New Orleans Pelicans coach rumors: Rick Carlisle’s defensive specialist

New Orleans Pelicans coach rumors: Jamahl Mosley from the Dallas Mavericks

Mosley’s Fit in New Orleans

Rick Carlisle has raved about Jamahl Mosley and recently said that he didn’t think Mosley would be on the Mavericks much longer after the team gave him permission to interview with the Knicks.

Carlisle raved about Mosley’s work with the Mav’s young players, something the next Pelicans’ coach will have to do:

"“He’s got a great reputation with player development and he’s worked for some terrific coaches. He was with George Karl for many years, he was with Mike Brown, he’s had a chance to be here with us and be with, really, an eclectic set of teams over the last six years. The good thing about that, from a coaching standpoint, is you’re in all kinds of developmental situations and so I think that’s been really great for all of us, but particularly a young coach like him.”"

Mosley’s wide range of experience is an asset, especially when it comes to player development.

Mosley also coaches defense, which is something the Pelicans need to improve. The Mavericks’ defense was not great either, but that was more of a personnel thing than a scheme thing.

Rick Carlisle’s teams have always been good defensively, so him trusting Mosley to be the defensive coordinator is a big thing.

Mosley is a guy who demands respect and accountability from his players, which is something the Pelicans will need with such a young team.

The New Orleans Pelicans need a guy who can communicate with young players and help them improve, a guy who teaches defense and a guy who can grow with the team.

Jamahl Mosley has all the tools to be that guy.