Pelicans choose up ’20-21 choice on Gentry’s deal
Malika AndrewsESPN
NEW ORLEANS — Days after agreeing to a blockbuster commerce that introduced three younger gamers and three draft picks to the New Orleans Pelicans in trade for Anthony Davis, the workforce’s entrance workplace made its subsequent transfer: securing the chief of the new-look squad.
The Pelicans introduced they’ve picked up the workforce choice of head coach Alvin Gentry’s contract for the 2020-21 season.
“We could not be happier to increase our relationship with Alvin,” David Griffin, the Pelicans’ government vice chairman of basketball operations, stated in an announcement. “He’s precisely the proper coach on the proper time for this franchise. As I’ve talked about a number of occasions beforehand, the shared imaginative and prescient we’ve for the way forward for Pelicans basketball each on and off the ground will allow us to construct a roster that matches each culturally and tactically.
“Maybe extra importantly, the connection we’ve constructed over our a few years collectively will allow us to problem, empower and additional each other and our franchise.”
Griffin believes that Gentry’s offensive focus with be a stylistic match for the roster he’s assembling. Within the deal for Davis, the Pelicans acquired Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram from the Los Angeles Lakers.
At many factors throughout final season, drama swirled across the Pelicans. Davis publicly requested a commerce forward of the February deadline, however Feb. 7 handed and Davis remained on the Pelicans’ roster. Days later, then-general supervisor Dell Demps was fired.
Many individuals inside the group credited Gentry with being a relaxing presence internally throughout a turbulent time. As one entrance workplace employees member put it, “His persona is like Icy Sizzling — eases the ache and pressure in a troublesome time.”
On Thursday, the Pelicans are anticipated to make use of their No. 1 draft choose to pick out Zion Williamson — a prospect they’ll rebuild their franchise round.