Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans Rumors: Stan Van Gundy to steal Sixers’ assistant

By Aaron Kellerstrass

Ime Udoka could be the first hire for Stan Van Gundy on the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Ime Udoka could be the first hire for Stan Van Gundy on the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Stan Van Gundy’s first hire as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans could be one of Philly’s top assistants.

The New Orleans Pelicans took their time hiring a head coach but finally got their guy in Stan Van Gundy.

Now questions have turned to his staff, which assistant coaches he’ll bring with him and how they might be able to help the Pelicans’ young players.

One of the names that has surfaced is Ime Udoka, who is currently an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers.

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Udoka’s name surfaced as a possible head coaching candidate for several teams and would be a slam dunk as Van Gundy’s first hire in New Orleans.

New Orleans Pelicans: Stan Van Gundy will bring top assistant coaches like Ime Udoka.

One of the reasons Van Gundy is an attractive hire is his potential to bring in a top staff of assistants, as well as his potential to draw veteran free agents who want to play for the popular coach.

Ime Udoka would be a great hire for Van Gundy. He played for five different NBA teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, who were so impressed with his defensive instincts that they hired him as an assistant coach in 2012, where he eventually helped them win a title.

Greg Popovich raves about Udoka, as does Tim Duncan, which is pretty high praise.

Currently, Ime Udoka is an assistant for the Philadelphia 76ers, but according to Hoops Hype, he is one of the top choices to join Van Gundy’s staff.

Ukoka is credited with helping to recruit LaMarcus Aldridge to the Spurs and seems to have good relationships with veteran players around the league, which might help the Pelicans bring in some more talent.

He is also very good at teaching defense, which is something the Pelicans desperately need. Stan Van Gundy was hired in part to fix the New Orleans Pelicans’ woeful defense and hiring Ime Udoka would be a good start.

Stan Van Gundy will hire a dynamic staff, and who knows, a guy like Ime Udoka may end up taking over if Van Gundy falters or retires.

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