Oct 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward
Anthony Davis(23) talks with New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry during the first quarter of their game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
No. 4: Alvin Gentry – New Orleans Pelicans
A season ago we witnessed what appeared to be the genesis of a perennial Western Conference playoff contender, the New Orleans Pelicans.
This season, many people predict that the Pelicans will vie for an even higher seed out west, and that Anthony Davis will emerge as a strong candidate for the league’s MVP. Should those two predictions come to fruition, Alvin Gentry will be deemed a hero for helping the young big man to progress so much, and coaxing major production out of the other players on the roster.
While having superstar talent on your roster typically detracts from your standing as a COY candidate, in Gentry’s case it’ll be just another resume booster. The development the young big man, as well as his emergence as one of the league’s premier two-way talents will undoubtably be linked to Alvin Gentry and his skill on the sideline.
This Pelicans team is poised to take a huge step forward, and their success this season will not only be attributed to their young star, but the coach who helped put him in the best situation to grow.
Next: No. 3