The New Orleans Pelicans are quietly constructing one thing particular, they usually simply added one other key piece to that puzzle. The workforce introduced the hiring of Mike Hopkins as an assistant coach and head of participant growth, bringing in a revered basketball thoughts with over 30 years of expertise at almost each degree of the sport.
Hopkins might not be a family title to informal followers, however his resume speaks volumes. Earlier than becoming a member of the Phoenix Suns final season as an assistant coach, he spent seven years as the pinnacle coach on the College of Washington, the place he was twice named Pac-12 Coach of the 12 months. Earlier than that, he was a longtime assistant at Syracuse underneath Jim Boeheim, serving to information one in all faculty basketball’s most constant applications for over 20 years.
Now, he brings that depth of expertise to New Orleans, the place a younger and proficient core is hungry to take the following step.
Hopkins’ function will transcend the sidelines. As head of participant growth, he can be tasked with shaping the expansion of the Pelicans’ rising stars—gamers like Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Dejounte Murray. The transfer indicators a dedication by the entrance workplace to not simply win now, however to construct a sustainable basis by maximizing inner expertise.
What makes this rent much more compelling is the timing. New Orleans lately reshuffled its entrance workplace by including Troy Weaver, a former GM in Detroit recognized for his eye for expertise and roster development. Now, with Hopkins on the bench, the Pelicans have introduced in somebody with sturdy roots in each faculty and professional basketball, in addition to current ties to Weaver from their shared Syracuse days. That synergy might show helpful because the group appears to bridge scouting, teaching, and growth into one cohesive system.
Hopkins has confirmed he can do extra than simply coach X’s and O’s. At Washington, he helped recruit and mildew NBA-level expertise, together with Matisse Thybulle and Isaiah Stewart. At Syracuse, he was recognized for his high-energy practices, sharp defensive thoughts, and talent to attach with gamers. He’s the type of coach who rolls up his sleeves, will get within the health club, and transforms uncooked athleticism into manufacturing.
The Pelicans’ roster is stacked with potential however nonetheless comparatively younger. Their 2024-25 marketing campaign resulted in frustration after accidents, inconsistency, and rising pains. However the entrance workplace hasn’t hit the panic button. As a substitute, they’re doubling down on growth—betting that this group, given the correct construction and help, can develop into a severe contender within the Western Convention.
Hopkins enters this atmosphere with each freedom and accountability. His job can be to speed up the expansion curve, to show flashes of brilliance into regular contributions. With Zion nonetheless discovering his rhythm after a sequence of injury-riddled seasons, the Pelicans want their supporting forged to raise. Hopkins might help make that occur.
His latest stint with the Suns additionally gave him a style of life on a veteran-heavy NBA bench, working alongside gamers like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. That have solely sharpens his perspective as he transitions right into a extra development-focused function in New Orleans.
The Pelicans are investing in tradition, in development, and in continuity. They consider that the correct voices behind the scenes can unlock the following degree of their younger stars.
With Mike Hopkins now within the fold, New Orleans has added a confirmed instructor, a motivator, and a strategist. And if he succeeds in serving to this core develop into the workforce it’s able to changing into, this transfer might go down as one of the crucial necessary hires of the Pelicans’ rise.