We can give Alvin Gentry another day to celebrate, but he is now on the hottest of seats. The world will be watching David Griffin and Anthony Davis this offseason. Once next season tips off, Gentry cannot afford a slow start for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Alvin Gentry celebrated like hit hit the bad beat in a New Orleans poker room. Seriously, this is exactly what happens: Excitement, joyful statements, hollow apologies to the unfortunate losers of the lotto all while raking in the glorious jackpot. By taking the losses that had to hurt late last season, the Pelicans were able to just barely increase their lottery chances. That lucky card (Lucky tie? Three Lotto Picks?) finally hit in the New Orleans Pelicans’ favor, with the team landing the first overall pick.
Zach Lowe on what happened when the Pelicans combination came up in the NBA Draft Lottery room: "Alvin Gentry may have let out an expletive and just starting running around and high-fiving everyone."
— Oleh Kosel 🇺🇦 (@OlehKosel) May 15, 2019
David Griffin and Anthony Davis were reported to have a conversation soon. The dynamics of that conversation just changed greatly. Griffin has the leverage now, arguably. Davis has some destinations he would prefer sure, but he also has a contract to honor. Griffin can now feel even more free to ship Davis to the team with the best offer.
Either way, a heavy weight of expectations was just heaped upon Alvin Gentry’s desk. Either produce an entertaining and winning product or fail to meet expectations. The Gayle and Griffin team will be as ruthless as B&B Enterprises when it comes to finding new leadership. The increased engagement and investments this offseason demand no less.
Davis might have to deal with a season in somewhere worse that last season’s New Orleans. Feeling comfortable dictating terms and teams are no longer on the table for Davis nor Gentry. Now that Zion Williamson will be playing in New Orleans for the better part of the next decade, the Pelicans do not have to cater to either Davis nor Gentry should either fail to meet expectations. Griffin is demanding an all-in approach, paired with strict accountability.
Gayle Benson is leading a new era of New Orleans Pelicans basketball and is putting cash behind the efforts. Landing Zion is a blessing most assuredly, but it is also another big test of the team’s direction and leadership. Zion will see how the Davis situation is handled. Whether Davis stays on the roster or is traded to create a better roster, the Pelicans can expect to compete for an NBA Playoff spot once again next season.
Gentry will be tasked with leading a winning culture from day one with Zion. His past style and strategies will need reworking. What were those mistakes that the national media types kept echoing as reasons Davis wanted out? The Pelicans cannot repeat those that were true, or let any other negative perceptions linger. That starts with actually winning.
Alvin Gentry cannot lead this team to a slow start next season. He will have a competitive roster. As much as Gentry was running around working up energy, once he settles into a seat, he will realize the responsibilities of next season just jumped to a level greater than anything he has dealt with in his New Orleans Pelicans tenure before.
Chris Paul was a Hornet under a different owner. Anthony Davis was the New Orleans Pelicans’ first star, and we rode that era like a kid driving their beater car. There were still dents and dings, and a near totaling out of the setup, but the parental unit might be fine. Being allowed the first set of keys to the Zion era is a lot of responsibility. Even the slightest swerve or first movement that causes a loss in confidence will be the moment the Pelicans’ loyalty to Gentry is tested.