Pelicans Seeking A 'Sustained Level Of Success'

Pelicans brass echo similar sentiments for creating a winning culture during Media Day.

New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans held their annual Media Day on Monday, and the theme from the front office personnel was sustained winning. Both executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin and general manager Trajon Langdon spoke about creating a winning culture in New Orleans. Part of that culture included the commitment to winning from the ownership.

"Everyone understands we have a lot to prove. Mrs. Benson and her management team are amazing. They've given us continuity and a stable backdrop", Griffin told reporters. "There has never been a mandate to us to stay out of the (luxury) tax. It's all based on results."

The results on the court for the Pelicans are a mixed bag. In Coach Willie Green's first year as head coach, the team made the playoffs for the first time since the 2018 season. Last year, New Orleans recorded a winning record for the first time since that same year. Still, given the talent on the roster, last season was derailed by injuries and left a "bittersweet" taste in the team's mouth, according to Trajan Langdon.

Langdon says the players have shown a detailed commitment to winning. Since Labor Day, "the gym has been popping," he said, with players building confidence and continuity for the upcoming year. The expectation of every Pelicans player is to make the playoffs this season. "Our guys are ready to show and take the next step."

Coach Willie Green said the team has expectations, but those mean nothing without "putting the work" in to reach those goals. Coach Green mentioned at least three times about putting the necessary work in. He complimented veteran guard CJ McCollum for being present all summer and one of the gym's top guys. A veteran like McCollum in the gym daily should have a trickle-down effect on the young core of guys on the roster.

The Pelicans won't have long until they can show and prove on the court. Training camp opens on Tuesday, with the first preseason game against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 10. The regular season starts on the road versus the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 25.