Stan Van Gundy and the Pelicans agreed to a multi-year deal bringing the veteran coach to New Orleans.
Van Gundy has 11-plus seasons of experience drawing up x’s and o’s with stints in Miami, Orlando, and most recently as coach and general manager with the Detroit Pistons.
“I’m excited to join a talented New Orleans Pelicans team,” Van Gundy tweeted. “It will be an honor to work with our players and to work for Mrs. Benson and David Griffin, Trajan Langdon, their staff and the great people of New Orleans. I can’t wait to talk to our players and get the process started.”
I’m excited to join a talented New Orleans Pelicans team. It will be an honor to work with our players and to work for Mrs. Benson and David Griffin, Trajan Langdon, their staff and the great people of New Orleans. I can’t wait to talk to our players and get the process started
— Stan Van Gundy (@realStanVG) October 21, 2020
Van Gundy is the seventh coach for the Pelicans in their 18-year history and follows fired coach Alvin Gentry who compiled a 175-225 record in five seasons with the team.
During a podcast with ESPN’s Zach Lowe last summer, Van Gundy touched on what he believed were the Pelican’s strengths and weaknesses, including their improved play in the bubble, maximizing Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram’s games within their system, and the team’s defensive shortcomings.
Van Gundy’s style of coaching should serve this Pelican’s team boasting young talent, well.
Ingram was named the most improved player this season and Williamson showed why he was the number one pick once he returned from a knee injury, though some are still concerned with his long-term ability to stay injury-free.
Regardless of any what-ifs, Pelican’s fans are sure to be in for an exciting and fun season with Van Gundy pacing the sidelines.