Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Orleans Pelicans

Former NBA superstar destroys Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy: ‘I said that’s the worst move ever’

Ahn Fire Digital

Former NBA player Baron Davis delivered a blistering indictment of New Orleans Pelicans head coach San Van Gundy, stating that Van Gundy’s players don’t want to play for the veteran coach.

Davis’ agreement with Kendrick Perkins comes with the Pelicans off to a slow start with a 5-10 record for the 2020-21 campaign.

Van Gundy was hired by the Pelicans after they fired Alvin Gentry after five seasons at the helm of the team. During Van Gundy’s lengthy coaching career, he’s also served as a head coach with the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons.

With that extended resume, the hope was that Van Gundy would be able to quickly develop the young Pelicans, who are led by 2019 top overall selection Zion Williamson.

The 20-year-old Williamson is joined by a pair of talented 23-year-old players, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball. In addition, the Pelicans also have veterans Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams as part of their starting lineup.

The biting jab of Davis about Van Gundy’s inability to handle top players is based on the coach’s past history with the Heat and Magic.

Van Gundy was fired by the Heat 21 games into the 2005-06 season with an 11-10 record and a roster that included Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade. Pat Riley took over the job and led the Heat to the franchise’s first-ever NBA title that season.

After resurfacing with the Magic, Van Gundy had center Dwight Howard at his disposal, but reached the NBA Finals just once. That came in 2009, when the Magic lost in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The comments of Davis and Perkins may seem rash, given that the Pelicans have only played 15 games thus far this season. However, if the team continues to struggle, you can expect others to add their own criticism of the job Van Gundy is doing.

Trending

Denver Nuggets

Dwight Howard hasn’t lost any confidence since leaving the NBA, even when comparing himself to two-time league MVP Nikola Jokic. Prime Nikola Jokic… or...

Golden State Warriors

Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr are two of the league’s longest-tenured head coaches. Popovich has been head coach of the San Antonio Spurs since...

Golden State Warriors

Bob Myers stepped down from his role with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, but he might not be out of the league for...

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are holding out hope that Joel Embiid will ask to leave the Philadelphia 76ers so they can pursue the reigning...