Ranking the New Orleans Pelicans and other NBA Coaching Vacancies

Ranking the NBA Coaching Vacancies: New Orleans Pelicans

No. 1: New Orleans Pelicans

Team and Talent

How does a potential generational superstar, the NBA’s most improved player, a playmaking point guard and a ton of draft picks sound to you?

The New Orleans Pelicans have the most young talent in the league with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball to go along with role players like Josh Hart, J.J. Redick and young prospects like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaxson Hayes.

There are few teams in the league that have a duo of players like Zion and B.I., especially when you consider their ages. Whoever the next coach may be, he or she is going to have the pleasure of molding and mentoring Zion.

This team is fun, young, talented and would be a joy to coach, as they mostly have great attitudes, good work ethic and seem to enjoy playing together.

Ownership and Front Office

The jury is still out on Gayle Benson, though she has done all of the right things so far. Hiring David Griffin as VP of Basketball Operations was a great move, as the best owners just hire good people and then stay out of the way.

The Pels have a young, smart GM in Trajon Langdon to go along with Griffin to form one of the best front offices in the league….theoretically. So far the results have been mixed, as Griffin whiffed on a couple of draft picks and wasn’t able to build a competitive roster around his young stars.

But that was just year one and Griffin will finally have a chance to put his stamp on this team in his first full offseason and season. He was brought in last minute to orchestrate the Anthony Davis trade and did a fantastic job, so people should have faith in Griffin.

The City

New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the United States and players who embrace it are beloved by The Big Easy. However, it is still a football town and probably always will be, which is baffling considering how much fun this Pelicans team is to watch.

Will they be able to win over the fans? The ones who do watch the Pels are die hards who love basketball, but the rest of the city is still pretty “meh” on the Pelicans, as they have been burned too many times before.

The city is perfect for guys like Zion and B.I. who come from small towns in the south and will likely feel more at home in NOLA than they would in L.A. But it would be nice to see the Smoothie King Center packed next season (for many reasons) and for this city to fully embrace the Pelicans.

The Verdict

The Pelicans have the chance to contend for titles for the next several years if they make the right moves and hire the right coaches. The new coach will have a chance to mentor the next face of the NBA in a cool city with some of the best culture in America.

The New Orleans Pelicans have the most coveted opening in basketball and should have their choice of coaches. If they make the right choice, this coach could be the one who finally brings a title to New Orleans.