The Pelicans’ arena, Smoothie King Center, is in need of major renovations, per Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Most systems and equipment have reached or exceeded their usable life, according to an assessment report from an architecture firm and consulting company. The building’s sound and public address system are among the items that need to be replaced. The report’s findings shift the spotlight onto Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Louisiana state officials to either fund a renovation of the nearly 25-year-old building or build a new arena, Clark adds.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- While some teams are holding training camp at faraway places, the Rockets are happy they’ll stay at home. They will hold training camp, beginning Oct. 1, at their new practice facility, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports. In recent years, they’ve held camp in a variety of locations out of town. The $70MM basketball headquarters is about a 10-minute drive from the Rockets’ home arena, the Toyota Center.
- How will Jason Kidd manage the minutes of Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford at the Mavericks’ center position? That’s one of the big questions for Dallas heading into training camp, according to Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com. The need for Jaden Hardy to have a breakout season after Josh Green was traded is another intriguing element of this year’s camp.
- Keldon Johnson wore No. 3 for the Spurs the last few seasons. He’s giving up that uniform number to Chris Paul, according to ESPN. Johnson will instead take No. 0. Paul, who signed a one-year contract with San Antonio, has worn No. 3 since entering the league in 2005.
What has America become when an arena is too old at just 25!?!? Why can’t people build things to last for decades anymore?
I know its the equipment not the stadium itself, but threatening to need to rebuild a new one over that so early is insane.
Equipment, technology specifically, ages quickly and should be replaced. No one uses 25 year old tech in America. Even I finally got rid of my Windows 98 computer 15 years ago when I met my wife.
however, If the owner is threatening to move over basic maintenance, that’s dumb. Upgrade your systems and be done with it already.
Those are good questions to have if you’re in Dallas. Having a young and hungry center on the roster who can not only step in for the veteran center but is eagerly anticipating replacing him at some point. As far as covering for Josh Green, the acquisitions of Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Quentin Grimes create a difficult pathway to minutes for Hardy. There doesn’t appear to be a need for a breakout season, nonetheless, Hardy provides solid depth in the backcourt. Especially considering the injury history of Exum.
IMO
Rockets GM is not a good trader.
At least one of the next year’s free agents need to be traded now.
VanVleet
Sengun
Jalan Green
Tons of money are needed to keep all three
…… Otherwise, he will regret next summer.
So he fleeced the nets in the harden deal, then again trading a couple of the nets picks back to them for 4 more coveted first round picks, he traded 2 second round picks for Sengun, he got a first round pick for Woods, he’s completely reloaded the rockets with a ton of talent in just 3 years, and they are in a great position financially to add a superstar next offseason AND keep all of their young guys. But in your opinion he’s done a bad job . This is why nobody takes you seriously!