Fantasy basketball this past season was a rollercoaster of injuries, lineup shifts, and tanking strategies. A stark reminder emerged: investing in players from tanking teams often backfires. The New Orleans Pelicans suffered dramatically with key players like Zion Williamson missing extensive games, while the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards failed to produce reliable fantasy assets.

Managing depth proved crucial as injuries and DNPs wreaked havoc. Roster depth and making shrewd trades with underperforming players became essential. Avoiding disgruntled or injury-prone players like Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard was vital for maintaining a competitive edge. League commissioners faced challenges too, highlighting the need for proactive measures to manage player availability effectively.

Joe Dumars, a Hall of Famer and former Detroit Pistons executive, is set to return to his Louisiana roots as the New Orleans Pelicans' new head of basketball operations. Dumars takes over from David Griffin, who faced criticism after just two playoff appearances in six seasons. Dumars comes aboard at a critical juncture for the Pelicans, with key decisions to make regarding coach Willie Green's future and the potential trading of star player Zion Williamson. Despite Williamson's talent, his injury history poses a dilemma, and rumors suggest he may be on the trading block this offseason.

Dumars’ experience includes serving as a consultant for the Sacramento Kings and a role at the NBA league office, where he oversaw important disciplinary actions. His challenge will include navigating a roster that has struggled with injuries, including key players like CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray, and making crucial decisions about the team's direction moving forward.

The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with executive vice president David Griffin after a disappointing tenure that spanned six seasons. Under his leadership, the team recorded a 209-263 win-loss record and made two playoff appearances. A significant aspect of Griffin's time with the Pelicans was the 2019 trade of star player Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, which brought in Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart, along with three first-round draft picks, including the coveted No. 1 overall pick used to select Zion Williamson.

However, Williamson's time on the court has been plagued by injuries, with him participating in only 45% of games since being drafted and missing both playoff opportunities. This season, the Pelicans finished with a dismal 21-61 record, marking the fourth-worst in the league. Key injuries to players such as Dejounte Murray, Ingram, and Williamson severely hampered the team's performance, leading to a rocky start and eventual season shutdown for CJ McCollum.

The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin after a disappointing season that saw the team finish with a 21-61 record, marking the worst since 2004-05. Griffin's departure follows a seven-game losing streak, exacerbated by injuries to key players like Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray, who missed a combined 103 games this season. Owner Gayle Benson stated that a fresh approach is needed to instill a culture of sustained success.

Despite acquiring talent, including Williamson, the franchise has struggled, missing the playoffs for the first time in four years. Coach Willie Green's future is uncertain as the Pelicans evaluate their front office and coaching staff. Green expressed his disappointment in the season but hopes his previous success is taken into account during evaluations. The Pelicans are now looking ahead to a crucial offseason as they reassess their roster and strategy.

The New Orleans Pelicans have officially announced the shutdown of key players Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum for the remainder of the regular season, a decision influenced by their ongoing injuries. Williamson, who was averaging 24.6 points per game in a limited season, has been hampered by a low back bruise, while McCollum is dealing with a bone bruise in his foot. Injuries have plagued the Pelicans throughout the season, including the loss of newly acquired star Dejounte Murray, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon after recovering from a broken hand sustained earlier in the year.

This unfortunate turn of events caps yet another disappointing season for the Pelicans, who currently sit near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, having failed to capitalize on their potential. The team's struggles highlight the fragility of their roster and raise questions about their future trajectory in the league.