Monty Williams said he will be introduced as head coach of the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday, and the former Trail Blazers assistant says he will make a simple, yet emphatic pledge during his press conference.
“We will play hard,’’ Williams, 38, said on Saturday. “That will be our calling card. We don’t have enough talent to finesse our way to wins every night, so hard work is going to be our hallmark.’’
Williams was an assistant with the Blazers for five seasons, during which the former NBA role player was credited by players for his straight-forward and hands-on approach. His two biggest projects - Travis Outlaw and Nicolas Batum - both saw marked improvement under Williams’ instruction.
Williams said he will travel to New Orleans on Monday and will start to think about assembling his staff after Tuesday’s press conference. He said he plans to meet with Paul and West separately in late July or early August to get input about the team’s offense.
“We have arguably the best point guard in the league, and that’s going to help me,’’ Williams said. “Chris and I will sit down and talk, because there’s no need for me to bring my X’s and O’s if it doesn’t fit with him.’’
Williams said his three-year deal, with a team option for a fourth year, has yet to be finalized, but he added that he doesn’t expect any obstacles. In the time from when he was offered the job on Friday to when he woke up Sunday, his phone was flooded with 30 text messages and countless phone calls.