AD unsure if Monty returns.

Sounds like he is pulling for his coach, but sounds like the upper management is still figuring things out...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v4XwHcupog

It also sounds like AD would be "ok" if he's not here...

Great to hear. They definitely need to figure something out regardless if they keep Monty or not. We can't keep this same coaching staff with current assistants as is. Either make small moves or a major move.

He was asked point blank dosed he want him back and AD had the opportunity to flat out say YES I want him back or Of course I want him back. Instead he went on a rant about how much Monty has done since he's gotten here and how much he means to all the players. Thats all personal type stuff there sounds to me. I think he's gone and I think all players will be just fine with that. We have to get it right tho with the hire.

I get the feeling AD already knows or has a pretty good idea of what will happen to Monty and that's why he didn't flat out say he wants him back.

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Originally Posted by tthier2

Great to hear. They definitely need to figure something out regardless if they keep Monty or not. We can't keep this same coaching staff with current assistants as is. Either make small moves or a major move.

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I agree with this, right now the only reason I would fire Monty is that we get word the Tom Thibodeau is available and that he would take the job. But if Monty stays we have to get better assistant coach's. Look around at the other playoff teams our coaching staff is a joke compared to them. We do not have one coach that another would want as their head coach.

I would also take Mike Malone:hihi:

I think parsing the words of a 22 year old for clues about what business decisions will be made my Pelican's management is a reach.

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Originally Posted by NMThreeMVP

I think parsing the words of a 22 year old for clues about what business decisions will be made my Pelican's management is a reach.

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Dude is no avg 22 year old player when it comes to management telling him things.

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Originally Posted by Pelicans_fan_504

Dude is no avg 22 year old player when it comes to management telling him things.

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He's no better than average when it comes to communicating and conveying his thoughts. It's not like he's a polished vet who has been through this before. I'm not saying he doesn't know things, I'm just saying reading into his words to try to figure out what he knows probably isn't a good use of time.

Whether or not we can read into what he says or not, I think he did a great job of saying the right things. Very well-spoken.

Monty going through same evaluation as Scott Brooks.

I think this is a a pretty telling interview . Monty is a great guy. A life coach as well as a BB coach. AD said he doesn't try to control you just gives you advice. That may be part of the problem. A young and fairly undisciplined team needs a stronger hand at the helm. To say " you DO this " rather than here's what I would do. Also AD does not emphatically come out and say " YES I want him back " Which is what you'd say when asked that while doing an interview. Weather you want your coach back or not . While I am not totally against letting Monty run it back , there MUST be changes in his staff

Monty is a great guy and I think he is a great lead by example guy. After game 4 when the buzzer sounded AD tried to walk off the court without congratulating Golden State and Monty caught this and made him go embrace them.

If Jimmer had given Monty an endorsement nobody would care, but since it was AD, and that endorsement wasn't stronger, who knows. He is still 22, so I wouldn't expect some State of the Union Address from him just yet. He is still finding his voice in the league.

Fired or brought back, I do wish Monty well. He is a good guy, and hasn't pissed anyone off to deserve some of the vitriol some people direct towards him.

I think his answer was smart. If he says no, the narrative is that AD got Monty fired. If he says yes, the narrative is that AD wants to be GM. I would have answered the same way. The anti-Monty faction will hear and read what they feel validate their dislike for Monty.

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Originally Posted by UptownFuz504

I think his answer was smart. If he says no, the narrative is that AD got Monty fired. If he says yes, the narrative is that AD wants to be GM. I would have answered the same way. The anti-Monty faction will hear and read what they feel validate their dislike for Monty.

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Yup, hopefully Monty gets another season.

Just a hypothetical for y'all, but if Monty gets another year (which he probably will) what does he have to do to get an extension at the end of next season, in your mind?

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Originally Posted by Hercule

Just a hypothetical for y'all, but if Monty gets another year (which he probably will) what does he have to do to get an extension at the end of next season, in your mind?

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Win 50 games and at least get out of the 1st round. I think that would show further improvement. you look at all the good teams now there was progression... they didn't shoot straight to the top without building something (unless you're on a team with LBJ). Accomplishing that in the West would be a good sign that we're headed in the right direction, but it will depend on what we do with the roster this summer, and above all.... the health of this team.

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Originally Posted by DroopyDawg

Win 50 games and at least get out of the 1st round. I think that would show further improvement. you look at all the good teams now there was progression... they didn't shoot straight to the top without building something (unless you're on a team with LBJ). Accomplishing that in the West would be a good sign that we're headed in the right direction, but it will depend on what we do with the roster this summer, and above all.... the health of this team.

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I disagree with the 50 wins statement. I agree with get out of 1st rd tho. 50 wins next season will likely only have u in the 8 seed. Go to the year before this one and see where 50 wins got you. If Durant isn't out for most of the year we aren't in the playoffs with 45 wins, OKC is in there with 50+ wins and Dallas is likely the 8 seed imo. We need to win 55+ games next year and get out of the 1st rd. if we wind up in the 7-8 seed again with 45-50 wins. What are the chances of getting out of the 1st rd?? Very unlikely actually.

I think if you bring him back you have to pick up his extension. You don't want to dangle him out there as a lame duck. That's unfair to Monty after the success he's had with an incomplete and injured roster.

Some of you are advocating for them to dismiss him this year, which would mean a rich guy, would have to pay Monty a years salary to NOT coach. Benson can afford it, and Monty is not one of the higher paid coaches in the league. If you extend him and it doesn't work out, Benson is still on the hook for 1 year of paying Monty NOT to coach.

The right thing to do is to send the message to the locker room that we support Monty and he will be here at least 2 more years, even if it goes bad and turns out to be only one more year.

Monty needs better assistants. They should clean house and get some really good guys on the bench with him. Mike Woodson, Nate McMillan et al would be guys that I look at. Mike Malone is another one if he doesn't land a HC job.

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Originally Posted by UptownFuz504

Monty needs better assistants. They should clean house and get some really good guys on the bench with him. Mike Woodson, Nate McMillan et al would be guys that I look at. Mike Malone is another one if he doesn't land a HC job.

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I think this is a great idea. Worked for Kerr.

Monty is the mouthpiece, the other guys are the gurus.

Bring in Thibs for defense assistant.

Bryan Gates and some of the other assistants are great. Randy Ayers needs to go and be replaced. Him and him alone IMO

Bring mike Malone back (if possible) to try to improve this defense.

Why would you fire a coach that has improved each season? Dealing with all the injuries this season it is amazing we went to the playoffs and yes Monty did get 3rd place for coach of the year

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Bryan Gates and some of the other assistants are great. Randy Ayers needs to go and be replaced. Him and him alone IMO

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Why?

If he stays, we really need a coach to sort out the offense

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Originally Posted by UptownFuz504

I think his answer was smart. If he says no, the narrative is that AD got Monty fired. If he says yes, the narrative is that AD wants to be GM. I would have answered the same way. The anti-Monty faction will hear and read what they feel validate their dislike for Monty.

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I agree with you. Considering his age, AD gives a great interview, even in these kinds of tricky situations. I'm not sure I've ever heard him say the "wrong" thing; he's great at being diplomatic.

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Originally Posted by 4Real

Why would you fire a coach that has improved each season? Dealing with all the injuries this season it is amazing we went to the playoffs and yes Monty did get 3rd place for coach of the year

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The reason we made the playoffs has more to do with OTHER teams injuries, than ours.... Just saying.

Thibs is struggling against the Bucks in the weak East. Should he lose his job? What about Bud in ATL?

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Originally Posted by kclaboy504

He was asked point blank dosed he want him back and AD had the opportunity to flat out say YES I want him back or Of course I want him back. Instead he went on a rant about how much Monty has done since he's gotten here and how much he means to all the players. Thats all personal type stuff there sounds to me. I think he's gone and I think all players will be just fine with that. We have to get it right tho with the hire.

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I think you're reading to much into it. Perhaps he doesn't want to "choose sides" while negotiations are on going with his extension. Perhaps he doesn't want to look like a disgruntled star if Monty does get the ax. AD's on record enough praising Monty to prove he's not indifferent to Monty's situation.

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Originally Posted by Bongzilla

The reason we made the playoffs has more to do with OTHER teams injuries, than ours.... Just saying.

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This is something that needs to be stated more. I feel this Off season is gonna be huge for the future of this team success. We have to hit on ALL moves.

It won't be this offseason. This will be the tame one.

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Originally Posted by kclaboy504

He was asked point blank dosed he want him back and AD had the opportunity to flat out say YES I want him back or Of course I want him back. Instead he went on a rant about how much Monty has done since he's gotten here and how much he means to all the players. Thats all personal type stuff there sounds to me. I think he's gone and I think all players will be just fine with that. We have to get it right tho with the hire.

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Yeah kind of ominous.

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Originally Posted by Bongzilla

The reason we made the playoffs has more to do with OTHER teams injuries, than ours.... Just saying.

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We made the playoffs because Durant was out. We made the playoffs because the Suns blew up their roster at the trade deadline. We made the playoffs because despite ALOT of adversity, our players overcame and showed up when they had to. Everything is circumstantial, but the fact remains that we made the playoffs when we could've easily had fallen out of the race. We had a tough as hell schedule to close out the season and we OVERCAME that. Saying we made it because of injuries to other teams truly discredits what our squad fought to throughout the end of March and all of April.

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Originally Posted by IamQuailman

We made the playoffs because Durant was out. We made the playoffs because the Suns blew up their roster at the trade deadline. We made the playoffs because despite ALOT of adversity, our players overcame and showed up when they had to. Everything is circumstantial, but the fact remains that we made the playoffs when we could've easily had fallen out of the race. We had a tough as hell schedule to close out the season and we OVERCAME that. Saying we made it because of injuries to other teams truly discredits what our squad fought to throughout the end of March and all of April.

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Agree 100% with this.

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Originally Posted by IamQuailman

We made the playoffs because Durant was out. We made the playoffs because the Suns blew up their roster at the trade deadline. We made the playoffs because despite ALOT of adversity, our players overcame and showed up when they had to. Everything is circumstantial, but the fact remains that we made the playoffs when we could've easily had fallen out of the race. We had a tough as hell schedule to close out the season and we OVERCAME that. Saying we made it because of injuries to other teams truly discredits what our squad fought to throughout the end of March and all of April.

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Ignoring the injuries and turmoil of other teams also ignores key context as well.

It is why I didn't and still don't like the ultimatum of playoffs or fired or the fans trying to make the fact we made the playoffs the be all end all of the discussion on Monty as a long term answer at coach.

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Originally Posted by N.O.Bronco

Ignoring the injuries and turmoil of other teams also ignores key context as well.

It is why I didn't and still don't like the ultimatum of playoffs or fired or the fans trying to make the fact we made the playoffs the be all end all of the discussion on Monty as a long term answer at coach.

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Ignoring an 11-game improvement from a team that was devoid of its star players for chunks of the season (specifically AD's 14 missed games and Jrue's 42 missed games) also ignores key context of the team's improvement under Monty.

Making the playoffs or not shouldn't be a measuring stick for Monty, I agree there. But the fact that the team had to control its own destiny and overcome hard odds of beating a motivated Spurs team with everything on the line says alot about these players and how they respond.

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Originally Posted by Bongzilla

The reason we made the playoffs has more to do with OTHER teams injuries, than ours.... Just saying.

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Good thing we remained healthy all season... Just saying.

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Originally Posted by DirtySouf

Good thing we remained healthy all season... Just saying.

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great response

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Originally Posted by IamQuailman

Ignoring an 11-game improvement from a team that was devoid of its star players for chunks of the season (specifically AD's 14 missed games and Jrue's 42 missed games) also ignores key context of the team's improvement under Monty.

Making the playoffs or not shouldn't be a measuring stick for Monty, I agree there. But the fact that the team had to control its own destiny and overcome hard odds of beating a motivated Spurs team with everything on the line says alot about these players and how they respond.

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You said players? I thought we were talking coach haha? Which gets to a larger point. Did this team get to 11 more games because of Monty? Or because the players improved or found natural cohesion and the roster was better? How much does each get credit? I mean if we go to the extreme of the logic that gives the coach the majority of credit for win improvements with superstars then Spoelstra is a coach that can't be upgraded, Mike Brown is a top tier coach in this league and David Blatt is trending to be better then Phil Jackson and Popovich considering he lost his best player for 13 games.

Again though, my point was that one metric is a poor way to judge a coach. And to me, at the end of the day, it comes down to the long term viability of Monty as the coach. Which is going to require looking at more then win improvements or win regressions. Such as opportunity costs(who else is available), performance assessments, system assessment, player support, coaching potential projections, fit with the GM etc.

There is an awesome Thibs debate going on on NBA Radio. One side echoing the sentiments of he's a great coach and the other side is saying that it's popular to say he's but great but he hasn't won anything of merit. Good stuff.

http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/...liams/32621984

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Benson pledges support to Pelicans leaders Demps, Williams

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"It was the way you all came together as team that made us all very proud," Benson said. "... Our theme this year was to 'Take Flight.' I am confident that we have begun to take flight as a team."

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Sounds like HE STAY #hiremonty

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Originally Posted by AD23forMVP

Monty is a great guy and I think he is a great lead by example guy. After game 4 when the buzzer sounded AD tried to walk off the court without congratulating Golden State and Monty caught this and made him go embrace them.

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I don't want Monty back, but I was at Game Four and saw that scene live and I want to give Monty A LOT of credit for that. That shows that his morals are right and that he has respect for the opponent and the game. AD was young and frustrated so I give him a pass, but that was huge of Monty to stop him from leaving without shaking hands. Again, I don't want Monty back, but that was great leadership of him right there.

It is what it is at this point. We can't change what is gonna be done.

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Originally Posted by UptownFuz504

There is an awesome Thibs debate going on on NBA Radio. One side echoing the sentiments of he's a great coach and the other side is saying that it's popular to say he's but great but he hasn't won anything of merit. Good stuff.

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I live in the Chicagoland area and they are killing Thibs right now. They clearly believe he is too stubborn to make adjustments and is heavily getting out-coached by J. Kidd.

New Orleans Pelicans owner Tom Benson on Tuesday sent a letter of congratulations to coach Monty Williams and his staff and players, along with general manager Dell Demps and his staff for the team's winning season and playoff appearance. The letter reads as follows:

"Dear Monty, Dell and all of the Pelicans Coaches and Players: I wanted to thank each and every one of you for a job well done this past season. We made the playoffs in a very strong finish at the end of the season. That is a tribute to your hard work and determination. You were able to overcome the adversities that face every team, but it was the way you all came together as a team that made us all very proud.
Our fans were truly galvanized by your dedication. Our theme this years was to Take Flight. I am confident that we have begun to take flight as a team. We now must turn our attention to getting better and coming back for the 2015-16 season with an even stronger resolve. I am very excited about the future of our Pelicans and you have my word and my resolve to bring everything to bear to win. New Orleans deserves an NBA Championship and we have the foundation, facilities and fans to make this a reality”. Sincerely, Tom Benson

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

New Orleans Pelicans owner Tom Benson on Tuesday sent a letter of congratulations to coach Monty Williams and his staff and players, along with general manager Dell Demps and his staff for the team's winning season and playoff appearance. The letter reads as follows:

"Dear Monty, Dell and all of the Pelicans Coaches and Players: I wanted to thank each and every one of you for a job well done this past season. We made the playoffs in a very strong finish at the end of the season. That is a tribute to your hard work and determination. You were able to overcome the adversities that face every team, but it was the way you all came together as a team that made us all very proud.
Our fans were truly galvanized by your dedication. Our theme this years was to Take Flight. I am confident that we have begun to take flight as a team. We now must turn our attention to getting better and coming back for the 2015-16 season with an even stronger resolve. I am very excited about the future of our Pelicans and you have my word and my resolve to bring everything to bear to win. New Orleans deserves an NBA Championship and we have the foundation, facilities and fans to make this a reality”. Sincerely, Tom Benson

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http://media.nola.com/saints_impact/...6907-large.jpg

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

New Orleans Pelicans owner Tom Benson on Tuesday sent a letter of congratulations to coach Monty Williams and his staff and players, along with general manager Dell Demps and his staff for the team's winning season and playoff appearance. The letter reads as follows:

"Dear Monty, Dell and all of the Pelicans Coaches and Players: I wanted to thank each and every one of you for a job well done this past season. We made the playoffs in a very strong finish at the end of the season. That is a tribute to your hard work and determination. You were able to overcome the adversities that face every team, but it was the way you all came together as a team that made us all very proud.
Our fans were truly galvanized by your dedication. Our theme this years was to Take Flight. I am confident that we have begun to take flight as a team. We now must turn our attention to getting better and coming back for the 2015-16 season with an even stronger resolve. I am very excited about the future of our Pelicans and you have my word and my resolve to bring everything to bear to win. New Orleans deserves an NBA Championship and we have the foundation, facilities and fans to make this a reality”. Sincerely, Tom Benson

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I think this makes it pretty clear Monty and Demps will be back. I am not some huge Monty fan but I am no hater either. I think the guy has the ability to be like Doc Rivers and he has shown me no reason why he can't. When he had a decent squad with CP3 he took us to the playoffs and the Lakers to a game 7 with the great Phil Jackson and a good team which is impressive since we put so much into coaching excuses. He has taken a rebuilding team and improved on it every season and to me had a great year considering all of the injuries and lack of depth for most of the season. I think over the next 2 seasons when he gets the roster he needs and natural growth of our young players we will be a top team in the NBA as serious championship contenders. We need to upgrade our staff and someone like Malone would be huge if he doesn't get a HC job somewhere he needs to be priority #1 for us. Monty is only going to get better as a coach not worse which makes me very excited about the future.

Dell Demps is my favorite of the two and I really believe he will be considered as one of the best GMs in the NBA within a few years. He has done some amazing things that people thought wasn't possible here. He has the Gordon deal looming over him and with time that will all be in the past. I believe at the time he really had no choice and that decision was most likely not fully his. We were in the middle of ownership and Gordon was the prized piece as a young star SG in the deal for the NBAs best PG in CP3. Whether it was Demps decision or not I really believe at the time there was no choice. It's easy to now say we had Davis as the face of the franchise but you need more than that. Also Davis was no guarantee to be a great NBA player at all and could have been a bust looking like a similar player to Henson. Davis has exceeded all expectations and is now the best player in the NBA going into next season with any amount of improvement if you ask me but he was no guarantee when drafted as no one is. Time to enjoy the ride supporting the staff and team because in two seasons we will be top 3 in the West. If we don't show we are contenders in that time I have no problem going with a new staff with very little time lost when our franchise player will still have plenty of years left on his contract not even in his prime yet. Go Pels!