David Griffin explained the New Orleans Pelicans roster-building strategy while making an appearance on ESPN’s The Jump. Live from NBA Summer League, Griffin expressed his belief in Jrue Holiday and the team’s playoff chances.
David Griffin can sure be charming while working on a television set. The New Orleans Pelicans head of basketball operations made an appearance on ESPN’s The Jump recently and made a wonderful yet honest pitch to Vince Carter. Griffin also explained the thought process of the team’s busy summer.
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David Griffin wasted no time reiterating that this is Jrue Holiday’s team going forward. Zion Williamson has all the hype but still has yet to earn his NBA stripes. Holiday is one of the most respected players in the league, and will finally get his chance to fully lead a squad with playoff potential.
Jrue Holiday was the catalyst for the sweep over Portland, not Anthony Davis. Holiday was the metronome, the bass guitar, and the drum machine in that series, Davis just danced to Holiday’s music. New Orleans Pelicans fans just enjoyed watching the concert.
Holiday did the work for the overbilled frontman. Happens to all great New Orleans musicians. Now Holiday can run the show with studio musicians. True professionals, acquired for the sole purpose of helping Holiday realize his full potential on a stage built to elevate his performances.
JJ Redick and Derrick Favors are hired guns, brought in to help level out the guitar section. Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart are a traveling (Euro-step) rhythm section. Ball and Hart hold the pace of the song, setting up the solos. Brandon Ingram is Holiday’s dueling piano, who can solo himself sometimes.
Griffin admitted on The Jump that landing Redick was essential to the rest of the summer moves.
The New Orleans Pelicans official Twitter account gave Griffin’s thoughts on Favors.
David Griffin on Derrick Favors:
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 7, 2019
“As a selfless, 27-year old elite rim protector, with what we believe is untapped offensive potential, he is just entering his prime. We believe he will be a vital piece of our nucleus moving forward.”#Pelicans
Still, Griffin admitted the 2019-20 version of the New Orleans Pelicans was built to lift Jrue Holiday back onto the NBA Playoffs main stage. Zion will have his day as the marquee man, but until then, he is just an understudy in Jrue Orleans.
Griffin stated on The Jump that developing the young core in a competitive environment was a priority. Tanking is not an option. Pelicans fans are unanimous in agreeing with Griffin, due to the appreciation for Jrue. Holiday deserves the chance to shine with a proper supporting cast. Griffin, Zion, and Co. provide that chance.