Eric Snow to join coaching staff

quote:

---

The latest in good news for Sacramento is the hiring of former lead assistant to Monty Williams, Mike Malone, as their new head coach. Vivek Ranadive’s familiarity with him from their mutual time with the Warriors likely played a role, but so did Malone’s talent, evidenced by clear difference his presence on the coaching staff has on the on-the-court performance.

The Hornets were able to attract Malone to New Orleans in the midst of turmoil on the ownership front, partially by making him a Lead Assistant, partially because of Monty Williams. Furthering this, Sam Amick joins the Cowbell Kingdom podcast to discuss the Malone hire and more. During the course of the discussion, he praises Monty and his reputation around the NBA.

Additionally, James Borrego left the Hornets to become a lead assistant in Orlando.

The Pelicans should be able to attract more talented coaches than the Hornets did under Monty’s first 3 seasons. While the team had Chris Paul under contract during that first season, those coaches hired on amid swirling rumors that Chris Paul would be leaving that same Summer. The Pelicans, on the other hand, have Anthony Davis under control for more than 5 more seasons and other talent under contract for the near-term, along with good books and a rapidly improving off-the-court portfolio of resources.

Randy Ayers, the current lead assistant, has head coaching experience and come to New Orleans in Monty’s first season, taking over as lead assistant with Malone left 2 years ago. He is known as capable, wise, and a teacher. Bryan Gates has head coaching experience in other leagues and has been with the team since Monty’s first round of hiring with Borrego and Malone. Fred Vinson hired in with Ayers and has been known as a coach who helps acclimate and develop rookies. Dave Hanners was added after Malone was hired away. He has an extensive background, including being an advance scout for the national team and a video coordinator.

No coach was hired since Borrego left, leaving the team with 4 assistants instead of 5. The Pelicans, therefore, may in the market for a coach. This lack of manpower compared to previous years may explain some of the regression of the team in some key areas, but refraining from making a hire for hiring’s sake is positive.

This team needs some coaching changes, but not at the top level, which is what those who analyze shallowly immediately recommend. Rather, at least 1 assistant needs to be added. Things are either stagnant or regressing, making this acquisition potentially as influential as any other for the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason.

---

quote:

---

Young, black and bald? Id say he has what it takes to be apart of the Pelicans staff.

---

quote:

---

The clear requirement for this staff is having played with or coached Monty. Snow and Monty were both playing in Philly in Monty's last season.

---

quote:

---

I don't either. I've been hoping for an injection of coaching talent from a different coaching tree to get some new ideas. But I guess if this is the San Antonio plan then a coaching staff full of Larry Brown guys (Pop's mentor) can work.

---