BRETT MARTEL

AP Sports Writer
Joe Dumars, then-Detroit Pistons' president of basketball operations, speaks during a news conference in Auburn Hills, Mich, July 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
New Orleans Pelicans tap Joe Dumars to lead basketball operations
The New Orleans Pelicans have hired Joe Dumars as their executive vice president of basketball operations. The 61-year-old Dumars is a former NBA champion as both a player and an executive with the Detroit Pistons.
 
New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin watches from the stands with his wife Meredith Hale Griffin in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in New Orleans, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Pelicans fire basketball operations chief David Griffin after an injury-plagued 21-61 season
The New Orleans Pelicans have fired basketball operations chief David Griffin. The move ends a six-year chapter during which the club drafted former Duke star Zion Williamson but still struggled to win consistently with three different coaches.
 
New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin sits in the stands in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in New Orleans, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Pelicans enter offseason of uncertainty after second-worst record in franchise history
The New Orleans Pelicans enter an offseason of uncertainty after posting their worst regular-season record in two decades. The Pelicans went 21-61. That’s their worst mark since going 18-64 in the 2004-05 season.
 
Oklahoma City Thunder center Branden Carlson (15) battles under the basket with New Orleans Pelicans forward Keion Brooks Jr. (0) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Wiggins and Carlson lift Thunder past Pelicans 115-100 in regular-season finale
Rookie Branden Carlson scored a season-high 26 points to go with 10 rebounds and three blocked three shots and the Oklahoma City Thunder wrapped up the best regular season in franchise history with a 115-100 victory over the injury-depleted New Orleans Pelicans.
 
LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2) tries to pull in a pass in the end zone as he is covered by UCLA defensive back Jaylin Davies in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
Ex-LSU receiver Kyren Lacy died in an apparent suicide during a police chase, authorities say
Authorities say ex-LSU receiver Kyren Lacy has died at age 24 in an apparent suicide in his car while being pursued by officers in Houston.
 
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) pulls down a defensive rebound against New Orleans Pelicans center Kylor Kelley (35) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)
Adebayo has 23 points and 12 rebounds as the Heat pound the Pelicans 153-104.
Bam Adebayo had 23 points and 12 rebounds and the Miami Heat defeated reeling and injury-depleted New Orleans 153-104 in what became the Pelicans’ most lopsided regular season loss in franchise history.
 
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) celebrates after a basket with forward Taurean Prince (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Gary Trent Jr.'s 29 points and Brook Lopez’s double-double help the Bucks top the Pelicans 111-107
Gary Trent Jr. scored a season-high 29 points, and the Milwaukee Bucks improved their hold on fifth place in the Eastern Conference by defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 111-107.
 
Texas State quarterback TJ Finley (7) prepares to compete against Louisiana Monroe during an NCAA football game Oct. 14, 2023, in San Marcos Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman, File)
Tulane suspends transfer QB TJ Finley following his arrest for alleged possession of a stolen truck
Tulane transfer quarterback TJ Finley has been suspended from the team indefinitely following his arrest for alleged possession of a stolen pickup truck. Finley’s attorneys say the player was a “victim of a Facebook Marketplace scam.”
 
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) makes a basket after a foul by New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Curry scores 23 in his return from injury and the Warriors top the Pelicans 111-95
Stephen Curry scored 23 points in his return from a two-game absence and the Golden State Warriors beat the New Orleans Pelicans 111-95. Coming back from a March 20 pelvic bruise, Curry hit five 3-pointers.
 
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry grimaces in pain after a rough landing in the 3rd quarter against Toronto Raptors during NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thursday, March 20, 2025.(Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
Stephen Curry returns from 2-game absence to the Warriors’ lineup against the Pelicans
Stephen Curry is back in Golden State’s lineup and his 23 points helped the Warriors end a two-game skid with a 111-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
 
LSU forward Aneesah Morrow (24) reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Florida State Monday, March 24, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Williams, Morrow and Johnson shine as LSU beats Florida State 101-71 in women’s NCAA tourney
Mikaylah Williams scored 28 points and Aneesah Morrow added 26 points and 11 rebounds, leading Flau’Jae Johnson and LSU to a runaway 101-71 victory over Florida State in the second round of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
 
LSU guard Flau'Jae Johnson (4) reacts with forward Sa'Myah Smith after playing San Diego State in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Marquee matchup: Florida State’s Latson and LSU’s Johnson cross paths in March Madness
There might not be a better marquee matchup in the second round of the women’s NCAA Tournament than Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson against LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson.
 
LSU guard Flau'Jae Johnson (4) blows a kiss after a steal followed by a basket against San Diego State during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Johnson and Morrow return in form as LSU dismantles San Diego State 103-48 in the NCAA Tournament
Flau’Jae Johnson scored 22 points, Aneesah Morrow had 12 points and 12 rebounds, and LSU overwhelmed San Diego State 103-48 in the opening round of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
 
Florida State guard Ta'Niya Latson (00) shoots against George Mason forward Zahirah Walton (2) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Ta’Niya Latson scores 28 and Florida State tops George Mason 94-59 in March Madness
Ta’Niya Latson scored 28 points and sixth-seeded Florida State defeated George Mason in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
 
LSU guard Aneesah Morrow shoots over Texas forward Taylor Jones during the first half during of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Greenville, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
LSU’s Aneesah Morrow and Flau’Jae Johnson foreshadow strong returns in their March Madness opener
LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow say they’re ready and eager to return from late-season injuries in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
 
LSU guard Aneesah Morrow walks off the court after an NCAA college basketball game against Texas in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Greenville, S.C. Morrow was injured during the second hal.f (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
LSU ‘walking double-double’ Aneesah Morrow is closing out her prolific career in March Madness
When prolific LSU forward Aneesah Morrow is around her family, she’ll sometimes be teased about her prodigious appetite. It’s a fitting metaphor for the hunger with which Morrow approaches basketball.
 
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) throws down a dunk on Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)
Zion Williamson gets 2nd triple-double in 2 weeks in Pelicans’ win over Clippers
Pelicans star power forward Zion Williamson says his second triple-double in two weeks exemplifies his focus on building now for a better future.
 
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) tries to make a move against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)
Zion Williamson has triple-double to lead Pelicans past Clippers 127-120
Zion Williamson had 22 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans snapped a four-game slide with a 127-120 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
 
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) is hit by Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Saints add cornerback Justin Reid, AP source says, and agree to deal with tight end Juwan Johnson
The New Orleans Saints and former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Justin Reid have agreed to the terms of a three-year, free-agent contract worth about $31.5 million.
 
Saints retain Chase Young and add Davon Godchaux in moves aimed at shoring up their defensive line
The New Orleans Saints and defensive end Chase Young have agreed on a three-year extension worth up to $57 million.
 
New Orleans's James White handles the ball during an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New Orleans Privateers player suspensions related to possible gambling violations, AP source says
Four New Orleans players who’ve been suspended since late January are under investigation for possible NCAA violations related to sports gambling, a person familiar with the situation said.
 
Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) shoots against LSU guard Jordan Sears (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Baton Rouge, La., Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Zeigler scores 17 and No. 5 Tennessee overcomes LSU’s strong defense in a 65-59 victory
Zakai Zeigler scored 17 points, Felix Okpara added 15 and No. 5 Tennessee defeated LSU 65-59. Chaz Lanier added 14 points and a season-high nine rebounds for the Volunteers, who struggled offensively in the first half but built a 15-point lead on Cade Phillips’ free throw with 3:24 left.
 
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) throws down a dunk in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in New Orleans, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)
Zion Williamson powers the Pelicans to a 114-96 comeback victory over the Spurs
Zion Williamson had 22 points and nine rebounds and the New Orleans Pelicans overcame a 17-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-96 on Sunday night to open a two-game set. The teams will meet again in New Orleans on Tuesday night.
 
Florida center Rueben Chinyelu (9) dunks against LSU guard Vyctorius Miller (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Chinyelu’s 19 points and 13 rebounds leads No. 2 Florida past LSU 79-65
Rueben Chinyelu had a career-high 19 points to go with 13 rebounds and No. 2 Florida roared back from an eight-point second-half deficit to beat LSU 79-65.
 
Flau’Jae Johnson scores 21 as No. 7 LSU cruises past struggling Georgia 79-63
Flau’Jae Johnson hit a trio of 3-pointers — one form nearly 40 feet away — and finished with a 21 points to lead No. 7 LSU past Georgia 79-63.
 
Big Ten Conference commissioner Tony Petitti, left, and Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey, right, hold a news conference after the two conferences held meetings, Oct. 10, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)
SEC and Big Ten are prepared to push for changes to CFP seeding in 2025
The Big Ten and Southeastern Conference will push for changes in the way College Football Playoff teams are seeded next season to coincide more with how teams are ranked by the CFP selection committee.
 
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum, left, gets past Sacramento Kings forwards Keegan Murray (13) and Domantas Sabonis (11) for a layup during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)
McCollum scores 43 points to lift Pelicans over the Kings 140-133 in overtime
CJ McCollum scored 37 of his 43 points after halftime — including 11 points in overtime — and the New Orleans Pelicans snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 140-133 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
 
New Orleans Saints new head coach Kellen Moore is introduced at an NFL football conference in Metairie, La. Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Moore is bullish on the Saints, but noncommittal on Carr, as his 1st head-coaching gig starts
Kellen Moore is less than a week removed from winning a Super Bowl as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator as he takes over a Saints franchise that hasn’t been to the playoffs in four seasons.
 
Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) shoots a three-pointer over New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)
Ellis’ 27 points off the bench helps the Kings hold on to beat Williamson and the Pelicans 119-111
Keon Ellis hit seven 3-pointers during a 27-point performance, Zach LaVine scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half, and the Sacramento Kings beat the New Orleans Pelicans 119-111.
 
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, right, looks to shoot over OKlahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams, front left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)
Pelicans’ brass doubling down on Zion Williamson’s upside
The New Orleans Pelicans are doubling down on injury-plagued, sixth-year pro Zion Williamson, hoping he can be a more reliable and productive centerpiece in the years to come.
 
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