New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach Darren Erman has recently shed light on how his team intends to fill the leadership void that has been left by the recent departure of Rajon Rondo. Speaking to Scott Kushner of The New Orleans Advocate, Erman explained how the Pelicans will need stars Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday to step up in the wake of Rondo's exit.
“Rondo was a great vet leader and everyone loved him and respects him,” acknowledged Erman. “You don’t replace that necessarily, but Anthony and Jrue know it’s their time to step up there and they’re ready. They did it in the playoffs. They can be the vocal leaders to some extent. Rondo was really good at supporting coaches and relaying the message, and Anthony and Jrue have been great throughout.
“Now, after being around Rondo they’re ready to step their game up to be more vocal.”
Erman believes that Rondo, despite having spent only one year in New Orleans, has rubbed off on his former teammates.
Davis and Holiday won't be the only leaders. Erman expects players like Solomon Hill and Elfrid Payton to also play leadership roles.
“And Solomon is a vocal leader too. He didn’t get to play much because of the (hamstring) injury and he looks really good and he has the capability. Elfrid can do it too, but we’ll probably have to do it as a group, so it’s not one guy controlling so much. Instead, it’ll be three or four guys.”
After a very successful run last season, expectations are much higher this time around for the Pelicans. Team leadership will definitely be one of the biggest factors in the team's ability to reach their full potential.
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