David Griffin’s New Orleans Pelicans Project: Reactions and Expectations
Crescent City hoops fans know a good basketball product when they see it. Players notice the finer points that even the most ardent of fans miss.
Pelicans players will take to Griffin kindly if he can get them another playoff worthy roster. Griffin will step into a decent financial situation and will be the most dominant voice in the Pelicans’ basketball decisions. The Pelicans and Griffin both get what they wanted from the other.
By most all accounts, this was the best candidate available for any NBA job. Save for a few already employed executives, Griffin was arguably the best candidate available for any NBA job. Griffin knew what jobs were available and bet on the the Pelicans’ future having championship potential.
The Pelicans had to earn his signature almost as much as Griffin had to impress for the job in the interviews. In fact, according to ESPN’s report, Griffin had turned down other options since his Cleveland tenure.
"The hiring of Griffin, 46, is expected to come with an upgrade in staffing and resources committed to the franchise, sources said. Griffin has been particular in selecting his next job after leaving Cleveland, pulling out of searches in New York and Philadelphia when the circumstances didn’t feel like a fit."
In that same report, it mentions Alvin Gentry working with Griffin in Phoenix. It also reported that Gentry interviewed for the Cleveland job, but Griffin hired David Blatt instead. Lastly, that report stated Gentry, “a favorite of the organization,” was likely to be retained as head coach for next season.
New hires like to bring in their own coaches, among other changes. However, the Pelicans hiring Griffin helps boost their profile as well. Benson is aware of the organization’s reputation, and the importance stability plays in player’s decisions.
After talking to some folks around the league the last hour...
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) April 12, 2019
This Griffin hire altered the perception of the Pelicans in the minds of several people I spoke to.
One move largely erases the notion they’re a franchise run on the cheap w/ no expectations to win. Game changer.
The reports devoting more resources into the behind the scenes staff are prevalent. Hitting on a multitude of draft picks is the quickest way to building a contender. Finding value at the end of the bench takes pressure off of the regular season grind and the salary cap.
I’ve talked to some league sources, who confirmed David Griffin received assurances the Pelicans are making a larger investment into their front office under his leadership, so expect to see added staff and more layers, including a bolstered scouting department.
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) April 13, 2019
The new G-League affiliate team will see the benefits from all of this as well, as Griffin will want the organization to be in peak condition from top to bottom.
One of the brightest NBA minds believes that it is better to be the team trading Anthony Davis, rather than the team trading for Davis. The minor details are the fun of the job. You’ve played NBA2K. New York and Philadelphia were both attractive options in some regards. but Griffin passed on those options, seeing them as flings. This should make Pelicans fans feel great about Griffin’s views on New Orleans.
Next. Key Offseason Dates for the Pelicans. dark
The Anthony Davis trade is three years of “Trust the Process” hype wrapped into one single offseason transaction. Marriage is fraught with tension, only relieved by enjoying the fruits of succeeding together. Both the New Orleans Pelicans and David Griffin are betting they just married into a jackpot situation.