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4d ago

Pelicans Name Mike Hopkins Assistant Coach and Head of Player Development

New Orleans hired Hopkins to strengthen its coaching infrastructure with a focus on internal talent growth under Troy Weaver’s leadership

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Mar 13, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Mike Hopkins signals during a game against the USC Trojans during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Hopkins embarks on his second NBA season after serving as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns in 2024–25
  • He brings over three decades of coaching expertise, including 22 years as an assistant under Jim Boeheim at Syracuse and seven seasons as head coach at Washington
  • The hire reunites him with senior vice president Troy Weaver, who coached alongside Hopkins during Syracuse’s 2003 NCAA championship run
  • Last season’s 21–61 record highlighted the Pelicans’ need for stability, prompting a renewed emphasis on developing young stars like Zion Williamson
  • In his dual role, Hopkins will shape training programs and oversee skill advancement for emerging talents including Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray