Some of the guards who've had well-documented success playing for Mike D'Antoni and/or Alvin Gentry in the past decade include Steve Nash, Jeremy Lin and Raymond Felton, with the latter two point guards producing results they've yet to duplicate under other coaches. But when New Orleans landed E'Twaun Moore on the first day of free agency in July, it was a lesser-known former Phoenix guard that Gentry used as an example for Moore's potential impact.
“One guy (Gentry) showed me was Raja Bell, his numbers and how well he played and progressed in the system,” Moore said after Monday's practice. “He talked to me about some of the previous guys and what to look for, and some of the ways I can fit into the system. “
Bell had been with three different NBA clubs prior to joining Phoenix and playing for D'Antoni and Gentry from 2005-08, then enjoyed the best stretch of his career, both individually and team-wise. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard flourished with the Suns, connecting on over 40 percent from three-point range in each of his three full seasons (Phoenix won 54, 61 and 55 games in that span). Similarly, Moore – a 6-4 combo guard – has been on three NBA squads (Boston, Orlando, Chicago) before signing with New Orleans.
“I think both of those guys have a toughness about them,” Gentry compared. “Raja was a very tough guy. I think they're smart players. Both of them are capable of making shots, finding the open spaces on the floor. He just reminded me of Raja. He's kind of a quiet guy, but has a sense of toughness about him. It's very beneficial to have that kind of guy on our team.”
Moore is coming off a 2015-16 campaign with Chicago in which he shot a career-best 45.2 percent from three-point range, but he was in and out of the Bulls' ever-changing rotation, making 59 appearances and starting 22 times. In New Orleans, his ability to play either guard spot could prove invaluable, partly because starting point guard Jrue Holiday is away from the team for an indefinite period. Combined with Tyreke Evans' injury absence, the Pelicans have a significant amount of backcourt minutes available.
“That was one of the reasons Coach Gentry wanted me to come here, because of versatility, being able to guard multiple positions and play multiple positions on offense,” Moore said. “I just try to use that to my advantage.”
Through the first three days of Pelicans practices, Moore has split time at the 1 and 2 positions. For example, when he's on the floor with true point guard Tim Frazier, Moore shifts to shooting guard, but when Moore is teamed with Langston Galloway, that duo shares ballhandling responsibility.
“The 1 and 2 are interchangeable, so that fits well with me,” Moore said. “I can handle the ball or come off (the ball) and shoot.”
Moore has taken note of previous guards, including Bell, who've had unique success playing for Gentry. The 27-year-old believes one reason is that Gentry gives his players freedom to make plays on the court, instead of overthinking their movements and decisions.
“One thing he wants us to play with is confidence,” Moore said. “He doesn't want us thinking; he wants us reacting. He wants us to play up-tempo, and that's always fun. Players always want to play free, knowing that they can go out and just play.”
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