Nobody wants the Princess???

[CajunDreDog]

Sun Belt Conference (@SunBelt) tweeted at 9:49 PM on Thu, Jun 25, 2015:
Back-to-back 1st Round picks for the @SunBelt Conference. One of 7 conferences nationwide.

#FunBelt to the @NBA http://t.co/Ln7J9knktl

[CajunEXPRESS]

So not a lottery pick. 😥😥

[CajunEXPRESS]

Can't believe the Pelicans gave their number one for Asik, a player who wii be an unrestricted free agent in 2015/16.

[BrockMeaux]

Can't believe the Pelicans gave their number one for Asik, a player who wii be an unrestricted free agent in 2015/16.

I can. That's been the hallmark of Dell Demps and Monty Williams (hopefully changes under Gentry, but I've got my doubts). Outside of Anthony Davis, they've shown a complete disregard for/disinterest in developing young players. Frankly, if we were in the East, it would be a good formula. We'd be a regular top 4 seed. The West requires a bit more depth and athleticism to break through. If our roster were ever fully healthy for a full season, we could be a pretty dangerous team. But we've been in "build for now" mode for years, which usually includes sitting drafts out because we traded for vets and/or sold draft picks (we sold our only pick tonight to the Clippers). I know the NBA isn't the NFL where you need key contributors every year from the draft, but we need to embrace youth a little more than we have.

[DaddyCajun]

So what do you think about Gentry, BrockMeaux?

[BeauCajun]

Sun Belt Conference (@SunBelt) tweeted at 9:49 PM on Thu, Jun 25, 2015:
Back-to-back 1st Round picks for the @SunBelt Conference. One of 7 conferences nationwide.

#FunBelt to the @NBA http://t.co/Ln7J9knktl

And that drama queen was picked over EP for Outstanding Player in the SBC last year?

[MelRock]

I am glad he went to the Celtics, I can not think of a team I hate more than the Celtics.

[BrockMeaux]

So what do you think about Gentry, BrockMeaux?

I don't hate the hire. He'll bring an offensive system that we need to improve on that end of the floor. I just don't know if he's "the guy." That said, I don't know who "that guy" is. I think Tom Thibodeau would have gotten a lot out of our roster, but he would have grinded guys like Davis into the ground and it's only a matter of time before things sour when you manage a roster with that kind of "my way or the highway" attitude. He wasn't interested because he believes Anthony Davis will leave after his contract is up, and he wouldn't have meshed with Dell Demps, who was looking for a coach that will coach and leave everything else to him, which Gentry will be.

[Cajunsmike]

I can. That's been the hallmark of Dell Demps and Monty Williams (hopefully changes under Gentry, but I've got my doubts). Outside of Anthony Davis, they've shown a complete disregard for/disinterest in developing young players. Frankly, if we were in the East, it would be a good formula. We'd be a regular top 4 seed. The West requires a bit more depth and athleticism to break through. If our roster were ever fully healthy for a full season, we could be a pretty dangerous team. But we've been in "build for now" mode for years, which usually includes sitting drafts out because we traded for vets and/or sold draft picks (we sold our only pick tonight to the Clippers). I know the NBA isn't the NFL where you need key contributors every year from the draft, but we need to embrace youth a little more than we have.

Lots of the Pelicans "vets" are young, most are under 26. Biggest problem they have had with the trades is the injuries. When healthy, Jrue Holiday is a more than competent point guard. It is unfortunate he has missed the better part of both seasons he has been in New Orleans. I agree that the Asik trade does not look so good now. However, they would have drafted 18th where a rookie is a hit and miss proposition. Asik may go back to the Pels, but if he does it will be at a more reasonable salary. As far as Hunter goes, I think he matured greatly this past season and he made our school and every other one in the SBC about 40 grand when he hit the winning shot in the NCAA tourney first round. Therefore, I wish him well. Note, it does not matter where you go in the first round. All 1st round picks get guaranteed contracts. 1st pick of the 2nd round can get cut the first day of camp and he gets nothing.

[zephyr]

I can. That's been the hallmark of Dell Demps and Monty Williams (hopefully changes under Gentry, but I've got my doubts). Outside of Anthony Davis, they've shown a complete disregard for/disinterest in developing young players. Frankly, if we were in the East, it would be a good formula. We'd be a regular top 4 seed. The West requires a bit more depth and athleticism to break through. If our roster were ever fully healthy for a full season, we could be a pretty dangerous team. But we've been in "build for now" mode for years, which usually includes sitting drafts out because we traded for vets and/or sold draft picks (we sold our only pick tonight to the Clippers). I know the NBA isn't the NFL where you need key contributors every year from the draft, but we need to embrace youth a little more than we have.

I think I get what you are saying although I don't agree with everything, it makes sense. Please understand that the Pelicans are one of the youngest team in the NBA. We actually had to switch to a youth model after the David West and Chris Paul years which is partly to blame for the lull over the past 4-5 years. We've built with youth from AD, Jrue, Rivers (traded), Withey, Xavier Henry(traded) etc.. Even Eric Gordon is in his mid 20's and Tyreke is early 20's as well.

You are right about athleticism, especially in the front court where we lack. Asik is not as good defensively as people think and I'm trying to figure out how these same people that think he's a top level defender think he's going to be even better in a faster paced system. We lack athleticism at the SF and we haven't had a true SF since Trevor Ariza. This is the one spot that I truly hope we take a dive in free agency and produce. Pondexter is nice but I'd like to see a young, athletic and talented SF that we could count on for years.

[zephyr]

And on Hunter, I think he went to one of the best places he could possibly go to. Their guard play is OK but doesn't shoot all that well from the outside and their bigs will open up space for shooters. He could do very well there.

[CajunEXPRESS]

The scouts worry about Hunter was his slight build. Wondered how he would hold up. They were not worried about his game.