Press Release from New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson announced today that Joe Dumars has been named the team’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. Dumars will begin with the organization on April 21.
Dumars brings more than 30 years of experience over the course of his illustrious career as a Hall of Fame player, NBA champion, and prominent team and league executive. He most recently served as Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations at the NBA league office from 2022-25, where he was responsible for overseeing all basketball operations matters, including the enforcement of playing rules and interpretations, conduct and discipline, and policies and procedures relating to the operation of games.
“Joe’s achievements as a renowned Hall of Fame player, NBA champion and front office executive are indisputable,” Benson said. “I have a great deal of respect for what Joe has already accomplished as a player and executive, but more importantly I admire his character and leadership. His vast experience and relationships throughout the NBA, along with his strong leadership qualities, will have a tremendous impact on our organization and our goal of winning an NBA championship. While at the league, he was involved in every aspect of basketball operations and got unparalleled perspective and knowledge of the most effective personnel, strategy and tactics throughout the league. That will benefit our team immediately as we move forward. I am delighted to welcome Joe, his wife Debbie, and their children Jordan and Aren to the Pelicans.”
“First and foremost, I want to thank Mrs. Benson for giving me the honor and privilege to lead the Pelicans basketball operations group,” said Dumars. “As a Louisiana native, this is truly a full circle moment. I grew up as a Saints fan and the first AAU basketball team I played on at 16 years old was based in New Orleans, so this opportunity is very special to me on a personal level. I look forward to being a part of the Pelicans organization, and building a team that proudly represents our fans on the court and in our community.”
Dumars added, “There is a lot of talent on this roster. My vision is to build a disciplined team that is built on toughness, smart decision-making and a no-excuses mindset. I am proud to have grown up in Louisiana and know how passionate, resilient and tough we are as a community. Our fans deserve a team that represents that spirit, and those characteristics will be the foundation of our team’s culture.”
Prior to joining the league office, Dumars spent three seasons in the Sacramento Kings front office from 2019-22.
Benson added, “As we went through this past season, I gave it a lot of careful thought and reflection relative to how we need to move this organization forward and what kind of leadership that will take. Joe was someone I was very familiar with, having dealt with him over the past few years at league meetings. My decision today was not hastily made, and not without spending valuable time talking to players, coaches and league officials. That input was critical. I am excited to get started in providing any and all of the resources, as I have done in the past to the team, to get us back to winning.”
Dumars began his basketball executive career with the Detroit Pistons, where he spent 15 seasons in the team’s front office including the final 14 seasons as President of Basketball Operations. Under his leadership, the Pistons won an NBA championship in 2004, made six consecutive appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals and recorded at least 50 victories in seven straight seasons. He was named NBA Basketball Executive of the Year for the 2002-03 season.
Dumars joined the Pistons’ front office after a decorated 14-year playing career in the NBA, all with Detroit, which selected him in the first round of the 1985 NBA Draft. A six-time NBA All-Star selection, three-time All-NBA Team honoree and five-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, Dumars helped the Pistons win back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990 and was named MVP of the 1989 Finals. In international competition, Dumars won a gold medal with USA Basketball at the 1994 FIBA Basketball World Cup. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
The NBA Sportsmanship Award is named for Dumars, with the Joe Dumars Trophy presented annually to the NBA player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court. Dumars was the inaugural winner of the NBA Sportsmanship Award and also received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his outstanding service and dedication to the community.
In addition to his success as an NBA player and executive, Dumars served as President of the Basketball Division for Independent Sports & Entertainment, an integrated sports, media, entertainment and management company, from 2017-19. He also founded the automotive supply company Detroit Technologies Inc. and Joe Dumars Fieldhouse, an indoor sports and entertainment complex with two locations in the Detroit area.
A native of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Dumars holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from McNeese State University, where he was a four-time selection to the All-Southland Conference First Team. Dumars is a member of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.