May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors associate head coach Alvin Gentry (left) talks to forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
By: Yama Hazheer
The Pelicans fired Monty Williams nearly a week ago despite sneaking into the playoffs over the Oklahoma City Thunder on the last day of the regular season. The Warriors swept the Pelicans in the first round, but the Pelicans fought hard and it seemed like a great experience for a young ball club.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the New Orleans Pelicans have been granted permission to interview Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach Alvin Gentry for their head coaching position:
Story going online now: ESPN sources say New Orleans has received permission to interview Golden State’s Alvin Gentry for coaching vacancy
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 18, 2015
Gentry is known for his offensive minded coaching style. Along with Steve Kerr, Gentry has helped Golden State change their basic offense to one of the best one in the league.
The 60-year old was last a coach in the 2012-13 NBA season, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 13-28 record before getting fired. He has a career .475 winning percentage throughout 705 games.
He would be working with the best young big man in the game in Anthony Davis if he becomes the head coach in New Orleans. As an offensive mastermind, Davis would certainly appreciate Gentry.
However, it would leave a void for the Warriors assistant coaching position from an offense standpoint. We’ll have more details as the story develops. The Warriors will host the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.