s passing.
After his playing days, Dumars seamlessly transitioned from the court to an executive role. He was the chief strategy officer for the Sacramento Kings from 2019-2022. He’s served as the league office’s executive vice president of basketball operations since 2022. He led the Pistons from 2000 to 2014. As such, for his tenure he was named Executive of the Year in 2003 and assembled the championship roster that won the franchise’s first title in 2004. During his tenure, the Pistons enjoyed 14 consecutive 50-win seasons. Remarkably, fully half of those achievements came on his watch.
Dumars hasn’t wasted much time getting acclimated to his new role with the Pelicans. He will have very close proximity to the team’s basketball operations staff, including general manager Bryson Graham and head coach Willie Green. His experience and strategic vision will be vital as the organization seeks to improve its performance in the highly competitive NBA landscape.
The key, Dumars says, is to have forthright conversations with star asset Zion Williamson. They’ll be asking him about his plans and direction for the summer ahead. Building a good relationship with Williamson will be important for his individual development as well as the team’s success.
Dumars joined the Pelicans as their new head of basketball operations, replacing David Griffin. He brings years of expertise to infuse the most up-to-date information that will enhance the team’s efforts in building a new trajectory forward. His return to Louisiana represents a hugely successful homecoming. Most importantly, it provides him a unique opportunity to have a significant impact on a franchise just looking to tap into the potential that lies there.
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