After another frustrating season, the Pelicans bid farewell to veteran coach Stan Van Gundy and welcomed new coach Willie Green.
Green was the Suns' number one assistant coach last season, helping the Suns fight all the way to the Finals stage. In Green's view, the Pelicans and the Suns have many similarities, and the Suns' success is not indisputable.
"There are a lot of similarities between the situation here and the Suns." Speaking at a press conference as Pelicans manager, Green said, "There are talented players, motivated staff, and ambitious management, and it all reminds me of the Suns. We have two young All-Stars, and the players around them are also very strong, and next season we will definitely be able to do a big vote. In my opinion, this team is now like a sleeping giant, and my purpose in coming here is to wake up this giant and make him a big splash. ”
No one can ignore the pelicans' two young core players, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, but last season, the big van Gundy has not been able to solve the compatibility problem of the two, which is a big reason why the Pelicans' dismal record last season and missed the playoffs again. For Green, how to get Zion and The Warblers to play chemistry is his focus in the new season.
"Zion's talent is special, he's fast and strong and he can do almost anything on the pitch. After watching the video of his game, I came to the conclusion that the sky was his limit. I'm excited to be able to coach this type of player. "As for Yingge, a lot of people underestimated his shooting ability, his shooting level has improved tremendously last season, and his physical condition can help him easily create shooting space." In my opinion, Zion and the Warbler definitely have the potential to be the strongest striker pair in the league. ”
Good coaches always translate the potential of young players into strength. Green has just turned 40 years old, and as a young manager, he also has a unique experience of how to develop young players.
"For young players, coaches can't just point out their right and wrong and just give up, good coaches must be people who can make young people feel love and care, because only in this way can young players be willing to trust you, be willing to open their hearts to you, and there will be sincere interaction between you." Green said.
This philosophy of coaching, Greene learned from Monty. The duo's fate dates back to the 2003-04 season, when Green was still a rookie and Monty was Green's big brother on the 76ers. In the 2010–11 season, Monty became pelicans coach and Green was a member of Monty's team.
'Monti taught me how to be a professional player and how to be a coach, and it's hard for me to put into words how important he is to me." Green said, "When he learned I had a chance to become pelicans manager, he always supported me, encouraged me and helped me clear a lot of obstacles. I am full of gratitude for meeting someone like Monty in my life, who is a good coach, a good friend, a good brother. ”
Source: NBA official website