Joe Dumars, a two-time NBA champion and former executive with the Detroit Pistons, has officially joined the New Orleans Pelicans as their executive vice president of basketball operations. On April 16, they released the news. It was a bold move for Dumars and the franchise as a whole, as they continue to work to increase their competitiveness within the league.
Dumars, of course, has his own rich history in basketball operations. His time in those other roles is a testament to his experience and strategic mind—exactly what the Pelicans need right now. From 2022 to 2025, he was the executive vice president of basketball operations for the NBA. Most recently, he served in this powerful role. Prior to that, he was the chief strategy officer for the Sacramento Kings from 2019 to 2022. He was instrumental in setting the tone and direction for the entire organization during his time.
He continued to leave an indelible mark by leading the team to the 2004 NBA championship. Under his leadership, the Pistons reached the pinnacle of success, winning 50 games or more each season from 2001 to 2008. Dumars had outstanding success, winning the 2003 NBA Executive of the Year award among other accolades. This impressive feat cemented his legacy as one of the coolest, most destructive forces in basketball management.
Dumars’ legacy may forever be tied to the 2004 Pistons, a program he built on the backs of Hall of Famers like Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace. His years as a defensive-minded guard with the “Bad Boy” Pistons have furthered his on-court IQ. This experience enriches his understanding of its challenges. Born in nearby Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Natchitoches, Dumars has deep cultural roots in the area. He said he was looking forward to going back home and being a positive influence with the Pelicans.
Benson, owner of the Pelicans, was the driving force behind convincing Dumars to come save the franchise. She recognized his potential contributions and stated, “What better person to come back home and do this than you?” This sentiment speaks to the overall confidence the franchise has in Dumars’ leadership to head things in the right direction.
In moving to the new role, Dumars wants to make a positive domino effect on the court and within the organization. He made no excuses for the experiences of operating and maintaining a franchise, but reiterated a dedication for growth and improvement. “I don’t mind the criticism. People say they don’t mind. I really don’t mind. When you’re running a franchise, you make a determination of what you think you need to start growing your franchise,” Dumars remarked, underscoring his readiness to face scrutiny while striving for excellence.
Dumars has hardly finished making his first strategic moves toward ensuring the Pelicans’ future is bright. He recruited first-rounders Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen to help bolster that talent. In the second round he chose Micah Peavy. These choices serve to reinforce the obvious talent outside the quarterback position while developing a pipeline for future, long-term success.
As Dumars embarks on this new chapter with the Pelicans, he envisions a collaborative and dynamic environment within the locker room. He knows that attracting people who can connect and align with his vision is critical to building a coalition. “I thought the perfect guy to be in the locker room every day is a guy like Looney,” he noted, highlighting his intention to foster strong relationships within the team.
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