Pelicans’ Griffin says no ‘shot clock’ on any Davis deal
New Orleans Pelicans basketball operations chief David Griffin said Tuesday that the timing of next week’s NBA draft won’t necessarily raise urgency to deal away disgruntled six-time Allstar Anthony Davis.
“I’m open-minded,” Griffin said while introducing new front office hire Swin Cash on a conference call with reporters. “If things devolve in such a way that it’s time for us to make a decision relative to Anthony Davis or any other part of the organization, we will. But we’re not in a hurry to do anything and we don’t feel there is a time sensitivity to anything that we’re talking about — and that includes AD’S desire to stay or not stay. That’s not something there’s a shot clock on.”
The Pelicans have the first overall pick in the June 20 NBA draft, when they are expected to select consensus top prospect Zion Williamson of Duke. The Pelicans could acquire additional high draft picks by dealing Davis by draft night, but also could choose to wait and trade Davis for established NBA talent.
When Griffin was hired in April as Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, he expressed interest in persuading Davis to reconsider his trade request. But Davis has yet to indicate a change of heart, raising prospects for a blockbuster deal that could involve multiple teams.
While Davis may not be on board with Griffin’s vision for the Pelicans, Cash said she is convinced Griffin is creating a team culture that promotes winning and even career advancement for herself.
Grizzlies hire Bucks’ Jenkins
The Memphis Grizzlies filled their coaching vacancy by hiring Milwaukee Bucks assistant Taylor Jenkins.
The 34-year-old Jenkins was Mike Budenholzer’s assistant in Milwaukee this season and in Atlanta for five seasons.
Kidd-gilchrist has surgery
Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kiddgilchrist underwent a surgical procedure to address a chronic groin strain.
Kidd-gilchrist was relegated to a backup role last season with the Hornets. He appeared in 64 games with starts, and averaged 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game.