By: Jordan Long
The New Orleans Pelicans have their new Head Coach, Stan Van Gundy. The terms of the contract weren’t announced.
The Pelicans ended last season at 30-42, 3rd worst in the Western Conference. New Orleans missed the postseason for the 4th time in 5 years. They decided the results weren’t there and let go of Alvin Gentry. Gentry lasted from 2015 to this year but his overall record was an unimpressive 175-225, a winning percentage of .438. Gentry made the postseason once with them, 2018. They advanced to the 2nd-round before falling to the Golden State Warriors. The Pelicans knew it was time to move in a different direction.
New Orleans started a coaching search. They hired Van Gundy. According to ESPN.com, Van Gundy said, “I’m excited to join a talented New Orleans Pelicans team. It will be an honor to work with our players and to work for Mrs. Benson and David Griffin, Trajan Langdon, their staff, and the great people of New Orleans. I can’t wait to talk to our players and get the process started.”
Van Gundy brings 12 years of NBA Head Coaching experience to New Orleans. He coached the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Detroit Pistons. His overall record is 523-384, a winning percentage of .577. His teams went to the postseason 8 times. In 2009, the Magic made it to the NBA Finals but were knocked off by the L.A. Lakers.
Van Gundy’s last stop as Head Coach was with the Detroit Pistons, lasting from 2014 to 2018. Detroit was a frustrating 152-176 under him. They made one playoff appearance, 2016 but were swept in 4 games by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New Orleans hopes to have better results with Van Gundy. The Pelicans’ roster includes players who can make shots all over the court including J.J. Redick, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart. They have a young center in Zion Williamson who finished his rookie year with them. He is only going to improve his game. The Pelicans also own the 13th pick in this years’ NBA Draft who could be a star for future seasons. The Pelicans are set up for success.
It is up to Van Gundy to coach this team back to the playoffs. It may not be next year since they are rebuilding. The best case is Van Gundy improves their record in 2021 and they have a shot at the playoffs in 2022 as the 7th or 8th seed. New Orleans will be patient with Van Gundy. If he can’t turn this team around, Van Gundy might be let go after at least 4 years. In their history, they have never made a Western Conference Finals. This should be Van Gundy’s ultimate goal with this franchise.
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