By Rell Wright, Pelicans Contributor

After entering the season with lofty expectations as a dark horse contender in the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves at a crossroads. A disappointing 21-61 record, marred by injuries and disjointed performances, has sparked internal and external scrutiny of the leadership of VP David Griffin and head coach Willie Green.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rumblings within the organization suggest both Griffin and Green could be on the chopping block this summer. The frustration is palpable in New Orleans, where fans and stakeholders alike are weary of unmet promises and subpar results.

Much of the criticism surrounding Griffin stems from his aggressive yet questionable moves in the trade market. The decision to send Dyson Daniels to Atlanta as part of the deal for Dejounte Murray has come under intense scrutiny, especially as Daniels has emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner.

With league-leading steals numbers, Daniels’ defensive prowess is a glaring reminder of what New Orleans sacrificed. Compounding the frustration is the lack of cohesion on the court. Injuries to Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and others certainly played a role in derailing the season, but even when healthy, the Pelicans failed to find a winning formula—a damning indictment of the leadership and coaching strategy.

The tension surrounding Willie Green has been equally pronounced. Known for his preference for Jose Alvarado over Dyson Daniels last season, Green now faces questions about whether his rotations and player development choices hindered the team’s potential.

Even the addition of former Hornets head coach James Borrego as an associate head coach failed to stabilize a team that started the season with a dismal 5-29 record. Despite having significant backing from team owner Gayle Benson, Green’s future is anything but secure as whispers of his potential replacement grow louder.

As the Pelicans head into what promises to be a pivotal offseason, the pressure to deliver has never been greater. The organization’s poor performance under Griffin’s tenure—209-263 with no playoff series victories—has left many calling for change.

With Zion Williamson’s massive extension kicking in and rumors of Joe Dumars being a candidate for a front-office role, New Orleans has an opportunity to reset its trajectory. Whether that includes Griffin and Green, however, remains to be seen.

As rising star Trey Murphy aptly put it, “Nobody is safe.” This brutal honesty underscores the urgency of a franchise at a critical juncture, striving to transform potential into tangible success in the fiercely competitive NBA landscape.