When David Griffin was fired and replaced by Joe Dumars in April, Pelicans fans were optimistic. Dumars was a former executive of the year with the Detroit Pistons and won 3 NBA championships, two as a player in Detroit, and one as a GM. However, his first offseason hasn't been as perfect as most fans hoped for.
The biggest move that has been criticized is the Pelicans trading up to draft Derick Queen. The 20-year-old out of Maryland was already viewed as a not-so-safe prospect because of the lack of potential he showed on the defensive end. So, when the Pels gave up a 2026 unprotected pick swap between NOLA and Milwaukee, as well as pick No. 23, fans were shocked.
Tons of fans and members of the media ridiculed the Pelicans for this move, as they not only gave up a first pick in the 2025 draft (pick No. 23) but also gave up a potential lottery pick next season. Doing all of this just to draft a prospect with a ton of question marks.
After only being hired 2 months before the draft, Dumars decided to bet his job on the success of Queen. It was an extremely high-risk move, and so far, that bet is looking like it's not going to pay off.
Although Queen had his fair share of ups and downs in the Vegas Summer League, he showcased his potential in a game against the Blazers, displaying flashes of stardom. However, all that excitement quickly came crashing down early Friday evening when ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Derik Queen underwent surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.
This news adds yet another layer to the Pelicans' draft night trade saga as Queen will now not be ready for the Pelicans' preseason games and their training camp.
Dumars doesn't have time to waste
Gayle Benson's decision to fire David Griffin wasn't a shocking one. He spent six years in New Orleans, and the franchise suffered in mediocrity. However, after firing Griffin, Benson may be expecting immediate results. Dumars' choice to trade away valuable assets for a 20-year-old who hasn't proven anything yet could blow up in his face. This move has put Dumars and his entire front office under a microscope.
Queen was set to be a massive part of the Pelicans' rotation to start next season; I saw him as the Pelicans' second-string center behind veteran Kevon Looney. But now, with this injury, things are getting complicated, and even though an injury is no one's fault, fingers will likely be pointed at Dumars, as he ultimately traded for Queen.
If Queen and the Pelicans don't show major signs of potential greatness by year 2 or 3, Benson may feel the need to end Dumars' tenure before it ever had a chance to start