Why the Pelicans chose Alvin Gentry and not Tom Thibodeau
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.