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It looks like making the playoffs wasn’t the cure-all for Pelicans’ head coach Monty Williams like some thought it would be. Adrian Wojnarowski reports that he’s been let go , and also implies that a bit of politics were at work:
https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/598170065658322944
It signals a big change in the Pelicans’ organization, similar to the Thunder’s firing of Scott Brooks. Both teams recognize that they have a rare opportunity to build around an A-1 Megastar, and decided that the coach that had taken them from bad to good wasn’t going be to able to take them from good to great. The Warriors last year also took the gamble to get rid of a well-liked coach who guaranteed competence in favor of a tactician with a chance at mastery (though there were other internal factors at work there).
In a press release, Pelicans’ Executive VP Mickey Loomis gave credence to that theory:
“Making a decision like this is never easy and is never done hastily, especially when you are dealing with a person of Monty Williams’ character. We thanked Monty for the tremendous work and commitment he made to our organization and the development of our young players, specifically Anthony Davis,” said Loomis. “While we continue to work towards improving our roster, we decided that now was the time to make this decision. We wish nothing but the best for Monty in the future.”
Anthony Davis is already one of the very best players in the game, and he’s still growing. It’s understandable that the Pelicans are already doing everything they can to convince him that New Orleans can be his long-term, championship-winning home.
(Via Adrian Wojnarowski)
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Guesses at a replacement?
Why is it stunning…he didn’t just get swept…he blew a 20pt lead and crushed the ideal momentum going into the off-season. It’s not like he was Doc Rivers, George Karl or Mark Jackson here…
Monty needed that one win at home to have people have his back and they blew it.
Replacements?
If they want to stay in the playoff conversation you get a tenured coach that knows how to motivate young guys to get better…Mark Jackson did it in GS, but doesn’t seem like he is in the mix. Maybe they wait and see what happens with Thibs…
There may be a lot of suitors with Anthony Davis being on the roster…You have a star and potential Top 3 player on your roster now you have to build him up and build around him.
NO needs a stable PG….I love Jrue’s game, but he didn’t show up consistenly and injuries make him dispensable…They need to upgrade their size and shooting on the wing Eric Gordon showed up however late and Poindexter shouldn’t have to score as much as they ask. Tyreke Evans has talent, but no position or identity on the floor. Asik is a liability. He did absolutely nothing when they needed him most, but he takes some of the beating for AD…Dell has work to do or he will be gone next season too.