Former NBA Commissioner David Stern criticised Sports Illustrated for the work of New Orleans Pelicans GM Dell Demps. He is supposed to do a “lousy” job and be responsible for the future loss of Anthony Davis.
Stern also spoke about the 2011 Chris Paul Trade, which he banned. “There was a trade that Dell Demps wanted allowed and I said no, but he already told Daryl Morey (Rockets) and Mitch Kupchak (Lakers) that he had permission,” says the ex-commissioner. This is the possible trade of Kevin Martin and Luis Scola (Rockets) for Chris Paul from the Hornets.
Finally, he accepted a trade to the Clippers for Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu, Chris Kaman and a number 10 pick that was later used to pull Austin Rivers. “But Dell Demps is a lousy general manager, and none of these players are currently on the team, and he could lose Anthony Davis.”
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All-Star Davis is an MVP candidate and last season he scored 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. In 2020, however, he could become an Unrestricted Free Agent and leave the team.
In addition to his veto of 2001, Stern said: “I did it because I wanted to protect the Hornets.” At that time he was the temporary owner of the franchise and simply wanted to have more value for Point Guard Chris Paul.
The Pelicans have responded to Twitter about Stern’s statements: “We are very disappointed to read these inappropriate and inaccurate comments from the former Commissioner about the New Orleans Pelicans.” It is also said that Dell Demps has the full support of the franchise and is “part of the family”. “Our organization is excited and proud to be part of the NBA, which is under the progressive and innovative leadership of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver,” teased the team.