The New Orleans Pelicans look like they have found their man as the team announced Wednesday the hiring of Stan Van Gundy.
According to ESPN, the 61-year-old agreed to a multi-year deal with a team that wanted a coach that could bring veteran leadership to a promising group of youngins.
Van Gundy brings 11 years of experience to the position having his most success with the Orlando Magic guiding their big man Dwight Howard to a 2009 Finals Appearance.
NOLA is hoping for a similar effect as their best player Zion Williamson flashed a lot of promise in a short sample size averaging 22.5-points and 6-boards in 24 games.
The Big Easy also has a collection of youth in reigning NBA Most-Improved-Player Brandon Ingram coming off a 23.8-6-and-Four season, former top pick Lonzo Ball coming off his best season as a pro (10-6-6) and role players like Josh Hart, Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to work with as well.
General Manager David Griffin looks like he made a good decision initially compiling a 523-384 regular seasons record to pair with a 48-43 playoff record including a Finals appearance.
The Pelicans were 30-42 last season making a playoff appearance in the 2020 NBA Bubble.
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