With such so much on the line, it will be important for the Pelicans to conduct a thorough search process and not rush the decision. Griffin has probably been thinking of potential targets for a while now, but some surprise candidates could reveal themselves in the days ahead. The best person might not be on the list of obvious candidates NBA insiders will promote in the days ahead. Payton had no name recognition or head coaching experience when Loomis hired him to lead the Saints in 2006, and the team has never been the same since. Griffin said he plans to take his time, and that’s exactly what he should do.