THE New Orleans Pelicans imagine they’ve the proper staff and coach to compete within the Western Convention. New Orleans quietly gave away head coach Willie Inexperienced an extension after solely his second yr with the staff. Inexperienced has led the Pelicans to an rising win complete in all three seasons beneath his watch. Nonetheless, outdoors prognosticators view Inexperienced as a less-than-stellar head coach.
CBS Sports activities’ Sam Quinn launched his Coaches’ rankings for all 30 groups forward of subsequent season. Coaches have been positioned in 9 separate classes, from lowest to highest, with coach Willie Inexperienced sitting at No. 7 together with new Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson and Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley.
“Inexperienced is inventive, particularly on protection, the place he helped Herb Jones carve out an bold area of interest as the one participant within the league to legitimately play major roles in opposition to level guards and facilities. The Pelicans have been among the finest groups within the NBA final season between CJ McCollum’s harm and Brandon Ingram’s harm. We simply should see how he fares over a full season and some playoff runs earlier than we push him any greater.”
The Pelicans have made the playoffs two of thrice beneath Inexperienced, however each journeys led to first-round elimination. New Orleans’ greatest participant, Zion Williamson, has not performed a playoff sport in his profession, with accidents ending his season prematurely every time. Final yr, he was more healthy, enjoying 70 regular-season video games, and the Pelicans gained 49 video games, the second-most in franchise historical past.
Underneath Inexperienced, the Pelicans have developed a handful of younger gamers who’re making an impression on day by day efficiency, together with Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III and Jose Alvarado. Jones made the All-NBA Defensive First Crew final season, whereas Murphy III averaged career-highs in factors, rebounds and assists final season. Alvarado has gone from undrafted rookie to superstar together with his “Grand Theft Alvarado” mantra.
This season can be Inexperienced’s hardest problem. Former star ahead Brandon Ingram is in a contract dispute with the staff over his desired contract extension. Ingram is getting into the ultimate yr of his contract this season and can be an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer time. Most individuals anticipate Ingram to be traded this season, almost definitely earlier than the commerce deadline.
New Orleans additionally has to undertake a brand new type of play. The staff has traded most of its frontcourt gamers and can play smaller, quicker lineups many of the season. This represents a dramatic change for the Pelicans from years previous. Coach Inexperienced has his work lower out for him this season, however one other profitable yr will earn him much more deserved reward.
