Before the Pelicans decided to hire Willie Green as their new head coach, they were looking hard at Nets assistant Jacque Vaughn, who ultimately removed his name from consideration.
At the time, Vaughn’s desire to spend more time with his family in Brooklyn was cited as the motivating factor for his decision to withdraw, but Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report suggests that Vaughn’s discussions with Pelicans executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin also played a part. During those conversations, Griffin conveyed that he intended to be involved in determining the team’s rotation, planning players’ skill development, and filling out Vaughn’s coaching staff.
“He wants to have some level of involvement in every decision,” one Pelicans source said of Griffin, per Fischer.
Here’s more out of New Orleans:
- After Vaughn withdrew from the Pelicans’ coaching search, the team expanded its list of candidates, according to Fischer, who says NBA TV broadcaster and former Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell was among those to receive a call. Mitchell is expected to receive consideration for a spot on Green’s staff, Fischer adds.
- Pelicans assistant Fred Vinson, who interviewed for the head coaching position, is considered likely to remain in his current role. Sources tell Bleacher Report that Vinson’s interview with New Orleans lasted over four hours and was “exemplary.” Vinson and fellow Pelicans assistant Teresa Weatherspoon are said to have good relationships with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, per Fischer.
- During the interview process, the Pelicans wanted to know how each head coaching candidate would scheme their offense around Williamson and Ingram, and asked them to present development plans for the team’s other young players, writes Fischer.
- Fischer refers to center Jaxson Hayes as “a personal favorite” of Griffin’s.
- In case you missed it, the Pelicans are reportedly likely to trade at least one of Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams this offseason and may go after Kyle Lowry in free agency.
Yikes.
That’s all.
The Pelicans could have a hard time staying ahead of OKC for the #15 spot in the West next season. The only other team competing with them for last place in the SW division will be the Spurs.
The only difference is OKC will be losing on purpose…
Honestly the Rockets should be competing for last in the SW division and worst record in the league next year as well.
They need to see if anyone will take a flyer on Wall and Gordon and tear it down and give the kids like Wood and if they’re smart Green the keys.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so insecure and so desperate to talk down other teams in an effort to not acknowledge how bad their own team is.
The Rockets will suck next year and for the foreseeable future. Just accept it already. It’s not the end of the world. You guys had a decent run for a long time.
The Lakers gave them the keys to the house, the NBA gave them the biggest draft name since LeBron, and yet we are here. OKC has more potential in the next 3 seasons than the Pels do. Madness.
I would take that bet actually. If Zion and Ingram are retained, all of this will be forgotten and they’ll be legitimately competing for a playoff spot next season.
If Zion and Ingram didn’t couldn’t cut it with Jrue how on earth are they going to succeed with an aging Lowry?
Only played 20 or so games together
And….. Pels wouldn’t have moved him if the fit was right. Only thing Lowry would be adding is his shooting ability and scoring isn’t their problem. I’d rather have Lonzo
Zion should study Larry Johnson early career and try to be like him. He was a beast and could shoot the three decent.
“At the time, Vaughn’s desire to spend more time with his family in Brooklyn was cited as the motivating factor for his decision to withdraw, but Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report suggests that Vaughn’s discussions with Pelicans executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin also played a part. During those conversations, Griffin conveyed that he intended to be involved in determining the team’s rotation, planning players’ skill development, and filling out Vaughn’s coaching staff.”
Such a poorly run franchise. Zion, get out of there as fast as you can because it’s never going to get better.
David Griffin also consults family members prior to reaching basketball decisions for the Pelicans:
PETER, CHRIS, STEWIE and BRIAN GRIFFIN !!!
David Griffin Has a Ring. SVG was a mistake. I think Green will do well. Stretch Bledsoe and move on.