Alvin Gentry Leaving Golden State for New Orleans
Nothing good lasts forever. Just ask Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green:
"“I’ve said it multiple times this year, we know how good we are,” Green said. “We’re having so much fun. It’s a fun group to be around. It’s easy to capitalize on this, when you enjoy being around the people you’re around every day. This is a special group, a special bond, so let’s make the best of it, because this team will probably never be together again.“That’s just the nature of this business. One addition, one subtraction, and the team isn’t together no more. So take advantage of it while you’ve got it because I’m sure this team will never be together again. It’s a fun time. One of the funnest times of my life. Live in the moment.”"
That’s not just the nature of the business side of the NBA, but of life itself. That’s what makes this Warriors team so special: the fact that these individuals were able to come together and achieve greatness in such a short amount of time was a highly unlikely occurrence.
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But with that success in the NBA comes more opportunities.
Sometimes, a team’s bench players find more lucrative contracts elsewhere in free agency due to their role on a successful playoffs run. Sometimes, a superstar player wants to find a new home to make a name for himself. Then there’s those other times when a coach finds a much more fulfilling opportunity, whether that means more money or an upgraded position.
And for Warriors assistant coach, Alvin Gentry, it’s both the promise of more money and an upgraded position with the New Orleans Pelicans that has pulled him away from the NBA Finals-bound Warriors.
Gentry, 60, will become the sixth head coach of the New Orleans franchise following the NBA Finals. Per Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports, Gentry’s coaching contract with the Pelicans is a four-year, $13.47 million deal, which includes a $4 million team option for the final season.
After the Warriors postseason sweep of New Orleans in the first round, Pelicans head coach Monty Williams was fired despite a 45-win season and the team’s first playoff appearance since 2011. In their search to fill the vacancy, the team received permission from the Warriors to interview Gentry.
The Pelicans interviewed several candidates, including the new Orlando Magic head coach, Scott Skiles, soon-to-be Chicago Bulls head coach and former Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg, and NBA veterans Sam Mitchell, Vinny Del Negro and Jeff Van Gundy. Of the many interviewees, only Van Gundy and Gentry received follow-up interviews, with Gentry eventually winning over Pelicans management.
"“I’m truly honored for the opportunity to lead the Pelicans as their head coach and am anxious to get started,” said Gentry."
Pelicans general manager Dell Demps also had some words to say via a statement released following the official announcement of Gentry’s hiring on Sunday.
"“We are excited to announce that Alvin Gentry is the new head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. We warmly welcome Alvin and his family to the Pelicans organization,” said Demps.“Alvin is a well-respected coach that brings many years of experience, a wealth of knowledge, creativity and leadership. Alvin and I have a shared vision and we look forward to working together in achieving sustained success for Pelican fans and the New Orleans community.”"
In addition, Pelicans owner Tom Benson had a few words to say.
"“We are thrilled to have Alvin join our organization,” Benson said. “He has proven himself as a winner and is in the midst of helping the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. We look forward to having him lead our team.”"
Gentry is a veteran NBA coach whose 335-370 (.475) record dates as far back as 1994-95. Other than the Warriors, Gentry has held coaching positions with the Miami Heat, the Detroit Pistons, the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers.
As the offensive coordinator for the Warriors and one of the main reasons why Golden State leads the league in offensive efficiency and pace, the Pelicans’ hiring of Gentry points to the team wanting to boost their offensive prowess behind future MVP, Anthony Davis.
Steve Kerr, who lured Gentry away from the Clippers to be the associate head coach of the Warriors this season, issued a statement on Sunday that expressed nothing but appreciation for Gentry’s part in the Warriors’ 67-win season.
"“I’m extremely happy for Alvin and wish him the best of luck in this new challenge,” Kerr said in a statement. “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. Our loss is New Orleans’ gain and I know he’ll do an outstanding job with the Pelicans once the NBA Finals are completed.”"
Gentry is the first domino to fall as the Warriors look to close out their historical season. As the saying goes: if you can’t beat ’em, hire their associate head coach.