Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Tyronn Lue reportedly got a visit from New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin before the latter departed the bubble, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
However, a friendly conversation between two former colleagues does not necessarily mean that Lue is likely to end up landing the Pelicans vacant head coaching job.
“Latest rumbles in N.B.A. coaching circles suggest that the Nets or the Philadelphia 76ers are more likely landing spots for Lue than New Orleans,” Stein wrote in his newsletter.
Lue has been mentioned as a candidate for the three prominent openings in Brooklyn, Philly and New Orleans. Moreover, the Houston Rockets could reportedly eye him if they move on from Mike D'Antoni.
The two have a strong bond dating back to Cleveland, when Griffin — as Cavs general manager — hired Lue as an assistant and promoted him to head coach after firing David Blatt in 2016. Lue coached Cleveland to the 2016 title, but he was unfortunately fired six games into the 2018-19 season. Griffin was let go by Dan Gilbert in 2017.
Lue, a protege of Doc Rivers, is in his first season as lead assistant on the Clippers bench. He is not just among the most coveted coaching candidates though, as he's also one of the most expensive. According to The Athletic, the Pelicans plan to spend about $5.5 million per year on their next coach — a figure that may be too low for Lue.
There were also rumblings that Tyronn Lue may have been hired by David Griffin to take over for Alvin Gentry earlier this season had he not joined the Clippers staff.
It remains to be see what the Pelicans will do with their head coaching vacancy. However, the position figures to be one of the most attractive jobs in the NBA, given the opportunity to coach a rising star in Zion Williamson and young core that has massive potential.
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