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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the New Orleans Pelicans

By Jason Klaer

March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) grabs a rebound in front of Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) grabs a rebound in front of Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry reacts to an officials call during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Pelicans won 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry reacts to an officials call during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Pelicans won 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Part ways with Alvin Gentry

As late as March, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry was on the hot seat. It’s just his second season in New Orleans but the Pelicans finished below .500 for the fifth time in six seasons. Despite solid draft picks, the Pelicans have not utilized young players. Gentry has been content with focusing solely on the interior. According to reports, Demps was not pleased with the lack of progress New Orleans has made over the last two seasons. After a 2014-15 playoff appearance, the Pelicans have averaged 32 wins under Gentry.

Inconsistency is a red flag for the Pelicans front office. Cousins was brought to New Orleans for one reason, a playoff push. Rather, the Pelicans experienced a stretch of mediocre play as well as uncertainty at a couple of positions. Even though the players play, coaches are still expected to show some sort of leadership and direction. Gentry has not ever been that coach and it has showed during his tenure in New Orleans.

Oddly enough, the Pelicans have gotten off to winless starts in consecutive seasons under Gentry. With the competitiveness level of the Western Conference, New Orleans needs to think on the fly. Successful teams not only play well, but are soundly coached. All in all, Gentry would be lucky to return to the Pelicans next season. First things first, New Orleans needs to build around Davis and Cousins. It is the front office’s responsibility to put a team together while it is the coach’s task of making the roster work.

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