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The New Orleans Pelicans underperformed in the previous NBA season, finishing eleventh in the Western Conference. This was despite their talented roster construction headlined by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
Not long after the season's end, there were whispers of franchise centerpiece Williamson's growing frustration, and changes were made to the coaching staff.
Former head coach Stan Van Gundy was let go, and rookie Willie Green was subsequently hired to fill that void.
Jarron Collins joins the pre-built assistant coaching roster for the New Orleans Pelicans, consisting of Casey Hill, Fred Vinson and Teresa Weatherspoon. Mike D'Antoni, a known offensive innovator, was also brought in under the title of coaching advisor.
The New Orleans Pelicans are likely to have a different focus this season due to the aforementioned coaching changes and substantial roster movements.
#3 - A more lighthearted New Orleans Pelicans locker room
Stan Van Gundy is known to have more of a traditional coaching style, which is understandable when you consider he has been a part of the NBA coaching staff since the 1995-96 season. Yet, the New Orleans Pelicans roster was notably young last season, with nine rotation players under the age of 25.
It's not uncommon for some young players to respond poorly to a more strict and uptight demeanor from their head coach.
Fortunately, Willie Green seems to be on the opposite end of the spectrum. The 40-year-old has 12 years of experience as an NBA player before he retired in 2015. That experience, along with him being 22 years younger than Stan Van Gundy, could appeal to the younger talent of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Feeling motivated and comfortable playing for your head coach has a real on-court impact in today's NBA. We could witness that with the New Orleans Pelicans this season as they have gone from traditional to modern coaches.
#2 - Willingness to experiment
Mike D'Antoni, who will serve as a coaching advisor for the New Orleans Pelicans next season, is known for his willingness to think outside the box.
D'Antoni's history of playing small, fast, and with a green light could find itself useful this season. A significant number of Pelicans players in 2020-21 had one defined position with the occasional difference. An increase in risk with the hope of finding outliers that may just work is the type of innovation that was previously lacking.
There may be moments where all three of Devonte' Graham, Josh Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker share the floor. The New Orleans Pelicans could also throw some of their young talents (Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, Naji Marshall) on the floor for extended stretches to see if they can carve a substantial role.
The updated New Orleans Pelicans coaching staff could bring outside-the-box thinking for the 2021-22 season.
#1 - Becoming more offensive-focused
Former head coach Stan Van Gundy is known for his defensive focus, but the New Orleans Pelicans simply did not (and still do not) have the talent to be a top-tier team on that end. In 2019-20, they ranked 23rd in defensive rating (113.3), and the roster may have worsened in that specific aspect.
Going from Lonzo Ball to Devonte' Graham is a significant defensive downgrade. The same can be said for the swap of Steven Adams for Jonas Valanciunas. However, both of those moves do have their offensive upsides.
The New Orleans Pelicans' offensive rating ranks slightly above average at 11th place (113.0). While Green was the Suns' defensive coordinator, D'Antoni is a respected offensive mind who could decide to ramp up the Pelicans' three-point attempts from their 30.4 last season (ranking 25th in the league).
The New Orleans Pelicans roster seems fit to provide ideal spacing for their down-low threats of Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunes this season. The new coaching staff's decision to implement an offensive focus could significantly improve the team's win total from the year prior.
