David Griffin’s first big acquisition as head of basketball operations for the Pelicans didn’t have anything to do with an Anthony Davis trade or a draft pick in June’s NBA Draft. However, it was a move that immediately addresses an issue that has haunted the franchise for the better part of the last decade.



Year after year the Pelicans have seen devastating injuries to key members of the roster ruin potentially promising seasons, and Griffin decided to go after one of his old buddies to find a solution.



The Pelicans officially announced on Wednesday that the team has lured well-renowned athletic trainer Aaron Nelson from the Phoenix Suns to be the new Vice President of Player Care and Performance in New Orleans, a move that immediately drew praise from just about everyone around the NBA.



Griffin and Nelson both joined the Suns in 1993 and went on to form a strong bond as Nelson developed a reputation around the league as one of the best in...