5 NBA coaches on the hot seat
By Seth Partnow
MONTY WILLIAMS
No coach is facing the combination of built-in expectations, level of difficulty, and preexisting frustration more than Monty Williams. With Anthony Davis set to ascend further up the pantheon of NBA stars, and the addition of Omer Asik to cover for last season’s defensive frailties, New Orleans is aiming for the playoffs this season. Unfortunately the Pellies also place in the Western Conference. There simply aren’t that many spots available as none of last years’ Top 8 look especially vulnerable. Phoenix (despite a bad offseason) is still lurking. 10th or worse in the conference is a real possibility. Even assuming the health concerns which have plagued important Pelicans over the past several years.
On top of the high probability of disappointment this season is the general level of dissatisfaction with Williams’ performance among close followers of the team. His substitution patterns (especially the tendency to be extremely and overly protective of Davis in terms of foul trouble) and lineup decisions often prevent the team from having it’s five best players on the floor together. For example, the general reluctance to play Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans at the same time hurt. Though lineups featuring those two were just as bad defensively as any other New Orleans lineup, that pair alongside Davis and Ryan Anderson still scored much more than they conceded.
If the season starts poorly, and the Pelicans fall well behind the playoff race early, do not be surprised if Williams pays the price.
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