The New Orleans Pelicans dismissed coach Alvin Gentry, the crew announced Saturday afternoon.
Following a disappointing general performance in the NBA’s Orlando restart, the franchise moved immediately on Gentry’s elimination. Gentry experienced 1 yr remaining on his agreement.
The Pelicans go into the coaching marketplace with the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls.
This will be an chance for executive VP David Griffin to use the Pelicans’ talented youthful roster — which includes No. 1 overall decide Zion Williamson and All-Star Brandon Ingram — as cornerstones to be aggressive in the coaching marketplace.
Between those coaches anticipated to be portion of the Pelicans research: Lakers assistant Jason Kidd, Clippers assistant Ty Lue and former Nets mentor Kenny Atkinson, sources explained. The Pelicans are also envisioned to have an curiosity in Brooklyn interim coach Jacque Vaughn, should really the Nets choose not to keep him, resources reported.
Griffin (GM) and Lue (head mentor) ended up jointly with the Cleveland Cavaliers when the franchise received an NBA title in 2016. Griffin has historical past with Kidd back again to their times collectively with the Phoenix Suns.
Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon was the assistant GM with Brooklyn for the duration of Atkinson’s effective tenure.
New Orleans hired Gentry in 2015 from Golden State’s coaching personnel, refreshing off an NBA championship.
In Gentry’s 5 seasons, the Pelicans went 175-225 but were normally beset with accidents. Gentry was pressured to use a mixed 140 starting lineups in five seasons. In accordance to the Elias Sports Bureau, that’s the most of any workforce in the previous 5 seasons and 11 additional than the following-closest staff (Dallas).
In Gentry’s initial period, he utilised 42 beginning lineups — most in any one season in excess of the past 5 a long time, according to Elias.
The 175 victories spots Gentry next all-time in Hornets/Pelicans franchise history, trailing only Byron Scott. Gentry also leaves as the only mentor in franchise record to have a winning document (5-4) in the playoffs.
