Pelicans Want to be the Bucks
The formula Gentry and co are trying to win with does exist. Just looking over a few things with the Bucks--
2nd in pace
2nd in def rating
2nd in off rating
3rd in three pt attempts/game (Pelicans are 5th)
20th in three pt % (Pelicans are 4th)
2nd in TS % (Pelicans are 12th)
5th in FT attempts/game
4th in Rebound % (Pelicans are 20th)
2nd in defensive rebound % (Pelicans are also 20th)
Basically, it is possible to play at a high pace yet also have a good defense. And its not like they do it playing small ball since they've got 7'0" 280 lb Brook Lopez out there at 27 mins/game running up and down the floor, and he's only missed 2 games so far.
So also basically, it looks like the main difference is they've got a Giannis and the Pelicans do not. They attempt about 26 free throws/game, and Giannis accounts for 42% of those attempts alone.
And lastly basically, there are qualitative difference since they have a more veteran team. They aren't going to step out of bounds or launch 5 consecutive threes when they need a bucket, even though they shoot more threes throughout a game (and make fewer) than the Pelicans do.
So Gentry's vision isn't impossible, but a coach has to get a team to execute. Part of that is to stop putting the ball into certain players hands who we KNOW cannot execute plays well.