Stiemsma looking to be defensive presence

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When Pelicans Coach Monty Williams spoke to Greg Stiemsma in early July about the possibility of the free agent coming to New Orleans, it was déjà vu all over again for the two men. Almost exactly one year earlier, Williams and Stiemsma had a similar conversation, but the 6-foot-11 center opted to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This time, Williams got the answer he was looking for from the Wisconsin native, who officially became a Pelican on July 10. But first, the fourth-year coach couldn’t resist giving his new player a little good-natured ribbing.

“He said he was happy that I made the right decision this year,” Stiemsma said of his phone call with Williams. “We joked about it and had a few laughs about how close we were last year (to Stiemsma signing with New Orleans).”

... For his part, Stiemsma says he’s comfortable with the role he’s been given in his previous two NBA stops with Boston and Minnesota. He’s compiled career averages of 3.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 15.1 minutes. Williams’ defense-first approach was one of the reasons Stiemsma weighed signing with New Orleans for two consecutive offseasons.

“Defense has been my go-to, my foundation,” Stiemsma said. “When you get a coach who appreciates guys who play defense and preaches that from Day 1, that’s a team I want to be part of. First and foremost, I’m a rim protector. I block shots and defend the paint. I have a defensive presence and mind-set, and try to make sure nothing comes easy (for opponents).

“On the offensive end, I try to be solid, knock down 15- and 17-foot jump shots, take care of the ball, make the extra pass, set good screens, get the other guys open and clean up on the boards. I’m definitely alright with that role.”

...“Everybody in this league can score,” Stiemsma said. “The good teams are the ones who can stop you. We have to get to be one of those teams that can get stops.”

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