David Griffin Fired as Pelicans EVP After Missing 2025 NBA Playoffs with 21-61 Record

The New Orleans Pelicans fired executive vice president David Griffin on Monday.

Griffin had been with the Pelicans since the 2019-20 season, as the team compiled an overall record of 209-263 throughout his tenure.

New Orleans missed the playoffs during its 2024-25 campaign, finishing at No. 14 in the Western Conference standings with a 21-61 record.

The Pelicans made two playoff appearances under Griffin in 2022 and 2024, losing in the first round both times. New Orleans was also eliminated in the 2023 play-in tournament.

Griffin's future with the organization was murky as the regular season came to a close, with NBA insider Marc Stein reporting Sunday that there were "some in New Orleans" who were "undeniably bracing for his exit."

The Pelicans' 2024-25 season included several injuries to key contributors, as rookie center Yves Missi and backup forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl were the only players to suit up in at least 60 games for the team.

Zion Williamson made just 30 appearances due to hamstring and back injuries.

Brandon Ingram suffered an ankle sprain before he was dealt to the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 5, while veteran guard C.J. McCollum was hampered by an adductor strain as well as a foot injury.

New Orleans also made a blockbuster trade for point guard Dejounte Murray in July 2024, acquiring him from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller and two future first-round draft picks.

Murray played 31 games before his season came to an end due to a torn Achilles.

Daniels blossomed into one of the NBA's top defenders during his first season in Atlanta, pacing the league by averaging 3.0 steals per game.

As the Pelicans head into a pivotal offseason for their long-term future, they parted ways with Griffin.