The New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly been granted permission by the Golden State Warriors to interview Alvin Gentry for their vacant head coach role.
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The Warriors assistant is busy helping his current employers continue their march towards an NBA championship this season, but that hasn’t prevented them from allowing the Pelicans to hold initial discussions.
New Orleans are looking for a new coach after their decision to fire Monty Williams earlier this month, a decision that attracted significant criticism given the job that he did at the organisation.
Despite producing improvements year-on-year which resulted in a playoff appearance this season, Williams ultimately didn’t do enough to save his job and so the Pelican are now searching for a replacement.
According to ESPN sources, Gentry has emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace him, although New Orleans may well face stiff competition from the Chicago Bulls.
It is widely speculated that Chicago will part ways with current coach Tom Thibodeau this summer, but only if they receive a significant compensation package to release him from his contract which still has two years to run on it.
Thibodeau has also been linked with the Pelicans post, and so it remains to be seen how the situation develops over the coming weeks with no decision likely to be made until the NBA Finals have concluded.
Gentry has been credited with a significant contribution to the Warriors offense this season, which has ultimately led them to a 67-win regular season and has earned them the title of championship favourites.
The Bulls particularly seem to be a good fit for the former Phoenix Suns coach as they look to appoint an experienced individual who can build on the defensive identity instilled by Thibodeau but add offensive efficiency too.
At this stage, it is unclear when the interview with the Pelicans will take place, while the Warriors declined to comment on Monday about Gentry’s future.
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