Pelicans issue statement responding to Stern calling Demps 'a lousy GM'

The New Orleans Pelicans are defending Dell Demps after David Stern was critical of the general manager's job performance, with the team even taking a subtle shot at the former NBA commissioner for his recent remarks.

"We are very disappointed to read the inappropriate and inaccurate comments from the former NBA commissioner regarding the New Orleans Pelicans. Our organization has the utmost confidence in our general manager, Dell Demps," wrote the Pelicans in a statement released on Wednesday night.

"He is part of our family, the NBA family. We are excited about the direction of the team, the 3-0 start of this season, building on the success of the 2017-18 playoffs. Finally, our organization is excited and proud to be part of the NBA with the progressive and innovative leadership of NBA commissioner Adam Silver."

In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Chris Ballard, Stern called Demps a "lousy general manager" and said New Orleans is at risk of losing superstar big man Anthony Davis.

Stern criticized Demps harshly when asked about the now infamous vetoed three-team trade in 2011 involving the then-New Orleans Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers. Chris Paul was set to join the Lakers, with Pau Gasol going to the Houston Rockets, and Goran Dragic, Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Lamar Odom, and a first-round pick heading to New Orleans. But Stern nixed the deal while serving as the Hornets' de facto owner at the time.

Paul was eventually sent to the Clippers in exchange for Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, and an unprotected 2012 first-round pick which became Austin Rivers. Stern brought attention to the fact that none of those players are still with the franchise.

Demps has been in his role for nine seasons, and the Pelicans have qualified for the playoffs three times under his leadership.