New Orleans Pelicans: Is David Griffin to blame for Pels’ failures?

It is no surprise that when a talented team like the New Orleans Pelicans doesn’t have immediate success, the coaches get blamed, but the Pelicans are now on their third head coach in the last two years since David Griffin was hired. Is it time to start pointing the finger at someone else?

New Orleans Pelicans: David Griffin’s Relationship with Zion Williamson

It has been clear that David Griffin has not had the best relationships with star players. Zion Williamson and Griffin reportedly have a frosty relationship, as communication between the two of them is very rocky. As Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations in New Orleans, it should be the number one priority that there is a good relationship between players and the front office. The Pelicans can offer Zion a 5-year extension at the end of the season, which Zion can either accept, turn down and take the qualifying offer, or try to work a shorter deal. This may ultimately come down to his relationship with the front office.

Christian Clarke from NOLA.com (Subscription required) wrote this about David Griffin and Zion Williamson:

"“Williamson’s relationship with Griffin had also begun to sour. Although they communicate infrequently now, Griffin tried hard in Williamson’s rookie year to forge a bond.”"

Griffin has worked hard to keep his players happy, but hearing that Madison Square Garden is the best arena in the NBA is a little disheartening as a New Orleans fan because it then started rumors that Zion wants out. Griffin should have squashed all of those rumors, keeping the players and fans happy. That was only the beginning of the problems. Griffin even tried to bring out his inner Beethoven, and play the piano for Zion during the NBA Bubble. Yes, you read that correctly. But, even former players have had some beef with Griffin.

New Orleans Pelicans: JJ Redick vs  David Griffin

JJ Redick, who recently retired, spoke about David Griffin and the way he handled the trade to Dallas. On his podcast show, JJ said:

"“I don’t think you’re going to get honesty from that front office, objectively speaking. That’s not an opinion, I just don’t think you’re gonna get that. I don’t think what happened with me is necessarily an isolated incident. I think front offices around the league operate in their best interest. I get that. I understand that.”"

“That’s not an opinion”. Redick felt that it is factual instead of an opinion because David Griffin did tell JJ that they will try to get him in a better situation if New Orleans was not the fit. The better situation for JJ would have been to be with family in Brooklyn playing for the Nets, but it did not work that way.

Honesty is important especially with a team like the Pelicans where everyone has a different personality. Players want to trust their front office, but Griffin is not giving them that ability to trust him.

David Griffin vs. the coaches

David Griffin has even dared to bad-mouth former Pelicans head coach, Alvin Gentry:

"“I give Alvin all the answers to the test, and he still fails.”"

Griffin has discredited Alvin Gentry behind his back. Gentry is one of the longest-tenured coaches in Pelicans history with a win percentage of .438. One of the advantages Gentry has over most Pelicans coaches is that he went to the NBA Playoffs and won 5 out of their 9 games. No matter how bad Gentry was the last few years, Griffin should have faith in his team and the staff he assembles.

Over the last few years with Griffin in the front office of the New Orleans Pelicans, it has felt like a reality TV show, rather than a team that wants to win. David Griffin has had moments of having his team’s back, but a majority of the time, it feels as if he does not care about the team. This next year will be critical with Willie Green as head coach to see how this team can prosper.