In part two of a two-part series, we highlight some of head coach Alvin Gentry’s recent comments on his New Orleans Pelicans team. You can read part one here.
In the first installment of this two part series, head coach Alvin Gentry spoke to Pelicans.com about the importance of guys already on the team stepping up around their two big men and taking advantage of double teams by knocking down perimeter shots.
One of the players expected to help the team in that area is shooting guard/small forward Quincy Pondexter. Pondexter has yet to suit up for a game under Gentry’s tenure due to complications with his surgically repaired left knee.
In the second part of our examination of coach Gentry’s recent thoughts on his team, he speaks about the disappointment of not having Pondexter in the lineup thus far, what his impact on the team could be going forward as well as the importance of training camp and the frustrations of not having a complete team to start the season, while also touching on what the New Orleans Pelicans may be looking for with the 40th pick in the upcoming draft.
The importance of training camp and lack of healthy players
It’s no secret the Pelicans have endured numerous injuries over the past several seasons. When trying to develop an identity as a team, it helps to have your core players in place during camp. Unfortunately, the Pelicans have not had a complete team to start either of the two seasons, which has been a leading source of frustration for head coach Alvin Gentry.
"“What you have to do in training camp is establish what kind of team you’re going to be, what kind of defense you’re going to play, what you’re going to do offensively. The only way you can establish that is through repetition. The only opportunity to gain that repetition is through training camp, because you get the practice time, and you’re going twice a day (to begin camp).”"
He continued by saying:
"“And that’s probably the most frustrating thing that I’ve gone through here. I have not had an opportunity to have a training camp where the team I anticipated coaching when I got here, was there on the court. I’ve never coached the team – not for one day – that we played (against in the 2015 playoffs) when I was on the staff at Golden State. Not for one day. That team was never healthy, which is the most frustrating part.”"
Quincy Pondexter
Alvin Gentry then singled out Pondexter as a player he’s been most disappointed in not having available in the lineup and talks about what he could add to the team. Pondexter is the type of player the Pelicans have been missing. He’s a well-liked player in the locker room and the type of guy who brings everyone together. On the court, he’s a versatile defender and player who puts everyone in their natural position and allows the other guys to focus on their role.
"“The guy that I really thought was important to that (2014-15 Pelicans) team, who I’ve never coached for one day, was Quincy Pondexter. I thought he was kind of a glue guy and did a lot of things. He added shooting out on the floor. So that’s been really tough.”"
When asked about the value of having a player like Quincy Pondexter in a rapidly changing NBA environment, Alvin Gentry went on to say:
"“I don’t think there is any doubt about that at all. Those kinds of players have become very valuable, guys who are multi-position players, guys who can be a stretch-4 kind of player. The ability to give a team that option to play small is another aspect. Quincy fits the bill for all of that.“It’s just unfortunate what he’s been going through. I hope that some kind of way he can get himself back to a position where he’s playing. But it’s been a tough road for him – I’ve got unbelievable sympathy for him in what he’s gone through and how he’s trying to get back on the floor.”"
40th pick in the draft
Switching gears, Gentry was asked about his impressions on this years draft class. He took the opportunity to explain the team’s expectations with the 40th pick in the draft.
"“I think there are a lot of good players, but we may be a little bit naïve to think that we’re going to pick a guy at 40 who is going to be a real factor on our team (immediately). Now, you can get lucky and do that, and obviously there is a lot of research you do to prepare for trying to do that. But if you look over the history of the 40th pick in the draft, he’s not been a guy who’s been a huge contributor to a team, for the most part. We want to catch lightning in a bottle, but I don’t know if that’s realistic.”"
Every team hopes to find a diamond in the rough late in the draft and the Pelicans are obviously no different. The Pelicans are expecting to come into the offseason with a tight salary cap and limited options for adding immediate contributors. Drafting someone at 40 who can come in and contribute right away would be ideal. But of course that’s a unrealistic fantasy as most rookies aren’t yet ready for that type of impact, let alone rookies being drafted in the second round.
Coach Alvin Gentry went on to say as much when asked if they can expect the player they pick at 40 to be someone they bring in with the plan of trying to develop rather than play right away.
Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition
"“Yes, it’s probably going to be a developmental player. It’s somebody you evaluate from a scouting standpoint and see where he is, then put him in a position to develop him.”"