Report: McNeese Legend Frontrunner Joe Dumars to Lead Pelicans Front Office

KNGT-FM - A major change is coming to the New Orleans Pelicans—and a Louisiana legend might be leading the way.

After a tough season where the Pelicans finished with a 21-61 record, the team announced on Monday that they have fired General Manager David Griffin. Griffin, who once helped build the 2016 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers, had been in charge in New Orleans since 2019. But with constant injuries and frequent coaching changes, the Pelicans struggled to find success under his leadership.

According to ESPN, the Pelicans already have a top candidate to take over Griffin’s job—McNeese State basketball legend Joe Dumars. Dumars, a Louisiana native and NBA Hall of Famer, is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with the team. A decision could be made by the end of the week.

Dumars is no stranger to success. As an NBA executive, he built the Detroit Pistons' 2004 championship team and was named the NBA’s Executive of the Year in 2003. He currently works in the NBA’s league office.

Before his professional basketball career, Joe Dumars made a name for himself at McNeese State University in Lake Charles. He is the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,607 points and holds five school records. He was named first team All-Southland Conference four times, one of only three players in league history to do so.

Dumars' No. 4 jersey was retired by McNeese, and he’s been honored in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the National Basketball Hall of Fame, and more.

Pelicans owner Gayle Benson said in a statement that the team needed “a fresh approach” to build a winning culture. “This was a difficult decision,” she said, “but one I feel is necessary to bring long-term success on and off the court.”

With Joe Dumars possibly taking the reins, fans across Louisiana—especially in Lake Charles—have a lot to be excited about. A true hometown hero may be coming home to help lead the Pelicans into a new era.