5 potential landing spots for Billy Donovan

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 24: Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 24, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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4. New Orleans Pelicans

After a disappointing showing in the NBA bubble, the Pelicans fired Alvin Gentry. Gentry made the playoffs just once in five seasons, with a 175-225 regular-season record as he navigated injury absences for key players throughout his tenure and Anthony Davis essentially checking out before being traded.

As Nick Alvarez from over at Pelican Debrief suggested, Donovan’s calm demeanor looks like a good fit for the Pelicans’ young core of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball (assuming the latter is not traded). His ability to adjust offensive and defensive schemes to the changing personnel in Oklahoma City and get results looks likely to work well in New Orleans too.

The Pelicans could look a lot of ways for their new head coach, with no clear, apparent favorite emerging through media reports and rumors right now, which is probably the way lead executive David Griffin likes it. Donovan probably goes near the top of the list to replace Gentry now, but there will be plenty of competition.

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