Josh Hart spoke with EVP of basketball operations David Griffin shortly after the Anthony Davis, pleading with the executive not to trade him, as he wanted to play for the Pelicans. During a press conference today that introduced Hart, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, Griffin said that it “meant a lot” to the team to have players who were “equally committed” to the franchise.
“We’re deep with selfless winners,” Griffin said (via Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register). “We’re deep with selfless high-character guys who wanna play any role they need to.”
Rival teams have called the Pelicans about all three former Lakers, according to Griffin, but the franchise has turned down inquiries for each player. The front office feels the trio can be part of the team’s future.
Here’s more from New Orleans:
- Ball said it was “tough” dealing with trade rumors last season but he learned to deal with those distractions and others while playing in Los Angeles, Will Guillory of The Athletic relays on Twitter. Ball added that he’s excited to get back to playing the style of basketball he’s accustomed to.
- Ingram said he is “pretty close” to resuming regular basketball activities, as ESPN relays. Ingram is recovering from surgery on his right arm that was performed to address a blood clot. Ingram added that he hasn’t played basketball since March. “I’m eager to pick up a basketball,” the forward added (via Guillory’s Twitter feed).
- Nicolo Melli, who signed with the Pelicans this offseason, underwent knee surgery this offseason, Emiliano Carchia of Sportnado passes along. Melli agreed to sign with New Orleans via the room exception.
Obviously someone needs to let Lonzo know he ain’t gonna start this year to get back that style of play “he is used to”
hes gonna be starting while Jrue plays SG. Lonzo actually gets to run an offence now.
He most certainly will start.
Why would he be guaranteed to start? They could easily have him run the second unit with solid defense off the bench. I don’t know that he and Jrue match up well on court. Neither shoots particularly well, both sort of need the ball. I see a lineup of Jrue, Redick, Ingram, Favors and Zion with Lonzo, Hart, Williams, Melli and Hayes with Okafor and NAW comprising the rest of the roster. Doesn’t make sense for Lonzo to start when theyncould have a monster second unit.
He started in LA over Rondo so hes gonna start with the Pelicans they even said him and Jrue will be a duo together on the floor
Before signing Redick. Again, you’re not having two subpar shooters when you can stagger it. And I’m sorry but saying he started over old Rondo is not an accomplishment.
Rondo actually played really well last year before he hurt his hand. So ur not giving Rondo enough credit but yea maybe Lonzo and Jrue close out games together im going off what Griffin said
Jrue likes the 2 and Nikail A-W will likely move up quickly from what I saw in Vegas… Hayes doesn’t look like a bad choice but is less ready.
So Lonzo, Jrue, BI, ZWill & Favors.
NAW, Redick, Hart & Okafor plus…
DariusM, EtwanM, StanleyJ & IanC are still around I presume.
Johnson signed with Torknto, Clark was rescinded
Lonzo is going to start. He and Jrue will be one of the best defensive backcourts in the league.
exactly
Ingram and lonzo dont look happy. Lmao going from la to cellar dwellers like pelicans man that sucks.
In the last 5 years, the Pelicans have 190 wins and 2 playoff appearances. The Lakers have 136 wins and no playoff appearances.
Facts
Pelicans aren’t going to be “cellar dwellers”. Pretty much every post you write you’re just being a certified Lakers homer. Get some perspective.
Lonzo has to improve shooting….especially free throws. What good is driving to the bucket….fouled..make 1-2? He was better @ UCLA….what has happened? He also has to get tougher and be available. He seems brittle….injury prone.