Pelicans owner sends letter supporting coach and GM

It appears as if New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams and general manager Dell Demps are safe for at least one more season, barring a change in the team's ownership structure.

Pelicans owner Tom Benson sent a letter of support to both Williams and Demps following the team's first playoff appearance in four seasons. The letter was obtained by The Associated Press and includes thank-yous to the team's basketball operations staff and players, using phrases like "a job well done" and "very excited about the future."

Benson also promises to do what he can to help the team win, with the implication being that New Orleans will look to add to a thin core that made the playoffs despite myriad injuries this season.

The most important piece of business for the Pelicans this offseason has little to do with the coach or general manager, though, as megastar Anthony Davis is eligible for a contract extension. Williams is close with Davis, and that could help his case to remain on the job, which has seemed to be in jeopardy at times.

The vote of confidence from Benson is a major positive for the current brass, but it's not necessarily a guarantee of future employment. Benson recently changed his succession plan in the event of his death, something that led to a lawsuit from multiple members of the family seeking control of the Pelicans and New Orleans Saints, who Benson also owns.

A judge ruled in early February that Benson needs help managing his assets, and a hearing is set for June 1 to discuss the implications of a psychiatric report on Benson.