The New Orleans Pelicans are in a transitional period as they determine which direction they want to take the franchise after a number of years missing the playoffs. Tuesday saw the organization reach a new low.

Reports surfaced from Pelicans insider Shamit Dua on Tuesday afternoon that long time equipment manager David Jovanovic, who also goes by the nickname, “Big Shot,” has been let go by the Pelicans. Hired in 1988 when the Charlotte expansion team was announced, Jovanovic had been with the organization for 38 years before his shocking release on Tuesday.

Big Shot was so well known with the Pelicans that the franchise honored him during a game in April 2019 to celebrate his 30 years with the team.

#Pelicans honor longtime equipment manager David “Big Shot” Jovanovic, who has been with the Hornets/Pelicans for 30 years! pic.twitter.com/rlLwTauVDI

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 4, 2019

The move had fans legitimately upset on social media, with some questioning what getting go of a 38-year old favorite does while others critique the Pelicans’ decision makers for this puzzling move.

“Pelicans ownership saw the Blazers ownership take all the negative PR and said hold my bee,” said one fan.

Pelicans ownership saw the Blazers ownership take all the negative PR and said hold my beer https://t.co/G9OBPXui5w

— Matt (@sixringsofsteeI) April 21, 2026

“I’m gonna put my phone down,” another fan added. “I do not want to say anything I may regret when my emotions calm down. All I will say though is Big Shot was the best thing about that damn franchise and for them to do him like this will forever be fucking unforgivable.

I’m gonna put my phone down. I do not want to say anything I may regret when my emotions calm down. All I will say though is Big Shot was the best thing about that damn franchise and for them to do him like this will forever be fucking unforgivable. https://t.co/voJ9sV0rjk

— Jono Barnes (@JonoBarnes) April 21, 2026

“Absolutely egregious move axing big shot ain’t no way he deserved that,” said another.

https://x.com/snowlikejonn/status/2046679410703565231

The New Orleans Pelicans are in a transitional period as they determine which direction they want to take the franchise after a number of years missing the playoffs. Tuesday saw the organization reach a new low. Reports surfaced from Pelicans insider Shamit Dua on Tuesday afternoon that long time equipment manager David Jovanovic, who also goes by the nickname, “Big Shot,” has been let go by the Pelicans.