The hiring of Stan Van Gundy is giving New Orleans Pelicans fans a lot to get excited about
After the crazy weird year that is 2020, having a new head coach for the Pelicans has given this fan base a little more energy. Not that we needed reenergizing, but it’s nice to have something to be excited about right now.
The hiring of a coach with proven success in the NBA has given fans of this team some hope. And who couldn’t use a little hope this year?
The unique personality of new head coach Stan Van Gundy will certainly go a long way to give us, even more, to look forward to in the coming months.
It’s no secret that Van Gundy certainly doesn’t hold back on criticizing players when he saw something that wasn’t right. Let’s face it, the man has a history of speaking out against flopping.
Then on another note - Stan Van Gundy accused Cavs of flopping, "Ben Wallace and Mo Williams fell down more than a baby learning to walk"
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 25, 2009
He’s still got “it” too on the court, which all of us should appreciate.
https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1318976222060314624?s=20
With his active social media presence where he’s already had some pretty fun banter with JJ Redick, who he coached on Orlando, and Josh Hart, it’s obvious his personality will be a great fit in the Crescent City.
Van Gundy has what it takes to bring this team to the next level on the court. As everyone knows, winning equals a more active fan base. And his resume proves he knows how to win.
More interestingly, though, will be how he embraces the Crescent City and the growing base in the area that is 100% all-in on the Pelicans franchise. He’s already making the right steps publicly through the few Tweets he’s posted as well as previous comments made about the franchise through his role on TNT.
Now, we wait and see how he immerses himself into a culture that is as unique as it is a part of those who live here.
Will we see him on a Mardi Gras float a la Boogie Cousins after the blockbuster trade in 2017? Probably not in 2021, thanks to the ongoing pandemic.
Will he be marching in the St. Patrick’s Day parade along Magazine Street like former Saints coach Rob Ryan did in the years he was with the organization? Doubtful since it does fall in the season, but how fun would that be?
Will Van Gundy make appearances at key New Orleans restaurants around town? I’d put money down on this one coming to fruition very soon.
One piece of advice given to Zion Williamson when he was drafted last year was by Saints Quarterback Drew Brees, “if you love New Orleans, it’ll love you back”.
That advice is something Stan Van Gundy needs to take to heart. And based on what we’ve seen so far, he already has.
Buckle up, Pelicans fans. The next few months, between the draft, free agency, preseason camp, and the start of the season are going to be fun.