David Griffin’s New Orleans Pelicans Project: Reactions and Expectations

David Griffin is an NBA lifer, having started working for the Suns as a college intern. He was with Phoenix 17 years before running LeBron’s second act in Cleveland.

Griffin got his start in Phoenix (2007-10), then moved on to Cleveland (2010-17). He went from assistant general manager of player personnel, director of player personnel, to assistant director of player personnel. He likes to get deep into the tape. Griffin is 45, still young in his front office NBA career. However, he has made enough moves with high level players to give a sense of his approach.

The caveat is Griffin never seemed to be the biggest voice in the room, despite his lofty presidential job titles. Even in his dual role with the Cavaliers, LeBron dictated most of the decisions.

Griffin also resigned from his vice president position around the same time Steve Kerr left and Rodger Sarver became owner. Your mileage may vary, but paired with his departure from Cleveland, it seems Griffin knows when he is being short changed either financially or with his job’s responsibilities.

Griffin tries to not only hold those below him accountable, but also aims to hold those above him to the same standards. That is a huge building block towards a positive culture.

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Benson’s new arrangement is simple. There are no ownership issues like Cleveland or Phoenix in New Orleans. Nor will there be a LeBron sized distraction dressed as Anthony Davis sub-tweeting fans with Looney Tunes shirt selections (not for too much longer, anyway).

The Pelicans have given Griffin free reign to build a world class organization to be admired. Small market teams have to face certain realities but can make up for those geographically shortcomings elsewhere. Training staffs and general player support and comforts have no salary caps.

There are not many knocks on Griffin’s splurge of a hire. Though he has been associated with winning times in both of his career stops, there were always extraordinary obstacles when Griffin took charge.