HoopsHype.com Rumors

Hoping for the same good fortune that occurred last year, Pelicans Coach Monty Williams will represent the franchise on stage during next Tuesday's NBA draft lottery. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Pelicans, Draft, Monty Williams 

John Reid: Pelicans' Jason Smith says he making progress in his rehab work after requiring surgery for a torn labrum in right shoulder in March. Twitter @JohnReid64

New Orleans Pelicans, Injuries, Jason Smith 

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that guard Eric Gordon underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure yesterday in his left ankle to alleviate pain caused by particles of scar tissue. The procedure was performed by Dr. Richard Ferkel of the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, CA. Gordon is currently recovering from the procedure and will begin rehabilitation immediately while returning to basketball activities later in the summer. NBA.com

Injuries, Eric Gordon, New Orleans Pelicans 

Burke certainly will get a look as the potential No. 1 pick if the Magic draft there. The other team that seems to fit Burke are the Pelicans. Yes, Greivis Vasquez is coming off a breakout season, but Burke is a totally different player and could complement Vazquez coming off the bench early on. The Pelicans' other big need is at small forward. Shabazz Muhammad could get a look here. So could Croatia's Dario Saric. Sources say that the Pelicans are one of the two or three strongest suitors for Saric at the moment. ESPN.com

Orlando Magic, Draft, Dario Saric, Shabazz Muhammad, Trey Burke, New Orleans Pelicans 

Sources say that the Pelicans are one of the two or three strongest suitors for Saric at the moment. ESPN.com

Draft, Dario Saric, New Orleans Pelicans 

I'm hearing the Mavs, who have historically been on the cutting edge of drafting international players, feel Saric could be a star someday -- especially if he has a year or two of mentoring from Dirk Nowitzki. ESPN.com

Draft, Dario Saric, New Orleans Pelicans 

The New Orleans Pelicans and the state legislature are teaming up to host the 10th annual House vs. Senate charity basketball game on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Baton Rouge at the LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The game, which is free to the public, will feature state representatives competing against senators in a full-court basketball game. Pelicans forward Jason Smith is expected to attend, along Hugo, the Honeybees, Buzz Patrol and in-game emcee Rob Nice. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Jason Smith, New Orleans Pelicans 

New Orleans Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha said they are actively trying to secure a naming rights deal for the New Orleans Arena and several companies have expressed interest. Lauscha gave an update of the team’s business-related matters during an interactive conference call with season- ticket holders earlier this week. `` We have a handful of companies that have expressed interest and we’re pursuing them,’’ said Lauscha, who did not disclose the names of the companies. ``We hope that we can eventually and very soon come to an agreement with one of those companies and we hope that we can have a naming rights agreement for our arena.’’ New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, New Orleans, New Orleans Pelicans 

The NCAA has finished its inquiry into a 2009 jewelry purchase totaling nearly $100,000 by former Duke basketball player Lance Thomas and found no wrongdoing. There will be no disciplinary action against the school. “The NCAA has found no evidence of a rules violation in this situation based on the information available, and both the NCAA and Duke consider the matter closed,” said a university statement released by associate athletic director Jon Jackson. Raleigh News & Observer

New Orleans Hornets, Law, Lance Thomas 

Word came to New Orleans Pelicans Coach Monty Williams late Monday night that guard Greivis Vasquez, who put up career numbers for the New Orleans Hornets this past season, did not win the Kia most improved player award this season. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Greivis Vasquez, Monty Williams, New Orleans, New Orleans Pelicans 

Monty Williams: "He busted his butt all year long. It's unfortunate that Paul had a great year also. The one thing we've talked to our guys about is when we lose something, to be gracious to the guy who won. I know Greivis is really respectful of Paul. It's unfortunate, but it's a sign we're headed in the right direction." New Orleans Times-Picayune

Greivis Vasquez, Monty Williams, New Orleans Pelicans 

George received 311 of a possible 1,080 points, including 52 first-place votes, from a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Greivis Vasquez of the New Orleans (146 points, 13 first-place votes) and the Milwaukee Bucks' Larry Sanders (141 points, 10 first-place votes) finished second and third, respectively. NBA.com

Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Hornets, Paul George, Greivis Vasquez, Larry Sanders 

During an end of season news conference Monday at the New Orleans Arena, Demps said if a deal arises with Gordon or any other player the Pelicans will have to look at it after finishing with a 27-55 record and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Dell Demps, Eric Gordon 

"To say if I anticipate him being back – I don’t know if that’s something I can answer right now, or him not to be back,’’ Demps said. "We’re going to sit down and evaluate every situation and opportunity. "But for a guy to come back from injury like that, I thought he had some ups and some downs, but I still think his future is bright as an NBA player.’’ New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Dell Demps, Eric Gordon 

Monty Williams said he will continue working to become a better coach, saying he plans to speak with coaches from other sports, including some NFL coaches. “During the season, I talk to a number of coaches, whether it be (Gregg Popovich), Coach (Larry) Brown or Nate (McMillan),’’ Williams said. "This summer I’m going to do some different things, maybe talk to some guys in different sports. Last year I got the chance to sit down and listen to (Tony) LaRussa and it was eye-opening some of the things he said that I was able to use this year. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Monty Williams 

Regardless of what decision the Pelicans make about Gordon’s future, Loomis said the franchise is in good hands with Williams and Demps. Loomis gave them both extensions before the regular season began. "I think, most importantly, we absolutely have the right coach in Monty Williams,’’ Loomis said. "He’s everything that we’re looking for to lead our basketball team. "We absolutely have the right general manager in Dell Demps. He and his staff made a number of significant moves in this last offseason, and we’re looking forward to having a great offseason plan from him and his staff and from Monty as well.’’ New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Coaching, Monty Williams, Dell Demps, Mickey Loomis 

Will you stay here long-term with the Pelicans? Greivis Vasquez: That’s my goal. I don’t want to leave here on these terms, of having two years in a row where we’re struggling and rebuilding. I want a chance to really help my team and lead them to a playoff run. I think it’s going to be very soon. What we’ve got to do this summer as individuals is all get better. I know Monty is going to be ready. We’ve got to be ready for Monty and get this team where we want it to be. NBA.com

Greivis Vasquez, New Orleans Pelicans 

Garrett Temple grew up in nearby Baton Rouge, and I asked him how he felt about the name. "Out of the 30 NBA teams, I really wished it wouldn’t be New Orleans,” he said. “But, it is the state bird. I learned about that in sixth grade in Louisiana history, that the pelican was the state bird. Not that I’ve seen a lot of pelicans in New Orleans. Washington Post

Washington Wizards, Garrett Temple, New Orleans Pelicans 

“I wish we could just get the Jazz back, because there’s a lot of jazz in New Orleans,” Temple continued. “There’s not a lot of jazz in Utah. I don’t know what Utah would be. Do a name trade, something.” Washington Post

Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Garrett Temple, New Orleans Pelicans 

With their payroll expected to decrease to just under $35 million, not including NBA draft signees, Monty Williams said they will pursue trying to sign some veteran free agents. ``We’re looking at that,’’ Williams said. ``We don’t want to bring in veterans for veterans' sake. We want to bring in the right guys that’s maybe familiar with our system or guys that I may have a relationship with that may want to do it. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Free Agency, Monty Williams