One of the biggest decisions looming over Airline Drive rests in the hands of New Orleans Pelicans’ President of Basketball Operations, Mickey Loomis.
New Orleans Pelicans’ fans have waited quite long enough.
The Pelicans fan base held fast two seasons ago, awaiting the fate of Monty Williams.
Pelicans fans again sat idle during an unfathomable two months last offseason. This, after a mere 30 win season, in Dell Demps‘ sixth season as General Manager.
Once again, we stare at the blinking light, remaining impatient while on hold. This season’s end came and went three weeks ago. The NBA now sits in the midst of the second round of the playoffs. However, there is still no word from Airline Drive. The quotes from Demps and Head Coach Alvin Gentry are staggering.
"“The season just ended yesterday. I walk in here everyday excited about my job,” Right now, we’re in evaluation mode.” -Dell Demps."
"“Haven’t had that (talk with ownership), that’ll happen soon, I’m sure. It’s not anything that I spend a lot of time worrying about. ” – Alvin Gentry"
Alvin Gentry finished last year with a 30 win effort. 2016-2017 would see a four game improvement, as the Pels finished 34-48. Jrue Holiday‘s 12 game absence, along with a major midseason trade acquisition, were the culprits behind this year’s failings.
Last season it was the unprecedented 351-game injury tally. Even with a healthy Jrue Holiday and small-ball All NBA center, the Pelicans barely flirted with a .500 record. Supporters will say that a roster too assembled for Monty Williams is the tale behind this season’s disappointments.
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Dell Demps has now completed his seventh season as Pelicans’ General Manager, with the 11th worst record in his seven years in such position. He’s seen the playoffs twice, in his first season with superstar Chris Paul in 2011 (seventh seed) and in 2015 (eighth seed).
Demps has achieved some splashy acquisitions that include Robin Lopez, Greivis Vasquez, Ryan Anderson, Ish Smith, Alexis Ajinca and now DeMarcus Cousins.
He has also been guilty of some mind numbing mistakes in Omer Asik, Tyreke Evans, and potentially losing Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon and Jrue Holiday for nothing.
At this point, it seems all but certain that Dell Demps and Alvin Gentry will ride the coat tails of DeMarcus Cousins’ uncertain future with the 2017-2018 Pelicans.
It will take a masterful bit of maneuvering, should Jrue Holiday seek greener pastures elsewhere. Demps will have but $17 million to work with, as Dante Cunningham has already expressed his desire to test free agency.
How will the Pelicans create more space? How will they assemble the roster they need around Boogie and Brow, in time to win games and convince Cousins to extend?
There is evidence to suggest Boogie and Brow can put it all together and more evidence that Demps could potentially put a team around them, capable of as high as a sixth seed finish. With a few exciting roster additions, the Pelicans may be in the thick of the Western Conference by this time next February!
However, Pelicans fans deserve more than this. They deserve more than to play second fiddle to the big brother on Poydras that is the New Orleans Saints. The NFL Draft has come to its conclusion. Still, Pelicans fans have yet to hear from our President, as to the future of our franchise.
“Patience is not simply the ability to wait, it’s how we behave while we wait.” -Joyce Meyer
For the third year in a row, Pelicans’ fans are being asked to wait. When do we decide that enough is enough? When do we decide, that basketball is a priority as much as football in the Crescent City.
If New Orleans is ever to build a winner, and become a true basketball city, they will need more than just accountability from their players, their fans, their coach, their general manager, their president and Owner, Tom Benson.
They will need a sense of urgency.
Next: 10 Questions with Mason Ginsberg, of Bourbon Street Shots