Dave Joerger could be the perfect schematic coach for the New Orleans Pelicans
When I assess Dave Joerger, the first thing I think about is that he still deserves a head coaching spot in the NBA. Joerger led the Sacramento Kings to their best season in years with 39 wins in the 2018-19 season.
If the Kings were a functional organization, Joerger would still be coaching there and building off of his success. Since he isn’t though, Dave Joerger is available which means we can look at the strong points on his resume to see how they align with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Let’s start with Dave Joerger’s time with the Memphis Grizzlies. In three seasons coaching the Grizzlies, Joerger had a stellar 147-99 record. During the time he optimized a style of basketball fondly called “Grit and Grind“.
The “Grit and Grind” style emphasized methodical offense and smothering defense. Joerger’s teams in Memphis were normally near the bottom of the league in pace but held top 10 defensive ratings. The goal was to wear down opponents.
The defensive schemes Joerger used in Memphis would be something that makes him an attractive candidate to the New Orleans Pelicans. With all the defensive potential on the roster, it only makes sense to bring in a head coach with unique schemes to make that talent perform.
Joerger’s schemes extend to the offensive ball as well though. For that let’s look at his time with the Sacramento Kings, specifically in the 2018-19 season. Coaching a roster lacking talent with the worst front office in the league, Joerger nearly made the playoffs.
That was thanks to his offense. In Sacramento Joerger did what the Pelicans were doing for much of this season, running a fast-break uptempo offense. The Kings emphasized getting out in transition and using efficient shooters like Buddy Hield and Nemanja Bjelica for a modern offensive approach.
This also loops player development into Dave Joerger’s resume because he played a key role in the development of many of the King’s younger players specifically De’Aaron Fox.
This means that if the New Orleans Pelicans hire him then they could still run a very similar offense to the one they run now and maybe grow their young point guard in Lonzo Ball to be an All-Star performer.