After getting the New Orleans Pelicans to the second round of the NBA Playoffs this past season, Alvin Gentry will be with the franchise through the 2020-21 season, as first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.
New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry has agreed to a two-year contract extension that will take his deal through the 2020-21 season, league sources told ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 7, 2018
“We are thrilled to have Alvin as our head coach,” General Manager Dell Demps said in a release by the Pelicans organization. “He did a tremendous job last season. When we faced adversity, Alvin and his staff continually discovered ways to place the team in situations where we could be successful. I want to thank Mrs. Benson for her endless support and look forward to working with Alvin and his coaching staff as we strive to have sustained success.”
Gentry helped lead the team to one of the best campaigns in the franchise’s history, finishing out the regular season with a 48-34 record and only the second appearance in the Western Conference Semifinals.
“I am extremely thankful to Mrs. Benson and the Pelicans organization for their support and confidence in my abilities to lead this team,” said Gentry in a release. “Since day one, they have treated me like family and have provided us with the necessary resources to compete at the highest level. Mrs. Benson has been incredibly supportive of our coaching staff and players, and I couldn’t be happier to work for such an exceptional owner. I am excited for the great opportunities that are ahead for our organization and the city of New Orleans.”
New Orleans swept the Portland Trail Blazers in four games during the first round, becoming the first team seeded sixth or lower to sweep a first-round playoff series since the Charlotte Hornets did it in 2001.
-Clint Domingue