Things are getting serious between the Pelicans and Warriors assistant coach Alvin Gentry, according to John Reid of NOLA.com.
Reid's sources say that a second interview took place between New Orleans and their coaching candidate. But this meeting was different. This time, Gentry came all the way to New Orleans to meet with general manager Dell Demps and executive vice president Mickey Loomis.
Reid and other media outlets report that ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy, recently deposed Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau and former Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro all remain viable candidates for the position.
The Pelicans fired Monty Williams on May 12 after five seasons, in which he compiled a record of 173-221.
Gentry earns plaudits in basketball circles for his offensive strategy. He served as an assistant for Mike D'Antoni's "seven seconds or less" Suns. He handled play calling and design for the 2013-14 Clippers offense, which led the league in offensive rating. And then he joined Steve Kerr's staff in Golden State, where the Warriors led the NBA in points per game, field goal percentage and three point percentage this season.
New Orleans ranked 16th in points per game in 2014-15.
As a head coach, Gentry has a career winning percentage of .475 with stints in Miami, Detroit, Los Angeles (Clippers) and Phoenix. He made the Western Conference finals with the Suns in 2010.