This one move turns the Pelicans’ defence from liability to league nightmare

The New Orleans Pelicans didn’t need the flashiest name on the coaching market. They needed someone who has already shown he can take a messy roster and give it shape.

That’s the clearest way to read the decision after New Orleans hired Jamahl Mosley on May 18, ending James Borrego’s interim stint and bringing in a coach whose best work in Orlando was defined by building habits, structure and defensive credibility.

On paper, Jamahl Mosley’s 189-221 record over five seasons with the Magic might look pretty ordinary if you don’t dig deeper.

But when you look closer, there are things that should interest New Orleans. Orlando made the playoffs in each of Mosley’s final three years, though they were knocked out in the first round each time.