New Orleans Pelicans: Why another shutdown could benefit the team

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 25: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena on December 25, 2020, in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

#2- Another lockdown could allow Stan Van Gundy to figure out the best lineups for the New Orleans Pelicans

By now, everyone should know that Stan Van Gundy is a basketball-junkie. He’s addicted to the game to the point where he came out of retirement to coach his third NBA team. Also, his “retirement” was working as a TV analyst for NBA games on TNT, so clearly he’s wedded to the game.

I say that because I think it would be pretty obvious what Stan Van Gundy would do in lockdown. He’d probably spend most of it watching film from the Pelicans’ games so far and communicating with his coaching staff.

Those are things he can’t do a lot of in a quick-paced NBA season. With time at home to do that, he might be able to fix the problem that fans have been going crazy over, the rotation!

Having time at home to self-scout could help Van Gundy realize that moving one of his starting guards to the bench will strengthen his rotation. Or, better yet, Van Gundy could see how atrocious Nicolo Melli has played, and banish him.

I say some of that in jest, but seriously after seeing his team in action first hand, Stan Van Gundy would benefit from getting some time to assess his squad like it was an offseason.

And last but not least, let’s talk about health and chemistry!

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