Everyone has been talking about the New Orleans Pelicans and how head coach Stan Van Gundy almost came out of nowhere to land their head coaching job. Though not a lot of players in the current Pelicans roster know their newly acquired head coach on a personal level, it's been reported that his former player in JJ Redick actually played a huge role in helping the front office in pursue the 61-year old head coach.
“JJ Redick, I have been told, had a big role here.” ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on ‘The Jump'. “JJ played for him [in Orlando], was a big part of the background and recruiting process.”
The 36-year old shooter actually played for Van Gundy for five seasons when they were both part of the Orlando Magic team from 2007-2012. Both Redick and Van Gundy were at the forefront of the Magic's trip to the NBA Finals in 2009 against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. It goes without saying that there's a ton of history and experience here which should be nothing but beneficial for the Pels.
Van Gundy is inheriting a very young core in the Big Easy. 20-year old sophomore sensation Zion Williamson is spearheading things while the likes of reigning Most Improve Player Brandon Ingram (23) and point guard Lonzo Ball (22) surround him. Having a savvy vet like Redick would be huge for Van Gundy and it's good to know that the trust between these two is at an all-time high.
When Redick decides to hang it up and retire from playing, it seems as though he can definitely put on his GM hat and be in any team's front office.
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