The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that Head Coach Alvin Gentry and General Manager Dell Demps will stay on the team for the 2016-2017 season.
This is an offseason many expect the New Orleans Pelicans to change course.
However, their first move of the offseason looks to be keeping things just the way they were.
In a joint statement, team owner Tom Benson and Executive Vice President Mickey Loomis announced that Head Coach Alvin Gentry and General Manager Dell Demps will stay in charge for the 2017-2018 campaign.
Breaking: Owner Tom Benson and Executive VP Mickey Loomis confirm retention of #Pelicans GM Dell Demps and coach Alvin Gentry. pic.twitter.com/gQYS6RQmMk
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) May 15, 2017
This answers the first major question of the offseason and is the first domino to fall. The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a vital season. They just came off a season, where they acquired star center DeMarcus Cousins. His contract will expire after this season and will become an unrestricted free agent.
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With patience growing thin from their fan base, this move will change the franchise long term. Superstar Anthony Davis‘ likelihood of staying in New Orleans depends on the Pelicans becoming a true contender. The state of New Orleans Pelicans basketball long term now falls onto these gentlemen’s shoulders.
This next season will be Alvin Gentry’s third with the team. He signed on two years ago, after his run as the assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors, during their run to the 2014-2015 NBA Championship. His first two have been lackluster, as he has failed to make the playoffs with the Pels.
For Dell Demps, this will be his eighth year manning the General Manger position in New Orleans. He has only made the playoffs in two of those years, in 2010-2011 and in 2014-2015. The Pelicans did not win their first round series in either season.
Tonight’s announcement also included some insight from Tom Benson on the future.
“Our organizational expectations and goals have not changed and all of our efforts are focused on putting together a playoff caliber roster entering training camp and ultimately into the season.”
“The end result as we move forward – playoffs and winning a championship for our fans.”
-Tom Benson
There are questions to be had about the decision. However, a decision is now complete and progress can begin. The New Orleans Pelicans will now look to building a roster, that can compete at the highest level for the playoffs and more. With time running very thin and expectations rising with more disappointing results, it is time for Dell Demps and Alvin Gentry to bring the goods of a contending team to the Bayou fan base.