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On Saturday, the New Orleans Pelicans announced Alvin Gentry has been relieved from his head coaching duties. After a 2-6 run in the Orlando Bubble that left New Orleans outside of the playoff picture, the Pelicans will be searching for Zion Williamson’s new head coach.
Prior to joining the Pelicans, Gentry spent the 2014-15 season alongside Steve Kerr on the Warriors’ bench. Coming off Golden State’s first NBA Finals run in 40 years, New Orleans hired Gentry as their new head coach.
Gentry spent five seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans before being dismissed in 2020. Over his tenure in New Orleans, Gentry tallied a 175-225 record. In 2018, the Pelicans made an appearance in the Western Conference postseason with Gentry on the sideline.
The Pelicans opened their playoff run by sweeping Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. Gentry’s trip to the postseason was cut short in the second round against his former team. The Warriors advanced past Anthony Davis and the Pelicans 4-1.
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With a young core that features Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, the Pelicans could be an attractive opening for potential head coaches. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, Ty Lue and Jason Kidd are expected to be “prime candidates” for the Pelicans.
Via @TheSteinLine on Twitter:
Clippers assistant coach Ty Lue and Lakers assistant coach Jason Kidd are expected to be prime candidates for the Pelicans' coaching vacancy, league sources say, with Lue and Kidd also both on the Nets' list of prospective candidates when Brooklyn's search starts in earnest soon
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 15, 2020
If the 65-year-old doesn’t land another head-coaching gig during the offseason, Gentry’s exit from New Orleans could open the opportunity for a reunion with Kerr and Golden State.
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