Former player Gilbert Arenas had some interesting thoughts on his ex-coach Stan Van Gundy joining the New Orleans Pelicans
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has never been one to shy away from saying or acting out how he feels. After all, we’re talking about an NBA player whose career fell apart after bringing a firearm into his team’s locker room. Nevertheless, Arenas has made a career out of voicing his opinions with a podcast of his own, and this time he’s taking aim at the New Orleans Pelicans.
His criticism of the Pelicans in his recent episode of his “No Chill Podcast” had to do with the team hiring Stan Van Gundy to be their next head coach. Arenas who played only 49 games for Stan Van Gundy has this to say about his time under the tenured coach:
"“Stan’s only problem as a coach was he wasn’t a people person. He was a basketball player that understood basketball people. Outside of the gym, there’s no personality” – Gilbert Arenas (via the No Chill Podcast)"
Unlike some of Arenas’ other basketball-related comments, he’s not attacking Van Gundy and might have so merit to his claim, but the question is does it matter?
Why Gilbert Arenas’ problem with Stan Van Gundy doesn’t affect the New Orleans Pelicans
When looking at the comment made by Gilbert Arenas, I first look at facts. Arenas barely played half a season for Van Gundy, so who is he to comment on the coach’s personality? If you’re asking me, I thought he had plenty of personality in the broadcast booth, and numerous players have grown great relationships with him.
Okay, fine. Let’s say the comments are true though, they shouldn’t matter when it comes to Van Gundy coaching this young Pelicans team. Why? Because Van Gundy wasn’t hired to be buddies with the roster, and hang out after practice, he was hired to lead a young team and teach accountability.
No one in the New Orleans Pelicans organization will care if Van Gundy isn’t having wine with his player on road trips, as long as they’re winning games. I feel like I’ve seen several people agree with Arenas and question Van Gundy’s likability and personality as if that matters.
Stan Van Gundy isn’t a drill sergeant like Jim Boylen, he’s a nice guy and a teacher. There’s nothing wrong with that because that’s what he’s being asked to do. If the New Orleans Pelicans just wanted a coach who’d be extremely relatable to the players and someone they could talk to outside of the game, then they would’ve gone in a different direction.
Stan Van Gundy was brought to the New Orleans Pelicans to improve a young basketball team and grow a winning culture, nothing more. And there’s nothing wrong with that.