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5 best head coaching destinations for Luke Walton

By John Buhler

Jan 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton argues a call during the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton argues a call during the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after making a three point shot during the fourth quarter of the game. Davis scored 59 point at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pelicans defeated the Pistons 111-106. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after making a three point shot during the fourth quarter of the game. Davis scored 59 point at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pelicans defeated the Pistons 111-106. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /

Southwest. New Orleans Pelicans. 2. player. 69. . West

The first of two jobs that could become available in 2017-18 that are highly intriguing for someone like Walton has to be the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans have an absolute superstar in Anthony Davis.

Should the Pelicans’ front office do any iota better at building an NBA roster in 2016-17, this could be a massively appealing job should current head coach Alvin Gentry not be able to continue for a third season in the Crescent City.

By going to New Orleans, Walton would have the great pleasure of coaching Davis and would get to help put together a competent playoff caliber roster going forward. Davis is really the only piece on the Pelicans today that simply cannot be traded.

New Orleans will again probably struggle in 2016-17 unless Davis has an All-NBA first team type of season, thanks to a shameful roster put together by general manager Dell Demps. Gentry came to New Orleans to help this team achieve a defensive identity, failing miserably in year one with the Pelicans.

Should 2016-17 be a disaster for the Pelicans, expect management to find a strong up-and-coming head coach that they can partner with Davis hopefully get New Orleans to the NBA Finals before he exits his prime. Walton entering next season will be the biggest top assistant looking for a head coaching gig and New Orleans would be foolish to not offer him the job should the Pelicans part ways with Gentry after next season.

Next: 1. Milwaukee Bucks

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