NBA Rumors: Pelicans Coach In The Hot Seat As New Orleans Continues Descent

The New Orleans Pelicans were not among the teams expected to figure prominently this 2019-20 NBA season. However, they were also not seen as a team who would be at the tail-end of the Western Conference. And for that, questions are now being raised on the ability of head coach Alvin Gentry.

The Pelicans took a severe hit when Anthony Davis opted to move to the Los Angeles Lakers. But the fact remains that they did not end up empty. They got Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart from Hollywood in return. Also, they got their hands on a phenomenal rookie in Zion Williamson. With that cast, there is no denying that the Pelicans are young and formidable.

Aware of the heat, Gentry said that he was confident that things can still be turned around, The Athletic reported. He says he has been around long enough and is aware that there are factors that are beyond his control.

“I don’t have any control over that. You would have to ask that question to the people that have control. I just know I’m going to come in to work every day and do everything I can to get this turned around,” he said.

Ingram has blossomed into a star for the Pelicans and the word out is that New Orleans will do everything to keep him. Williamson has yet to fully show what he can do, starting the season on the injured list. Ball has also been dealing with injuries. In all, these are some of the things Gentry has to deal with.

As far as player movement is concerned, it remains to be seen if the Pelicans will part with some players. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that several teams are monitoring the status of J.J. Reddick and Jrue Holiday. Both would be great additions to contenders should the Pelicans fail to turn things around.

Sporting a 6-21 record in the Western Conference, some moves could be forthcoming. With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, New Orleans could agree to some deals. Gentry needs to do something drastic and end the team's 12-game losing streak. If not, the Pelicans could decide to move in another direction starting with a new coach at the helm.