New Orleans should look to the G-League for next head coach

Current and Former G-League coaches for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Dan Craig is one name that sticks out, as he won a championship with the Sioux Falls Skyforce in 2015-16, and is a staple on the coaching staff of the Miami Heat, who are one of the best teams at developing players in the league. Want someone who can develop undrafted players into near-stars? Craig might be your guy.

Chase Buford is another under-the-radar prospect for a coaching gig. While he might not have the experience, he may be one to poach for a new-look coaching staff right away as in his first year in the G-League, he led the Wisconsin Herd to a league-best 33-10 record this season. Even though he lacks experience, Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst seems to love Buford, a good sign for Buford’s potential longevity and breakthrough to the league.

Another option could be Joseph Blair, who led the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a championship, much like Nurse was able to. Blair has had a fair amount of talent roll through Rio Grande, but he has coached players like Danuel House Jr. who went from a fringe roster player to a consistent starter for a playoff contender.

While Nancy Lieberman had less success in the G-League than those mentioned before her, she has an extensive knowledge of the game, having coached at the WNBA, G-League and NBA level to some degree. It doesn’t hurt that she broadcasts for New Orleans, giving her an extra element of preparedness and respect around the locker room.

Adrian Griffin and Becky Hammon are two other names that come to mind, though neither fall in the G-League category. Griffin was a key assistant on the Raptors title team though he is facing some current legal issues.

Hammon however, would be a fantastic addition as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, and the team should not hesitate to include her in their search. Hammon led the San Antonio Spurs to the Summer League title in 2015 and was even interviewed for the position of general manager for the Bucks back in 2017. Gregg Popovich has complete trust in Hammon, and New Orleans would be wise to try and poach her for their staff.

Regardless of the person the Pelicans end up selecting, the team must focus on a coach that can connect to a young locker room while establishing a culture of development that could bring New Orleans up to the likes of the Spurs, Raptors or Heat.

New Orleans and its fans have had to deal with mediocrity or above-average seasons for too long, it’s time that the team revolutionizes the game and makes a move that can bring it over the top.