Home
The NBA's version of Black Monday unfolded with significant coaching changes, as both the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns dismissed key figures after disappointing seasons. These moves, which followed the regular season's conclusion, signal fresh starts for both franchises ahead of the 2025-26 NBA campaign.
David Griffin Fired by Pelicans After Struggling Season
The New Orleans Pelicans released a statement on Monday announcing the firing of David Griffin, the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. Griffin's exit follows a season that almost nobody on the team wants to remember, as the Pelicans finished this year at 21-61, a long way from a preseason playoff contention. Throughout the season, the injuries sustained by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the team allowed very little room for any semblance of good performance by the Pelicans.
Griffin spent six years with the Pelicans, overseeing the drafting of Williamson and leading the team to the playoffs two times. However, under his watch, the Pelicans had an unfortunate record of 209 wins to 263 losses.
Gayle Benson, the team’s governor, expressed the difficulty of the decision in a statement, noting, "This was a difficult decision, but one that I feel is necessary at this time to bring a fresh approach to our front office and build a culture that will deliver sustainable success, on and off the court."
Benson emphasized her commitment to finding the right leader to guide the Pelicans, stating, "I am committed to hiring the right person to lead our basketball operations department and deliver an NBA championship to our city. That is what our fans deserve." The team also plans to prioritize fan experience, with a focus on enhancing the Smoothie King Center to become "the best arena" in the NBA as they look toward the future.
Mike Budenholzer Fired by Suns After Disappointing Season
The Phoenix Suns released their head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season. With stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, hopes were high that the Suns could do something special. Instead, they struggled throughout the 2024-25 season with a 36-46 record, tying for 11th seed in the brutal Western Conference and remaining absent from the playoffs as well as the play-in tournament. Notably, the Suns turned out to be the lone team this season to miss the playoffs and the draft lottery.
Budenholzer, who had previously led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title, was expected to elevate the Suns, but the team could not find their rhythm.
In a statement regarding Budenholzer’s firing, the Suns emphasized their championship ambitions: "Competing at the highest level remains our goal, and we failed to meet expectations this season. Our fans deserve better. Change is needed."
After the departure of Monty Williams after the 2022 season following a finals appearance in 2021, the Suns are on their fourth coach in as many years. The franchise now looks for new direction as it hopes to rebuild in order to get back in the championship running.
New Beginnings for the Two Teams
Both Pelicans and Suns now find themselves with management vacancies after Griffin and Budenholzer departed, staring into the abyss of a new era. Such is the uncertainty of their futures, but both teams cannot wait to begin making the adjustments required to improve in line with the sky-high aspirations of the zealous fanbases.
ADVERTISEMENT
