If the New Orleans Pelicans want to go with a known commodity, there are three guys who stand out.
The New Orleans Pelicans‘ coaching search is just underway and David Griffin has not tipped his hand so far.
With limited time to make a choice, some have wondered if Griffin will go with a known commodity, a former NBA coach who has a track record.
The same names always seem to pop up, as Jason Kidd and Tyronn Lue’s names had surfaced before Alvin Gentry was even fired.
However, there are some other names that are sure to make the rounds, former NBA head and assistant coaches who are trying to get back into the game.
The Pelicans have one of the most attractive coaching jobs in the NBA, with rising superstar Zion Williamson flanked by Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and a load of talented young players.
Here are three interesting former NBA coaches that the New Orleans Pelicans should consider for their head coaching job.
Jerry Stackhouse
His Credentials
Stackhouse played in the league for about 800 years (18 really) and was a successful and respected player in that time. He’d definitely get the respect of the young players.
He was an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors and led their G-League team to a title as the head coach, winning G-League coach of the year in the process.
He was also an assistant on the Memphis Grizzlies and has since been the head coach at Vanderbilt, where he recently signed a six-year extension.
Why He Fits with the Pelicans
I personally like any coach connected to the Raptors, as they have been one of the most consistently successful franchises in the NBA.
The coaching tree in Toronto has already produced Nick Nurse, who is one of the best coaches in the NBA and Stack was right there beside him on the bench.
He has a good reputation for player development, especially in Toronto, where he had a big hand developing many of the current stars on their roster.
A young, Black man who is a respected former player and coach should immediately have the attention of the team. Stackhouse is going to get a chance with someone very soon unless he decides he likes the college ranks better.