The New Orleans Pelicans’ decision to hire Jamahl Mosley as head coach quickly drew support from one of the people who knows him best: former NBA Coach of the Year Byron Scott.
Speaking to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Scott said Mosley’s availability after his exit from the Orlando Magic was never expected to last long, pointing to the coach’s communication skills, defensive focus and ability to build trust inside an NBA locker room.
“Jamahl simply knows the game, but more importantly, he communicates extremely well,” Scott said. “Players really like him because he’s relatable, but it’s his meticulous attention to detail—especially his detail to defense—that really makes him stand out.”
Scott’s endorsement carries weight because of their shared history. Mosley worked under Scott as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2010 to 2013, giving the former Los Angeles Lakers guard a firsthand look at Mosley’s habits, player-development work and preparation behind the scenes.
The Pelicans are entering a transition period after a 26-56 season in 2025-26, which ended with the franchise outside the playoff picture in the Western Conference. Under executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, New Orleans has shifted toward establishing a clearer organizational identity, beginning with a coaching hire centered on accountability and defense.
Mosley echoed those priorities during his introductory press conference on May 26, repeatedly stressing process, discipline and daily standards.
“Culture is built not by the words that you say, but by the work that you put in. And it’s daily,” Mosley said.
Defense emerged as the clearest theme of Mosley’s early messaging. Before taking questions, the new head coach made his priorities explicit.
“Before I get the questions going… we’re going to do it defensively,” Mosley said.
That approach aligns closely with Scott’s assessment of what makes Mosley effective. During Mosley’s time leading Orlando, the Magic developed a reputation for physicality, defensive organization and consistent effort, particularly with a young roster that required structure and patience.
For New Orleans, that philosophy could be significant. The Pelicans have roster versatility, athleticism and frontcourt talent, but consistency on the defensive end often fluctuated during recent seasons. Mosley emphasized that improvement will not come from shortcuts.
“You can ask about the offense all you want,” Mosley said. “We’re going to do it defensively. We’re not going to skip steps.”
Scott also believes Mosley’s personality matters as much as the X’s and O’s. He pointed to the coach’s confidence and ability to connect with players in a league where communication and buy-in are increasingly essential.
“He has this built-in confidence about him, and that’s why players naturally gravitate toward him and connect with him,” Scott said. “Look, when Orlando let him go, I knew a coach of his caliber wouldn’t be sitting out for long.”
Scott finished his evaluation with a direct endorsement of the hire and confidence in the partnership between Dumars and Mosley.
“Joe Dumars and New Orleans made a phenomenal hire,” Scott said. “They got a great one, and I’ve already reached out to text him my congratulations.”
