At the start of Joe Dumars' tenure running the New Orleans Pelicans, no one knew what to expect. Coming off a brutal 2024-25 season where the Pelicans were battered with injuries and off the court struggles, many of us expected a potential hard reset that would see Zion, Trey and Herb all traded, However, Dumars went in a different direction he decide to make moves to help this team become a real playoff contender in the Western Conference.
Dumars recently appeared as a special guest on the New Orleans Saints broadcast during a preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, August 23rd.
During his time on the broadcast, he talked about Zion Williamson's future in New Orleans and Derik Queen's rehab process. Most importantly, Joe made it clear that if you aren't committed to this team and this city, then pack your bags and leave. Dumars said.
"I've said to guys, look, if you don't want to be here, then man, like come by the office, man, let me find a home for you...because there's no sense in me having you here if you don't want to be here, like if you don't want to be somewhere you cant be your best, you cant...every guy that is here has sat down with me and said I absolutely wanna be here."
I don't know about you, but this is one of the most stone-cold things I've heard an NBA executive say in a long time. This quote had me ready to run through a wall for Joe Dumars, and I bet it's going to do the same for the players.
Joe Dumars is doing something the past front office never did
I think during the previous front office time in New Orleans, they did a lot of good, like drafting well and trying to maximize their return when trading Anthony Davis in 2019. However, one thing they never did was establish a culture and a standard, which is something Dumars has been doing since he stepped through the door.
This quote from Dumars suggests a mentality that it's us against the world. This is the same mentality the Bad Boy Pistons had back in Dumars' playing days when he won two championships and a finals MVP with them. Everyone on those Pistons teams wanted to be there, and if you didn't, Chuck Daly and Jack McCloskey sent you packing. That's the same message that Joe is sending now.
Don't be surprised if the Pelicans aren't shaking hands with opponents or helping anyone up who doesn't have Pelicans or New Orleans on their jersey next season. If being that mean, rough, and tough team is what Dumars thinks this group needs to be a contender, so be it.
Both the players and fans need to be patient with Dumars, as he continues to take the necessary steps to install a winning culture in the New Orleans Pelicans organization.