12:28 PM ET
Andrew Lopez
The New Orleans Pelicans dismissed coach Alvin Gentry, the group announced Saturday afternoon.
After a disappointing performance in the NBAs Orlando reboot, the franchise moved rapidly on Gentrys elimination. Gentry had one year left on his agreement.
The Pelicans move into the training market with the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls.
2 RelatedThis will be a chance for executive VP David Griffin to utilize the Pelicans gifted young roster– consisting of No. 1 general choice Zion Williamson and All-Star Brandon Ingram– as cornerstones to be aggressive in the training marketplace.
Amongst those coaches anticipated to be part of the Pelicans search: Lakers assistant Jason Kidd, Clippers assistant Ty Lue and previous Nets coach Kenny Atkinson, sources stated. The Pelicans are also anticipated to have an interest in Brooklyn interim coach Jacque Vaughn, ought to the Nets decide not to retain him, sources stated.
Griffin (GM) and Lue (head coach) were together with the Cleveland Cavaliers when the franchise won an NBA title in 2016. Griffin has history with Kidd back to their days together with the Phoenix Suns.
Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon was the assistant GM with Brooklyn during Atkinsons successful tenure.
New Orleans employed Gentry in 2015 from Golden States coaching personnel, fresh off an NBA championship.
In Gentrys five seasons, the Pelicans went 175-225 however were often beleaguered with injuries. Gentry was forced to use a combined 140 starting lineups in 5 seasons. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, thats one of the most of any team in the past five seasons and 11 more than the next-closest group (Dallas).
In Gentrys first season, he utilized 42 beginning lineups– the majority of in any one season over the previous 5 years, according to Elias.
The 175 triumphes positions Gentry 2nd all-time in Hornets/Pelicans franchise history, trailing just Byron Scott. Gentry likewise leaves as the only coach in franchise history to have a winning record (5-4) in the playoffs.
Host of The Woj Pod
Signed up with ESPN in 2017
Adrian Wojnarowski
Close
Senior NBA Insider
