Syracuse basketball’s former heir Mike Hopkins takes a new job in the NBA originally appeared on The Sporting News

Mike Hopkins is heading to the pros.

Syracuse’s former guard, who was once meant as the coach-in-waiting behind Jim Boeheim but instead wound up leading the University of Washington as their head coach, has taken a job in the NBA.

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Hopkins is joining the New Orleans Pelicans.

They’ve hired him as an assistant coach and head of player development, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Hopkins was most recently on the staff of the Phoenix Suns for a season after spending 2017-2024 with the Huskies.

He had been at SU from 1995-2017 on the bench after previously playing for the Orange under Boeheim.

Hopkins is a logical choice as a player development coach, for sure. Many of Syracuse’s greatest development success stories through the years were largely credited to Hopkins.

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The Pelicans certainly have some growing to do. They’re coming off a season in which they went 21-61.

They aren’t without talent, though.

Zion Williamson, the former Duke star, leads the charge. His biggest issue is staying healthy.

Trey Murphy III is a rising star out of Virginia.

The likes of Jordan Poole, Yves Missi and Jose Alvarado are a strong core.

The Pelicans just drafted multiple talented rookies. Jeremiah Fears is an explosive guard out of Oklahoma, and Derik Queen is a talented big from Maryland, although he’s hurt.

The Pelicans’ head coach is former NBA guard Willie Green.

It’s a great opportunity for Hopkins, a spot he’ll have a chance to really succeed in.

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