New Orleans has added a new piece to its front office.
The Pelicans announced Monday they've hired former WNBA star Swin Cash as their new vice president of basketball operations. She is expected to work alongside executive vice president David Griffin to craft the future of the franchise.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Swin Cash and her family to the New Orleans Pelicans,” Griffin said in a statement. “Her legendary experience as a player, champion and winner at every level, on and off the floor, represents everything we want this organization to be about. In addition to her background as an executive with the New York Liberty, Swin has a strong reputation as a thought leader in the area of player and human development and her work as a global NBA/WNBA ambassador speaks to her incredible relationships throughout the League family.”
Cash, 39, retired in 2016 and won three WNBA championships and two gold medals with the Olympic team during her 15-year career.
“I am so excited to join the New Orleans Pelicans as Vice President of Basketball Operations/Team Development,” Cash said. “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to (team owner) Mrs. Benson, David Griffin and the Pelicans organization for the opportunity to serve in a leadership role in the front office.
"I will use my experience as a professional athlete in the WNBA, Vice President of the WNBPA, businesswoman and philanthropist, along with the knowledge I’ve gained as a front office executive, to cultivate the organization's basketball culture on the court and in the community.”
The Pelicans are revamping their front office, as Griffin, the former general manager of the Cavaliers, was hired in mid-April. New Orleans posted a 33-49 record in 2018-19 and its star player, Anthony Davis, asked to be traded just before the All-Star break. The team is reportedly listening to offers for the six-time All-Star this summer.
Fortunately for the Pelicans, they unexpectedly secured the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, which is widely expected to be former Duke star Zion Williamson. If he's selected, he'll likely become the franchise's next building block.