ESPN.com’s Amin Elhassan joins Michael and I again to talk about his latest Pelicans articles. We talk about Monty being able to coach this team and if he might end up on the hot seat, wonder at how good Anthony Davis will be, talk about the parts on this team and if they will work, and ask him if we might have given up on Aminu too early.
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9 responses to “In the NO Podcast Episode 152: Monty on the Hot Seat? Team construction?”
Starting controversy with Monty already…. Shame.
Monty has definitely done a much better job with pace this preseason. I cant remember a single last second shot in the shot clock from the 3 or 4 preseason games that I was able to watch. Its been a very refreshing change from last year when Vasquez would dribble until someone was forced to take a shot with 3 or 4 seconds left
Loved the podcast and can’t wait for the season to start. Think Amin is right on with his comments that the Pelicans must play uptempo to be successful. With Jrue at PG, they have the guy to make it happen. Hank’s comment above is right on, Jrue gets them in their offense now and has the speed to succeed in the open court. Gordon and Tyreke are also best in an uptempo, open court type of game.
Game #1 will be a great test for NO. The Pacers are a beat you up, slow tempo, top rebounding team. The Pelicans will have the best chance of winning only by making it uptempo. If NO goes big to match Pacer bigs, they will lose. Let’s see which team imposes it will on the other.
Totally agree with the assessment of Monty. I’m going into the year with high hopes, and giving him the benefit of the doubt, but if he tries to force a square peg into a round hole, and makes the Pelicans a slow paced, grind it out team, we could lose some winnable games. If players aren’t getting touches they feel they deserve as a result, it could be a long year. Monty’s philosophy regarding this team is a huge factor going to the season.
I can understand Monty being on the hot seat, but I don’t agree. With the youngest team in the NBA he had better let the young horses run. Although I think it is hard for him to relinquish control and has a parenting type mentality, he needs to show flexibility and a mix it up coaching style to maximize his talent. This is the most talent he has had since Paul, West and Chandler and it will take some adjustment on his part to change his mentality. I disagree because he may need more than one year to build chemistry which could take longer than this season.
A faster pace would also help to keep everyone happy. Faster pace = more possessions = more shots = more points for everyone.
…and lets not forget a very important factor…..your wings better run as well….you create “early spacing” when you get out and go….helps create those driving and cutting lanes…..and you better DEFENSIVE REBOUND…and lets not forget the def fg%……
So if the team wins 12 more games you would still “hot seat” Monty? Erase the past 2 seasons….everyone on the planet knew the team lacked the talent to win…plus the roster wasn’t properly addressed while ownership was in transition….this off season with new ownership had more bang for the buck to it…..( plus you do know who is lurking around for a coaching gig right?”) i’ll discuss when we do a podcast…….what needs to happen for this team are very clear…no secret potions needed.
Interesting analogy by Amin of Rivers as Bayless, before Bayless figured out he wasn’t anything special at this level and was a just an average 2nd team player. So, Amin continued, until Rivers figures that out, he won’t be much more than Bayless was in Bayless’s brief stop in N.O. WOW! Never thought of it that way, but that is hard to argue with (especiaily when Bayless and Rivers are basically the same size and tweener or combo guards).
Also thought Amin’s point about the Pelican’s having great offensive talent that will need time to blend together was accurate, but I don’t think the blending will take as long as Amin thinks. Amin thinks it will take longer than one season. I think because the these guys are basically the same age, and have played together, but against each, other since AAU days, that will shorten the blending time line. Hope I am not deluding myself.
Finally, I can’t agree Monty is on the hot seat. I expect a 0.500ish record and the Pelicans being in the playoff hunt throughout the season. That would be a big improvement over last year, and a huge positive for the fan base and future ticket sales. So I see Monty staying for a while.