Williams fired by Pelicans; Davis may be unhappy
The New Orleans Pelicans fired Monty Williams on Tuesday, parting ways with a coach who has a strong relationship with the franchise’s marquee player, Anthony Davis.
General Manager Dell Demps, who will lead the search for a new coach, said he informed Davis of the decision in a one-on-one meeting after the move was made. When asked about Davis’ reaction, Demps said, “That’ll stay between us.”
Davis, already a two-time All-Star at age 22, is entering the final year of his contract before he becomes a restricted free agent. He can sign an extension as early as July, but also could choose to wait until next off-season.
Basketball fans in New Orleans have seen one superstar, point guard Chris Paul, become alienated by the handling of a coaching change. That was the firing of Byron Scott early in the 2009-10 season, when the team was under different ownership and management.
Paul was traded to the Lakers before the 2011-12 season, a deal that was rejected by the league, and wound up being traded to the Clippers after making it clear he would not sign an extension with New Orleans.
Scott is now the Lakers’ coach.
Williams has a record of 173-221 with two playoff appearances since landing his first heading coaching job with the Pelicans in 2010. His first postseason appearance, a first-round loss to the Lakers in 2011, came with Paul on the roster. The Pelicans were swept by Golden State in the first round this year.
Wall progressing in recovery from injury
Washington Wizards guard John Wall took the next step in recovery from a fractured left hand and wrist: He dribbled.
The All-Star point guard has missed the last three playoff games since suffering five non-displaced fractures in his left wrist and hand during Game 1 against Atlanta on May 3. Significant swelling and pain prevented Wall from dribbling with his left hand until Tuesday.
Officially “questionable” on the team’s injury report, Wall was scheduled to be examined by team doctors Tuesday or Wednesday.
Tied at 2-2, the best-ofseven Eastern Conference semifinal series shifts to Atlanta for Game 5 on Wednesday. Game 6 will take place Friday in Washington, and Game 7, if necessary, on Monday.
The Wizards are 5-0 with Wall during the playoffs, 1-2 without him.
Draft to be held in Brooklyn again
The NBA draft will be held at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, on June 25, the league announced. It is the third consecutive year the draft will be staged at the Brooklyn venue.
The NBA draft lottery, scheduled for Tuesday in New York, will determine the first 14 picks of the draft. Minnesota holds the highest chance of obtaining the No. 1 pick, followed by New York, Philadelphia and the Lakers.