The New Orleans Pelicans fired basketball operations chief David Griffin after a 21-61 season ended with seven straight defeats.
Griffin left after six years, two playoff appearances and a record of 209-263.
Benson demands a new direction
Owner Gayle Benson said the franchise needed a fresh approach in its front office.
“This was a difficult decision, but one that I feel is necessary,” Benson said. “I am committed to hiring the right person to lead our basketball operations department and deliver an NBA championship to our city.”
The Pelicans finished above only three teams and recorded their worst season since 2004-05.
Injuries destroy New Orleans’ season
The lineup assembled by Griffin never appeared together.
Zion Williamson missed 52 games, while Dejounte Murray sat out 51 after breaking his hand and later tearing his Achilles tendon.
Herb Jones missed 62 games with shoulder trouble. Trey Murphy III missed 29, and Brandon Ingram played only 18 before an ankle injury and February trade to Toronto.
Green waits for decision on his future
Coach Willie Green remained in place after Griffin’s dismissal but admitted he did not know whether he would return.
“We failed. I failed,” Green said after the final loss to Oklahoma City.
Green had taken New Orleans to the play-in tournament in each of his first three seasons and reached the first round twice.
Griffin era never fulfils its promise
Griffin joined the Pelicans in 2019, shortly before they won the draft lottery and selected Williamson with the first pick.
Williamson missed 258 of 472 possible regular-season games during Griffin’s tenure and never appeared in a playoff game.
The Pelicans reached the postseason twice under Griffin and lost both first-round series.
