Pelicans hire Dumars as executive VP of basketball operations

The New Orleans Pelicans hired Hall of Famer Joe Dumars as their new executive vice president of basketball operations, the team announced Wednesday.

"Joe's achievements as a renowned Hall of Fame player, NBA champion, and front office executive are indisputable," Pelicans governor Gayle Benson said in a statement.

The Pelicans parted ways with their head of basketball operations, David Griffin, on Monday following his six seasons in charge of the team.

Dumars spent 14 seasons as president of the Detroit Pistons and was the architect of their 2004 championship squad. The Louisiana native is credited with drafting Tayshaun Prince and trading for Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, and Richard "Rip" Hamilton, as well as signing Chauncey Billups. Seven of Detroit's 14 50-win seasons happened under Dumars' leadership.

The 61-year-old was also a chief strategy officer for the Sacramento Kings from 2019-22 and briefly stepped in as the team's interim general manager after Vlade Divac was fired in 2020.

Dumars has been the NBA's executive vice president of basketball operations since leaving Sacramento.

The Pelicans' disappointing 21-61 campaign landed them 14th in the West. They have a 12.5% chance at the No. 1 overall pick, according to Tankathon.com.