A trip to the second round of the playoffs has earned Alvin Gentry a two-year extension with the Pelicans, the team annnounced Thursday.
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“We are thrilled to have Alvin as our head coach,” general manager Dell Demps said in a statement. “He did a tremendous job last season. When we faced adversity, Alvin and his staff continually discovered ways to place the team in situations where we could be successful. I want to thank Mrs. Benson for her endless support and look forward to working with Alvin and his coaching staff as we strive to have sustained success.”
After leading the #Pelicans to the Western Conference Semifinals, Coach Alvin Gentry has agreed to a contract extension with the team. https://t.co/pXh5zmaWSv
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) June 7, 2018
Gentry, who led New Orleans to the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs and a sweep of the Trail Blazers in the first round, will receive a raise for next year, a guaranteed contract for 2019-20 and a performance-based 2020-21 contract, ESPN reported earlier in the day.
“I am extremely thankful to Mrs. Benson and the Pelicans organization for their support and confidence in my abilities to lead this team,” Gentry said. “Since day One, they have treated me like family and have provided us with the necessary resources to compete at the highest level. Mrs. Benson has been incredibly supportive of our coaching staff and players, and I couldn’t be happier to work for such an exceptional owner. I am excited for the great opportunities that are ahead for our organization and the city of New Orleans.”
Gentry, 63, is 112-134 in three seasons with the Pelicans.