Subscribe
Follow Us
The New Orleans Pelicans may have quietly scored the best signing of the summer thus far with recent news coming out that the team have successfully recruited league-renowned athletic trainer Aaron Nelson from the Phoenix Suns.
ESPN's Marc Stein broke the news via Twitter.
Also out of Phoenix: League sources say that the Pelicans have successfully recruited noted Suns athletic trainer Aaron Nelson to make the move to New Orleans
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 30, 2019
Nelson is by no means a household name, and for many casual fans, this does not have very much meaning. However, for some who are more familiar with Nelson's work in the early 2000's, this is actually pretty relevant news.
Article Continues Below
Stein adds that Nelson has been a long-time target of Pelicans front office newcomer David Griffin, who has had experience working with the esteemed trainer in the past.
Nelson has been a fixture with the Suns' vaunted athletic training staff for two decades and was a prime target for new Pelicans EVP of Basketball Operations David Griffin, who previously worked alongside Nelson first-hand in Phoenix
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 30, 2019
Nelson is perhaps most well known for his work with Suns legend Steve Nash, who despite struggling with back issues throughout his career, was able to obtain back-to-back MVP titles during his time in Phoenix. The Hall of Famer's injuries are well documented, and for some, the main reason why he was still able to play at an elite level was because of Nelson and his staff.
This signing is important to the Pelicans for many reasons, but most importantly, it is a clear indication of the team's desire to upgrade their athletic training team. It might just be too little too late, but nevertheless, the front office might even use this development as an addition to the pro's column as they try and do everything in their power to convince want-away superstar Anthony Davis to reconsider his desire to jump ship.
