The New Orleans Pelicans have had little movement or rumors surrounding their head coaching vacancy despite having fired Alvin Gentry almost exactly one month ago. On Sunday, though, some of the first links in weeks were made between the franchise and a candidate.
After being eliminated from the playoffs at the hands of the Lakers on Saturday, Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni informed the franchise on Sunday that he would not be returning after his contract expires at season’s end. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that those around the league believe he could wind up in New Orleans.
No surprise here that Mike D’Antoni isn’t going back to Houston. There have been rumblings for weeks that he could be headed to the Pelicans. https://t.co/dddzH7Ev0V
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) September 13, 2020
If the Pelicans are looking to play a similar style to Gentry, then D’Antoni would be a slam dunk hire. Gentry is a D’Antoni disciple and the latter has had far more postseason success than the former.
However, it’s a similar style to what the team was running that led to mixed results this season. D’Antoni is also a veteran coach when potentially a younger coach could connect with the younger Pelicans.
But if the team is focused on winning, D’Antoni might be the best option on the market. He’s certainly the most experienced.