NEW ORLEANS >> The New Orleans Pelicans have hired Joe Dumars — a former NBA champion as both a player and an executive with the Detroit Pistons — as their executive vice president of basketball operations. Dumars, 61, takes over for David Griffin, who was fired on Monday after a six-year stint that coincided with the drafting of power forward Zion Williamson in 2019.

“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,” Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, who also owns the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, said in a written statement coinciding with Wednesday’s announcement. “His vast experience and relationships throughout the NBA, along with his strong leadership qualities, will have a tremendous impact on our organization.”

Dumars’ decision to join the Pelicans represents a homecoming of sorts. He grew up in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and played college basketball for McNeese State in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

“This is truly a full circle moment,” Dumars said in a written statement released by the Pelicans. “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.”

Dumars’ first order of business will be to decide whether to retain coach Willie Green, who has a year left on his contract.