New Orleans Pelicans Dealing With Fallout From Stan Van Gundy’s Unsuccessful Season

The New Orleans Pelicans is probably not a playoff group but however they’re nonetheless dominating headlines properly into June. First got here JJ Redick’s podcast revelations which didn’t assist increase confidence within the entrance workplace. Studies of locker room discontent have been adopted by the information that Stan Van Gundy and the team were mutually parting ways. Then got here the hypothesis about a possible relocation of the team and Zion Williamson’s levels of satisfaction with the organization. Govt Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin began the season planning for the playoffs however now he faces a career-defining summer of dealing with the fallout of Van Gundy’s unsuccessful season.

Regarding the relocation rumors, Gayle Benson was personally concerned within the rebranding of the group and has spent hundreds of thousands on extra participant efficiency facility upgrades. Certain the lease on the Smoothie King Middle is nearing an finish however the Superdome is about to get a brand new sponsor. As negotiating leases and sponsorships requires going by each state entities and league workplaces, the manager brass is dealing with the conditions accordingly. There are years to barter an extension for the Smoothie King Middle however a brand new Superdome sponsor is more likely to be introduced throughout the subsequent 30-45 days.

Conserving Williamson joyful is second solely to retaining the group on the town. Van Gundy’s largest shortcoming was not lacking the playoffs however a failure to develop constructive relationships with the gamers. Williamson is underneath contract for 3 extra seasons and is eligible to signal an extension subsequent summer time. Griffin says Williamson and Brandon Ingram won’t get a lot of a say within the subsequent teaching rent as it’s “not truthful to them” however that Normal Supervisor Trajan Langdon and Vice President of Crew Growth Swin Money will tackle extra accountability in making the choice.

Griffin stated the choice was made with Van Gundy after a number of conversations that exposed “philosophical variations” in methods to construct the group for the seasons to come back. Contemplating experiences Griffin wished Van Gundy to present a few of Eric Bledsoe’s minutes to Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis Jr., it’s affordable to anticipate Bledsoe will likely be taking part in elsewhere subsequent season.

Whereas Van Gundy did proceed with the Level Zion experiment, Lonzo Ball’s growth has plateaued taking part in alongside Williamson and Ingram. Ball’s passing can solely get so significantly better regardless of how nice these lobs look on the spotlight reels. His capturing has improved barely each season however his playmaking and protection this previous yr ought to give the entrance workplace pause, particularly when contemplating a contract value $20 million a yr even when the 2 Pelicans All-Stars need to run it again with Ball.

Josh Hart was rumored to need a recent begin {that a} new coach may present. Alexander-Walker stated the season with Van Gundy “was a curler coaster trip, to say the least,” however he however appreciated their time collectively. Griffin was complimentary to the purpose of apology within the press convention saying the transfer however the Pelicans should transfer on rapidly and with out regret.

This New Orleans job was in all probability a fast final cease on Van Gundy’s teaching carousel. He led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 however by no means once more coaches a professional championship contender. As President of Basketball Operations with the Detroit Pistons Van Gundy flirted with between mediocre and the decrease half of the NBA’s playoff center floor. Even his greatest season ended and not using a playoff win.

After solely 31 wins with Williamson and Ingram, it’s laborious to see one other contender giving Van Gundy a shot. It’s additionally unlikely Van Gundy has the vitality to take over one other rebuilding undertaking. New Orleans can not fear in regards to the previous any longer. The choice has been made. The entrance workplace will want all of the vitality they’ll muster to create a greater future to counter the entire unfavourable publicity popping out of Van Gundy’s lone season in Crescent Metropolis.