Joe Dumars’ top choice for Pelicans coach? Tom Izzo

Apr 3, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo during practice for the 2015 NCAA Men
Apr 3, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo during practice for the 2015 NCAA Men

The Pelicans haven’t hired Joe Dumars. They might never hire him.

But he’s reportedly advising the team as it searches for a Monty Williams replacement.

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com:

"If former Pistons executive Joe Dumars assumes a prominent decision-making role with the Pelicans after advising the team for the past few months, sources say Michigan State coach Tom Izzo would be at the top of the list — though Izzo has consistently rebuffed NBA overtures and is believed to be unlikely to leave East Lansing."

Izzo has flirted with the NBA, including with the Pistons before they hired Stan Van Gundy. Given his incoming recruiting class, I doubt Izzo jumps now.

Then again, he’s never been offered the chance to coach Anthony Davis before.

If Dumars and Izzo team up in New Orleans, the Pelicans would suddenly become a team a lot of Michiganders watch closely.