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The New Orleans Pelicans have not conducted any predraft workouts yet, but coach Monty Williams said Monday they are ramping up their efforts that could involve bringing in some of their targeted prospects later this week. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Pelicans, Draft, Monty Williams, Workouts 

USA Basketball and Syracuse University veteran coach Jim Boeheim, Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau, and New Orleans Pelicans head coach and former USA Basketball player Monty Williams, today were announced as USA Basketball Men’s National Team assistant coaches for 2013-16 by USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo. USA Basketball

Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, Tom Thibodeau, Coaching, Monty Williams, Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball, Team USA, Jim Boeheim 

“I want to thank Mr. Colangelo for his confidence in me and I am truly honored and looking forward to working on Coach K’s staff,” said Williams. “For me to be involved as an assistant coach for USA Basketball where I can represent my country is a privilege and the ultimate honor. I was fortunate back in the early 90’s to be on the USA 22-and-under roster where we won the gold medal in Spain. and I felt a tremendous amount of pride. With this honor, I feel the same sense of pride again for my country, but I also want to make the Benson’s, Pelican organization, New Orleans community and my family proud.” USA Basketball

New Orleans Pelicans, Coaching, Monty Williams, USA Basketball, Team USA 

A person with knowledge of the details says Tom Thibodeau and Monty Williams will join the returning Jim Boeheim as assistant coaches for the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team. Thibodeau and Williams will work the next three years under coach Mike Krzyzewski. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the hirings were to be announced later Monday. Oregonian

Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, Tom Thibodeau, Coaching, Monty Williams, USA Basketball, Team USA, Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Boeheim 

Three months after fracturing his right hand that abruptly ended his season, New Orleans Pelicans guard Austin Rivers is back doing basketball work. Pelicans Coach Monty Williams said Thursday that Rivers’ cast has been removed and though he’s working, he’s being monitored. ``He looks really good,’’ Williams said. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Pelicans, Monty Williams, Injuries, Austin Rivers 

Mark Heisler: Whoever #Net fave is, started looking for star. Made Phil offer, inquired about buying out Doc's deal and, I just learned, Monty Williams Twitter @MarkHeisler

Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans, Coaching, Monty Williams 

Gentry has emerged as a candidate to replace Vinny Del Negro, whose contract was not renewed by the Clippers last week. Former Nets, Hornets and Cavs coach Byron Scott also is considered a top candidate for the Clippers, in part due to his strong relationship with Chris Paul. Ditto for Warriors assistant Michael Malone, who was with Paul as an assistant in New Orleans under Monty Williams. Before fully opening their search, however, the Clippers are said to be "going for big names first," according to a person with knowledge of their plan. Those include Jeff and Stan Van Gundy, Pacers assistant Brian Shaw and Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins, the person said. CBSSports.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Byron Scott, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Monty Williams, Brian Shaw, Stan Van Gundy, Lionel Hollins, Michael Malone 

It's no wonder then that Malone's name has floated to the top of the early lists of candidates for the Clippers job, now that Vinny Del Negro has officially been let go. The lead assistant for the Golden State Warriors has always been regarded as a shrewd tactician, but the extra warm fuzzy feelings from Paul don't hurt his case. Williams, for one, thinks his time is overdue. "You don't know what it takes to get a job. It's not just about basketball all the time. But I just hope, I hope that he gets a job soon," Williams told ESPNLosAngeles.com. "I know he really wants to do it, and I know he'll be a really good head coach. The tough part is knowing I gotta coach against him because I know he really knows his stuff." ESPN.com

New Orleans Pelicans, Coaching, Monty Williams, Mike Malone 

It should be noted that Malone also has a reputation for standing up a bit too forcefully at times. Williams said he appreciated that fire, though. "I've really grown from the coaches around me who aren't afraid to voice their opinions," Williams said. "Mike was smart enough, he knew the game well enough to give me something that was going to help the team that didn't have anything to do with him. "I can only base it on my experience with him. I was the head coach and I know that he made me a better head coach. He's certainly a guy that can run a team." ESPN.com

New Orleans Pelicans, Coaching, Monty Williams, Mike Malone 

Jim Eichenhofer: Monty Williams on one reason he's not overly disappointed by lottery: "There are still quality players you have an opportunity to pick." Twitter @Jim_Eichenhofer

New Orleans Pelicans, Draft, Monty Williams 

Coaching sources have maintained for weeks that Golden State assistant Michael Malone will be high on the Clippers' list since he and Paul have a good relationship from their days together in New Orleans, where Malone was an assistant under Monty Williams. Paul holds Malone in very high regard, as does James, his friend and agency-mate at CAA. Speaking of Williams, word is that Paul would love to join forces with him in L.A., but Williams is under contract and the chances of him being made available to discuss a lateral move are remote. CBSSports.com

Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Chris Paul, Coaching, Monty Williams, Mike Malone 

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 

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 Pelicans, Greivis Vasquez, Monty Williams, New Orleans 

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

New Orleans Pelicans, Greivis Vasquez, Monty Williams 

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 Pelicans, 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 Pelicans, Coaching, Monty Williams, Dell Demps, Mickey Loomis 

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 Pelicans, Free Agency, Monty Williams 

`` He’s a dynamic guard, that’s why I push him,’’ said Williams, who plans to start Gordon for the second consecutive since the incident on Tuesday night when the Hornets play the Lakers at the Staples Center. ``I’m not going to allow him to settle for where he is in his career right now. He’s got to get better. If he gets better, he should be an All-Star someday.’’ Gordon admitted the conflict was a heat of the moment situation that shouldn't be blown out of proportion. ``It got very heated in the moment, but I’m not letting none of that get to me,’’ Gordon said. ``I’m just out here, still trying to play.’’ New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Pelicans, Monty Williams, Eric Gordon 

Hornets coach Monty Williams and point guard Eric Gordon got into a screaming match during a timeout with 8:37 left in the third quarter. Millsap had just scored on a putback to put Utah ahead 55-47 and New Orleans called a timeout. Williams was visibly agitated, yelling in Gordon's direction. He had to be held back by assistant coach Randy Ayers after Gordon hollered back at him, and when the team went to the sidelines, Williams continued screaming at Gordon. NBA.com

New Orleans Pelicans, Monty Williams, Eric Gordon 

In explaining why he didn’t play Gordon after the third-quarter flare up, Williams said after Friday night’s game they simply decided to go in a different direction. "We needed a little bit more effort getting off those screens,’’ Williams said. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Pelicans, Monty Williams, Eric Gordon