THE New Orleans Pelicans The Pelicans proceed so as to add new gamers and new members to their crew forward of the 2024-25 season. Former NBA participant Greg Monroe is reportedly becoming a member of the Pelicans as a growth coach. This transfer follows the addition of former NBA sharpshooter Jodie Meeks earlier this week.
Monroe is a former Helen Cox Excessive Faculty standout who attended Georgetown College earlier than being chosen by the Detroit Pistons with the seventh total decide within the 2010 NBA draft. Monroe spent ten seasons within the league, with extra stints in Milwaukee, Boston, and Philadelphia. His greatest years got here with the Pistons, the place he averaged 14.3 factors and 9.2 rebounds throughout his 5 seasons in Detroit.
He final performed within the NBA in 2022, then joined the Chinese language Basketball Affiliation and retired the next yr. This new teaching function represents his first stint within the teaching world. Monroe will be a part of Corey Brewer, who’s already on the crew as a participant growth coach.
The Baton Rouge native may very well be tasked with teaching the large males on the roster. New Orleans signed veteran Daniel Theis to a one-year deal this offseason, however they’ve loads of younger facilities who want some teaching. Yves Missi is their rookie heart, chosen within the first spherical of this yr’s NBA draft. The previous Baylor standout has simply three years of organized basketball beneath his belt, so a standard large man like Monroe can mentor the younger rookie beneath his wing.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Trey Jemison and even Karlo Matkovic may play heart this season. New Orleans misplaced Jonas Valanciunas, Cody Zeller and Larry Nance Jr. this summer time by way of trades. The crew plans to play smaller and quicker this yr, utilizing smaller lineups to its benefit. Star ahead Zion Williamson can even be used at heart this yr.
New Orleans opens its doorways coaching camp Subsequent week in Nashville, Tenn., as renovations are underway at their Metairie follow facility. The whole crew expects to attend after Brandon Ingram missed the crew’s voluntary exercises in California earlier this month. Ingram and the Pelicans have been unable to succeed in an settlement on the utmost contract requested by his camp. He’s coming into the ultimate yr of his contract and will likely be an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer time. Many anticipate the Pelicans to maneuver the previous All-Star ahead earlier than the commerce deadline this yr.
New Orleans opens its common season on October 23 at residence in opposition to the Chicago Bulls.