Pelicans Media Day

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Scott Prather @Scott_1420 · 2h

Demps:"obviously we want to make the playoffs...no ifs about it...but we don't want to say it's a complete failure if we don't."

Demps on area his team has to improve:"Defensively and rebounding...which is why we got Asik."

Demps on if Austin Rivers was almost traded:"we went out of our way to make sure he was remain on our roster." #PelicansMediaDay

Demps:"There's more excitement today than concerns...like the night before Christmas."

Demps asked about possibility Eric Gordon coming off the bench:"I don't think that option was ever on the table."

Demps on if Anthony Davis' presence can help the Pelicans lure some free agents:"I hope so (giggles)."

Demps on the Pelicans front court:"I think all those guys give us some lineup flexibility."

Williams on expectations:"We have a chance to compete like everybody else...obviously nobody likes injuries but we have to deal with it."

Monty Williams:"Having guys happy is like having new free agents." #PelicansMediaDay

Williams on Tyreke's injury:"You can't be mad at the guy. He got hurt playing."

Monty Williams on Tyreke:"I don't think he's a small forward but he may spend time there..we want to get him on the floor" #PelicansMediaDay

Monty Williams:"Tyreke has been a guy who has tried his best to get on the floor sooner than the prognosis..." #PelicansMediaDay

Monty Williams on how coaching team USA at FIBA World Cup helped:"Being in that atmosphere, you're going to get better." #PelicansMediaDay

Williams on what has to happen to be a playoff team:"Obviously health is one. Defense is another..." #PelicansMediaDay

Williams:"Having Omer gives is the ability to play bigger...Jrue and Austin can play off guard." #PelicansMediaDay

John Salmons on why he came to New Orleans:"I played with Monty my rookie year...he helped me Spirtually...he helped me on & off the court."

John Salmons on if the Pelicans are a playoff team."I think we've got the talent." #PelicansMediaDay

Pelicans SF John Salmons:"The best quality in a coach is being able to adapt to your team." #PelicansMediaDay

John Salmons pretty straightforward when asked about Anthony Davis:"He's one of the best players in the league." #PelicansMediaDay

Anthony Davis on the playoffs:"We have to stay humbled and hungry." #PelicansMediaDay

Davis having Asik on the floor w/ him:"We've gotta figure out how to work his game into our system..he can allow me to play more in system."

Davis on if he's tired after busy summer:"I'm 21 years old...if I'm tired than something is wrong with me." #PelicansMediaDay

Pelicans G Austin Rivers on postseason expectations:"The playoffs are a long way away. We've got camp, preseason & 82 games to get there."

Austin Rivers on what he worked on most during the offseason:"My midrange jumper." #PelicansMediaDay

Pelicans G/F Tyreke Evans on hamstring injury:"It's frustrating but that's basketball...I just gotta rehab and try to be back for opener."

Evans on coming off bench or starting:"Last year was first time coming off the bench. Think I played better starting"

Pelicans PG Jrue Holiday on the season:"I'm motivated. I'm excited...I'm ready." #PelicansMediaDay

Holiday on how he's feeling health wise."About 75%." #PelicansMediaDay

Jrue Holiday:"Last year we looked great on paper and looked like a playoff team...then 4 of our top 5 guys got hurt...." #PelicansMediaDay

Holiday stressing how the Pelicans need to be healthy. Asked about Evans injury:"A hamstring is an injury you don't want to mess with."

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nakia hogan @nakiahogan · 54m

Pelicans coach Monty Williams said PF Ryan Anderson could play some SF in certain lineups. But don't expect to see him there full time.

Pels SF Jon Salmons said it'll be up to the coaching staff to figure out his role. He said it doesn't matter if he starts or comes of bench.

Pels SF Darius Miller said nobody knows who the SF will be. That's up to Monty Williams.

Pelicans G Austin Rivers said he is focused as he enters season. He said his 3rd year is big for him.

Austin Rivers said he has worked on his midrange game this summer. And he has added 12 pounds.

Pelicans swingman Tyreke Evans said he expects to be back from hamstring injury by season opener, if not sooner.

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Jimmy Smith @JimmySmith504 · 48m

#Pelicans John Salmons says enough talent to be a playoff team.

#Pelicans John Salmons says attention to detail differentiates winners from losers in NBA.

#Pelicans Darius Miller says he is glad he returned for another season. "I love it here."

#Pelicans Austin Rivers says his focus currently on improvement.

#Pelicans Austin Rivers says he feels no personal pressure to perform well this year.

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