The Golden State Warriors who are preparing for their final series with the Cleveland Cavaliers missed a constant figure in their recent practices, their assistant coach Alvin Gentry. The good-humored 60-year old assistant was likely to have been negotiating with the New Orleans Pelicans during these times.
The Pelicans have announced Gentry as their new head coach. He will be replacing Monty Williams, who has been fired despite leading the team to the playoffs this season by being the Western Conference's 8th and final seed. Ironically, they've been swept by Gentry's team in the first round of the elimination. His new position was officially announced last May 30th with undisclosed terms of the contract, but he won't be joining his new squad until the Warriors finished their final campaign.
Gentry has been hired by Dub's head coach Steve Kerr as his associate head coach and offensive coordinator when he came to the Warriors last May 2014 and he had nothing but good things to say to his colleague.
"I'm extremely happy for Alvin and wish him the best of luck in this new challenge," the 5-time NBA champion said. "He's had a tremendous impact on the success of our team this season and, personally, has been instrumental in my development as a coach. His experience as a head coach in the NBA has been invaluable during my first season and will, likewise, serve the Pelicans well as they move forward."
Alvin Gentry has been a head coach four times in his career with a record of 335-370. His most successful tenure came in 2010 when he steered the Phoenix Suns to the Western Conference Finals but lost to eventual champions the LA Lakers. He guided the Pacific franchise in five seasons with a 158-144 record.
"I'm truly honored for the opportunity to lead the Pelicans as their head coach and am anxious to get started," he said in a statement. "However, my responsibilities with the Pelicans will begin immediately after the NBA Finals are completed. Until then, my complete focus for the next two-plus weeks will be with the Warriors and the NBA Finals."
Gentry is expected to mold the young Pelicans roster and help the 22-year old rising star Anthony Davis to be in his prime. Gentry's long list of coaching experience also includes Los Angeles Clippers (2000-03), Detroit (1997-2000), Miami (1994-95).
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