#Pelicans fire Alvin Gentry after NBA bubble struggles

The Pelicans fired Alvin Gentry on Saturday, ESPN reported, after five seasons at the helm. Gentry led the Pelicans to the postseason in just one of those years and finished this season 30-42, including a disappointing 2-6 showing in the NBA’s bubble that saw them eliminated from the 2020 playoffs.

The opening could give the Nets some competition on the coaching market, should they choose not to take the interim tag off of Jacque Vaughn. Ty Lue and Jason Kidd are already expected to be part of the Pelicans’ search, according to ESPN, with Vaughn as another potential candidate if the Nets don’t keep him. Former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson is also expected to get a look, per ESPN.

The 65-year-old Gentry — who previously coached the Heat, Pistons, Clippers and Suns — posted a 175-225 record with the Pelicans. He was unable to take advantage of having Williamson on his roster this season, though the No. 1 pick only played in 24 games after undergoing knee surgery in October.

The writing had been on the wall for Gentry’s departure for some time, as he was asked about his future earlier this week.

“That’s not in my job description,” Gentry told reporters. “If it was, I wouldn’t fire myself.”