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Why the Pelicans chose Alvin Gentry and not Tom Thibodeau

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The intrigue with this coaching position had everything to do with the Pelicans big man who is widely considered the NBA's fastest rising star. According to a person with knowledge of the Pelicans' thinking, they were drawn to Gentry's ability to teach an up-tempo offensive style while still prioritizing the defensive end... Despite the widely-held assumption that the Pelicans would consider recently-fired Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, there was no communication between those two parties.

From Pelicans to hire Alvin Gentry as coach by USA Today's Sam Amick.