Bird Droppings

PROUD OF MY BOYS!!! Great game BOYS!!!! #attitude #novanation #villanova #nationchamps

A photo posted by Dante Cunningham (@dlamarc33) on Apr 4, 2016 at 8:40pm PDT

The end of that game was absolutely incredible. Wow. Enjoy that win Dante!

Pelicans getting better on defense? 1st 21 Games: 108.8 DRtg (30th) Last 20 Games: 103.8 DRtg (14th)

— The Bird Writes (@thebirdwrites) January 20, 2016

I'll be diving into this much more tomorrow morning. Just looking at big picture numbers the Pelicans defense has gone from a flaming dumpster to surprisingly average.

Besides Rasual Butler and Corey Webster, word is Pelicans are looking hard at Chris Douglas-Roberts for potential training camp invite

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) September 11, 2015

Roberts spent time with the Clippers last season, but he appeared in only 12 games and 103 minutes total. The year before, however, he played in 49 games for the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 6.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in approximately 20 minutes of action per game. The most promising statistic was perhaps his 38.6 shooting percentage from three-point territory. Regardless, it's another wingman being considered by the New Orleans Pelicans -- it's sure beginning to look the plan might be to have a group of players fight for at least one roster spot. Will the competition bring out the best in one of the potential candidates?

A leaner Ryan Anderson improved body this summer partly due to high-intensity training. More: http://t.co/JT6ifQ8p02 pic.twitter.com/44ZwCHBJXf

— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) August 31, 2015

About this time of the year, there are often plenty of blurbs going around about NBA players being in the best shape of their lives. However, considering today's news concerns Ryan Anderson, the New Orleans Pelicans player who had suffered a devastating spinal injury close to two years ago, this information is way more important than the usual standard good public relations spin. Coming off the most disappointing season of his career, Anderson's timing couldn't be any more perfect as he's entering a contract year and will play in Alvin Gentry's stat-inducing system. "He’s been so into it this summer," Sumerlin said of Anderson’s dedication. "He’s excited. He’s been consistent and has the right mindset. It’s the way he’s working out. I showed him HITS, which is high-intensity training. You don’t just do one set and catch your breath. You constantly go through different stations, kind of like CrossFit. His heart rate is constantly up. He’s really thin."

Strong. Resilient. Proud to call NOLA our home. #Katrina10 pic.twitter.com/19DfV1WIg0

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) August 29, 2015

Awesome. Just awesome.

Teammate of the Year voting results: 1. Tim Duncan (1,494 points) 2. Vince Carter (818) 3. Elton Brand (707) 4. Ryan Anderson (653)

— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) August 19, 2015

Ryan Anderson was one of 12 finalists selected for the award that also included Andre Iguodala and Pau Gasol. For more information regarding this award, give this article a read. Among other things, it includes how players are nominated and then selected. "The award recognizes the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to team." "A panel of NBA Legends nominated six players from each conference for the award and then nearly 300 NBA players submitted their votes through confidential balloting conducted by the league office."

Jason Terry has decided to re-sign with the Houston Rockets on a 1-year deal, league sources tell RealGM. New Orleans made strong push.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 19, 2015

With the Pelicans missing out on the JET, the question is whether Dell Demps has another target in mind.

Confirmed: 10 #Pelicans players will gather in Los Angeles tomorrow for voluntary workouts, spurred by Anthony Davis & Quincy Pondexter.

— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) August 16, 2015

Great to see Anthony Davis and Quincy Pondexter taking the lead this summer. Head coach Alvin Gentry and some of the staff will also be in attendance.

Pelicans announce 2015 training camp to be held at @The_Greenbrier http://t.co/SnULoWEmb3

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) August 16, 2015

Camp opens in just 44 days. The Pelicans are not the first team to take training camp on the road; both the Heat and Spurs have gone away for camp in recent years.

Tear drop

A video posted by Tyreke Evans (@tyrekeevans) on Aug 12, 2015 at 3:38pm PDT

This offseason, Tyreke Evans has worked on his fitness, his perimeter shot and ball handling. Now, he is busy trying to add a running teardrop to his repertoire, a shot made famous by Tony Parker.

NBA TV will announce the 2015-16 #NBAschedule during one-hour NBA Schedule Release Special - Wednesday at 6pm/et! pic.twitter.com/kZMabT3v7p

— NBA (@NBA) August 11, 2015

It will be interesting to see how the Pelicans schedule breaks down. We'll be diving in to see the big matchups, the back-to-backs, and how it might shape the Pels' chances next season all week.

Looks like Larry Drew II could be heading to AS Monaco Basket in the French Pro A per his IG account #DLeagueAlum pic.twitter.com/SrjsoCX9Ao

— Chris Reichert (@Chris_Reichert) July 26, 2015

The second half of the New Orleans Pelicans All-NBA Summer League backcourt announced he is on his way to Europe. Drew will play in France's second basketball tier, the Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro B (or LNB Pro B for short). Please congratulate LDII and hopefully we'll see his play reward him with a trip back to the NBA in the near future.

A look at every new NBA alternate, pride, stretch, hardwood classic, and officials' uniforms, @UniWatch @PhilHecken: pic.twitter.com/ehNci1gAu9

— Andrew Lind (@AndrewMLind) July 23, 2015

It would appear so. These shots do not include a view of the back to see if the purple front/green back will come along. On the negative side, sleeves.

On commence tranquillement ;) qu'est-ce qu'il est beau ce maillot #FranceEuro #TrainingCanp #LoveMyCountry #Love #LoveThe42 #TeamAjinça

A photo posted by Alexis Ajinça (@ajincaalexis) on Jul 22, 2015 at 4:58am PDT

The French center rotation of Alexis Ajinca and Rudy Gobert is absolutely enormous.

Admittedly, most of the value is derived from having Anthony Davis on the roster, but it bodes well that the 3-year WARP model has the Pelicans ahead of every team outside of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Move over Steph, here comes Seth: Hearing Seth Curry is on the brink of securing a guaranteed contract from the Pelicans.

— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) July 17, 2015

Woelfel is a Milwaukee Bucks beat reporter. However, it was Woelfel who said the Pelicans would make big changes regardless of making the playoffs. That guaranteed money is the sticking point shouldn't be a surprise.

The NBA salary cap has risen to $70M for the 2015-'16 season, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 9, 2015

Estimates in April pegged the salary cap at $67.1 million. Just as free agency began reports said it could come in one to two million higher. I have some thoughts on what the Pelicans should have done with this higher cap. Stay tuned.

Kings free agent center Ryan Hollins garnering interest from the Kings and Pelicans, a source said.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 6, 2015

How many centers does Alvin Gentry need?

Sources: D-League Sioux Falls coach Phil Weber finalizing deal to join Alvin Gentry's staff with New Orleans. They were together in Phoenix.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 5, 2015

Weber was the head coach of the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the D-League last season, affiliated with the Miami Heat. Prior to that he was a consultant with the Heat during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. His NBA coaching career prior to that was with the Knicks (2008-2012) and Phoenix Suns (1999-2008); the vast majority coaching with Mike D'Antoni.

Sources: Kings like FA's @RajonRondo & @JLin7. Eyes Ty Lawson, Dennis Schroder, Jrue Holiday n trades. Plan 2 play another PG w/DCollison

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 30, 2015

Sacramento's "eyeing" will need to be accompanied by a very strong, and seemingly unlikely, offer if they expect to pluck New Orleans' starting point guard from the roster.

The Kings, Nuggets, Magic & Pelicans have expressed early interest in free agent forward Quincy Acy, a source said. Acy avg 5.9, 4.4 ’14-15.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) June 30, 2015

A pattern is developing. With Acy and Aminu the Pelicans are targeting tweeners in the 3-4 mold. Long, active defenders who rebound well for their position.

The New Orleans Pelicans have given Norris Cole and Jeff Withey qualifying offers to make them restricted free agents @BBallInsiders

— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) June 29, 2015

Both Cole and Withey will be restricted free agents. This is a clear signal that the Pelicans will be operating above the salary cap. Barring a trade, their biggest offer in free agency will be the Mid-level Exception. For more, check out this article.

An under the radar free agent will be Dallas' Al-Faroqu Aminu. Sked to visit NYK, BOS, POR, TOR & NOP, w/Mavs still in mix.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) June 28, 2015

Interesting that he would be meeting with the franchise after walking away last season. Maybe the front office was more enamoured with him than coach Monty Williams. If Alvin Gentry plans to use Aminu as a small ball power forward I fully support this idea.

Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry on the @blackbluereport Tuesday. HOLD ME MY KNEES ARE WEAK! pic.twitter.com/D413ij6ofN

— The Bird Writes (@thebirdwrites) June 24, 2015

Gentry was Tuesday's guest on the Black and Blue Report, a Saints and Pelicans podcast. The Pelicans ranked 26th in ESPN's Great Analytics Rankings. That ranking will likely increase this season.

TUNE IN: Alvin Gentry Introductory Press Conference on Monday at 3:30PM. Watch LIVE at http://t.co/4QdSbsjSyA! pic.twitter.com/sqhO2Zt1jZ

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) June 19, 2015

After finishing with his Golden State Warriors commitments, Alvin Gentry is ready to move onto the New Orleans Pelicans. If you've got the time, don't miss his introductory press conference scheduled for this Monday at 3:30 PM central time.

Hearing New Orleans Pelicans covet freshly deposed Nuggets coach Melvin Hunt as an assistant for new coach Alvin Gentry's staff

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 18, 2015

This would be a huge get for the Pelicans. Melvin Hunt was a lead assistant and interim head coach last year in Denver. He's going to sign up to be the second assistant behind Alvin Gentry and Darren Erman? Coaching staff isn't going to come cheap.

Eric Gordon has opted in for the next season with the New Orleans Pelicans @BBallInsiders

— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) June 18, 2015

Almost everyone had predicted this to be the case. Now there are fewer questions on how the Pelicans can proceed.