Pelicans Seek Turnaround in Year 2 Under Dumars

New Orleans executive VP aims to build tougher, more competitive team after missing playoffs in first season.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:00am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-perspective visual.A cubist interpretation of the New Orleans Pelicans' quest to rebuild and reshape their roster under new leadership.New Orleans Today

After a disappointing first season as head of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, Joe Dumars is optimistic about the team's future. Dumars, who previously led a turnaround with the Detroit Pistons, believes the Pelicans are in a better position now than the Pistons were when he took over 25 years ago. The Pelicans struggled in close games this past season, going 10-24 in 'clutch' situations. Dumars is focused on improving the team's rebounding, rim protection, and 3-point shooting, while also instilling a tougher mental and physical identity. He plans to be active in the offseason, whether through the draft, free agency, or trades, to build the right roster around star Zion Williamson.

Why it matters

The Pelicans have struggled to find sustained success, having won just two playoff series in franchise history. Dumars' ability to quickly turn the team around and build a winning culture will be crucial for an organization that has grown increasingly frustrated with its lack of progress. If Dumars can replicate the trajectory of his time in Detroit, where the Pistons reached the playoffs in his second season and won a championship in his fourth, it could reinvigorate the Pelicans' fanbase and set the franchise up for long-term success.

The details

In his first season as executive VP of basketball operations, Dumars saw the Pelicans win six fewer games than the Detroit Pistons did in his inaugural season 25 years ago. However, Dumars believes the Pelicans are in a better position now than the Pistons were then. The team struggled in close games, going just 10-24 in 'clutch' situations, and Dumars identified rebounding, rim protection, and 3-point shooting as key areas that need improvement. He is focused on instilling a tougher mental and physical identity in the team, similar to the identity of the current top seeds in each conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons. Dumars has already begun making changes, parting ways with assistant coaches Casey Hill and Corey Brewer, and he plans to be active in the offseason to reshape the roster around star Zion Williamson.

  • Dumars was hired as executive VP of basketball operations for the Pelicans prior to the 2025-26 season.
  • In his first season with the Pelicans, the team finished with a 32-50 record and missed the playoffs.

The players

Joe Dumars

Executive VP of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, who previously led a turnaround as president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons.

Zion Williamson

Star player for the New Orleans Pelicans, who Dumars has identified as a core piece of the team's future.

Jeremiah Fears

Rookie player for the New Orleans Pelicans who showed promise this past season.

Derik Queen

Rookie player for the New Orleans Pelicans who showed promise this past season.

Trey Murphy

Player for the New Orleans Pelicans who had a productive season, coming close to becoming the first player in NBA history to record 200 3-pointers, 100 dunks, and 100 steals in a season.

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What they’re saying

“We are in a better position now here than we were there. That's why I'm so positive about this experience. We are much further along than when I took over in Detroit.”

— Joe Dumars, Executive VP of Basketball Operations, New Orleans Pelicans

“No matter where you start, you better have vision and a focus for what kind of team you want to be and what kind of players you want to get. You have to be crystal clear in your mind and your organization has to be crystal clear on the guys you want to bring in. You have to know who you want to be. We know who we want to be.”

— Joe Dumars, Executive VP of Basketball Operations, New Orleans Pelicans

What’s next

Dumars and the Pelicans organization will focus on hiring a new head coach and making roster moves this offseason to address the team's needs in rebounding, rim protection, and 3-point shooting. The team will also explore options to acquire a first-round draft pick, either through trades or other means.

The takeaway

After a disappointing first season, Joe Dumars is confident he can quickly turn the Pelicans around, just as he did with the Detroit Pistons 25 years ago. By instilling a tougher identity, addressing key roster needs, and building the right supporting cast around star Zion Williamson, Dumars believes the Pelicans can make a rapid leap into playoff contention in his second season leading the organization.