The Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ NBA G League affiliate, has named T.J. Saint as its head coach and Billy Campbell as GM of Basketball Operations, according to a team press release. Recently retired guard Jodie Meeks will be an assistant coach on Saint’s staff.
Saint was the associate head coach for the Pelicans’ G League team from 2020-22. Campbell was the assistant GM for the team’s inaugural year in Birmingham last season. Meeks, who had a 10-year NBA career, announced his retirement earlier this month.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- Former Squadron head coach Ryan Pannone has been promoted by the Pelicans to an assistant coaching position on the NBA team, ESPN’s Andrew Lopez tweets. Former Squadron GM Marc Chasanoff will remain in a front office role with the Pelicans. The NBA team will play its preseason finale against the Hawks at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, according to Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times Picayune.
- It may not make Mavericks owner Mark Cuban happy but head coach Jason Kidd is pleased that Jalen Brunson got a huge payday in free agency, Marc Berman of the New York Post relays. Kidd make that comment on the “All the Smoke” podcast. “The biggest thing is I’m happy he got paid,’’ Kidd said. “He helped us. I know Cuban doesn’t like this, but I love when I can get a player get paid.’’ Brunson signed a four-year, $104MM contract with the Knicks.
- Christian Wood will need to spend a lot of time in the low block and be a physical presence at both ends of the court, Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com writes. While Wood’s 3-point shooting is a big part of his skill set, the Mavericks will also need him to be a presence in the paint. They essentially used the trade for Wood with Houston as their main free agent addition, Sefko adds.
Wood leaves a lot to be desired. He is a pretty good offensive option but he’s a turnstile when it comes to defense. Maybe it was the horrible rockets team or maybe that’s just who he is. Wasn’t a bad trade for the mavs they gave up mostly trash but I might temper the expectations for Wood just a bit
Someone using an alt account on this site to hate on an nba player? Shocker
*Someone points out a single flaw in someone’s game*
Sankara: “yOu ObViOuSlY dOn’T kNoW bAsKeTbAlL, hAtEr”
Obv u don’t understand what quotes are for
Obviously you’re missing the point
Lol dude if u have to misquote someone to make your point there’s a strong possibility that you’re pointless
Sankara I should be happy you’re sticking up for Wood as he’s one of my mavs but this sucks man. Not every player is perfect in every way. They’re human so while every player in the NBA is good at basketball, every single one of them has flaws.
Dude u have multiple alt accounts and even talk to yourself using them lol it’s impossible for me to take anything u say seriously
me?
He is on his 8th team in 7 years. So he does have some gaps that cause teams to part with him. Probably a combo of attitude and defense.
I watched Wood play in Houston and I don’t think he’s the worst defender in the league. I feel he is more suited at PF than center. His paint defense is less than desired when protecting the rim. He doesn’t have that skill set to square up in the paint to block shots or muscling defenders from getting a easy lay up 2 while in the paint. Outside the paint, he’s fairly good. Either way, Mavs are the winners on this trade. Rockets got what they wanted, shedding of payroll. I suspect a major trade or free agent signings in a year or two. They will look at a Harden type trade from OKC years ago. Either way, they are going to extend who they like and want to be in Houston. Sign or trade for others who can help turn around the organization. 2 years max, they will be players
Mavs def won that trade. Was the pick mavs sent the one that landed the rockets Tari Eason? If not then that’s a horrible trade for the rockets send out a useful player for the pupu platter. Reminds me of the Chris Paul trade to the rockets, rockets fleeced the clippers bad on that one
8?? Honestly I didn’t realize it I know he was on Houston then golden state then Detroit then back to Houston then to Dallas. I’ll have to go check out his stats thanks!
Edit he didn’t play for 8 teams he’s played for 6
76ers
Hornets
Bucks
Pelicans
Rockets
Pistons
Split the difference with you at 7 because I included DAL so 7 in 7 years
Oh true didn’t even think of this coming season. Wasn’t he with the warriors at one point too? Think it might’ve just been for preseason
Oh snap i used to know Billy Campbell. Played on the same Jr high team with him years & years ago. He was a good guy fr. His dad was former mayor of Atlanta
Does it make you feel better lying to people on the internet ? I’m sure it does
Lol ur really mad huh
Not at all I’m actually really happy thanks buddy
Lol right
I’m going to let a troll on a website get me mad? You sound really delusional
And u sound really mad lol
That Mavs writer is typical of sports writers who follow twitter and listen to podcasts rather than watch games. Wood is not a low block post player. Asking him to do that would get in the way of Luka anyway. He’s a stretch big who can drive to the basket as well. McGee is there for the physical paint presence.
You try real facts. The truth is usually in there some where. Never been a Wood guy, really.
The Facts :: 4 Team Trade —
Dallas gets: Christian Wood
Houston gets: Boban Marjanovic, Sterling Brown, Trey Burke, Marquese Chriss, No. 29 (draft rights to TyTy Washington), two future second-round picks
Minnesota gets: No. 22 (draft rights to Walker Kessler), No. 26 (draft rights to Wendell Moore Jr.)
Memphis gets: No. 19 (draft rights to Jake LaRavia)
The Truth ::
Boban is a solid backup center. Ty Ty was the best pure PG in the draft. I’m shocked he lasted till #29. Chriss has game, still young. Just needs a chance imo. Burke has proved he’s a rotation guy. And two 2nd rd picks. Can always be used. There is absolutely no Trash here. Except for the shhh you make up.
Wood has game. Yes his D does need help. But he is motivated by a new contract. And playing for a playoff team. Should fill that motivation. I think it can work for both teams. But I like what the Rockets got. For a guy that had no future with them.
I would follow Ty Ty’s career. Guarantee you will learn ball.