Heading into the 2013/14 season, Moke Hamilton of HoopsWorld gives us a seat check on the coaches of the Western Conference. The column starts with a look at Wolves coach Rick Adelman, who was the hire of previous decision maker David Kahn. While Adelman has tons of respect in the basketball world, it's possible that Flip Saunders will look to bring in his own coach, especially if Adelman cannot end the club's nine-year playoff drought. In Hamilton's view, the Rockets' Kevin McHale and Thunder coach Scott Brooks are also on the hot seat because of the lofty expectations their respective teams have. Here's more out of the West..
- It's more than just a new name. Fran Blinebury of NBA.com writes that the Pelicans are serious about rebranding, especially when it comes to their roster. While New Orleans made some seriously bold moves this summer, Blinebury wonders aloud if Eric Gordon, Jrue Holiday, and Tyreke Evans can all co-exist together.
- New Grizzlies guard Nick Calathes says that he's not a normal rookie, writes Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal. The 24-year-old has succeeded in Europe and feels that he'll have a very smooth transition to the NBA.
- Holiday only adds to the glut of talented guards in the Western Conference and Jeff Caplan of NBA.com writes that we're in store for some major All-Star snubs this winter.