We are nearing the end of another pulsating season in the NBA and this is now the time where franchises that are not advancing into the final stages of the playoffs begin to make their coaching changes. One name that is consistently floating around is that of former Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry. He is known as an offensive wizard around the NBA as his system relies on fast ball movement and cuts to the basket which usually creates a lot of buckets for players. Among the teams who could do with his services are the Washington Wizards and the New Orleans Pelicans. The issue with many playoff level teams is that their offenses are completely unoriginal and often lack creativity and flair. Gentry would change that for these teams.
Statistically, Alvin Gentry’s offenses always score extremely highly on the efficiency tables. In the 2009-2010 season Gentry’s Suns team were top of the offensive efficiency rankings with a rating of 111.7, this was higher than the top team in the previous season of basketball. It can’t be ignored that he did have great players such as Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire, yet the offense got even better than it had been under Mike D’Antoni’s seven seconds or less system. Gentry himself used to discuss how Phoenix became more patient in order to look for better shots on the floor. Some called it a compromise with former Suns coach Terry Porter’s slower offensive system. However you look at it, Gentry gets his offenses working at an efficient level. He has also had great influence as an assistant and under his stewardship the Clippers offensive efficiency rose from fourth in the NBA to first. Similarly, Gentry helped new Warriors Coach Steve Kerr change the isolation style basketball favored by Mark Jackson into a new offense based on quick ball movement and decisive perimeter shooting. Keeping with tradition, Gentry’s Golden State Warriors have also topped the offensive efficiency rankings.
In addition to a statistical analysis of offense, Gentry also maintains focus on defense which separates him from other offensive geniuses such as Rick Adelman and Mike D’Antoni. Gregg Popovich commented that Gentry improved the Phoenix defense before the Spurs faced them in the conference finals in 2010. Gentry is simply a well-balanced coach who is well respected around the NBA, players will instantly respect such a man. In addition, he has worked under two elite coaches in Doc Rivers and Steve Kerr, so this would only have enriched his coaching experience and added to his knowledge of basketball. Coaches such as Terry Stotts, Jeff Hornacek and Steve Clifford have become successful coaches after working as assistant coaches. General Managers should not be put off by the fact that he has been an assistant, this would only have made him a better coach.
He is also excellent with players. Andrew Bogut has spoken highly of Gentry, and he believes that Gentry will not be in Oakland much longer as he is so talented. He was also seen as a good man manager at the Phoenix Suns where he managed to maintain squad harmony despite having all stars such as Amare Stoudemire wanting to leave the franchise. This is such an important part of the modern NBA, you only have to look at Toronto to see how disastrous persevering with an unpopular coach can be.
The next step is to find good fits for Alvin Gentry. One possible option is the New Orleans Pelicans. It is possible Monty Williams could be on the hot seat due to his failure to get the best out of the New Orleans role players such as Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans. They are a defensively sound team, and an offensive maestro like Gentry would seriously help with their woes. They were ninth in offensive efficiency, which is not terrible, but they have so much offensive potential that isn’t being utilized adequately. They are similar to the Golden State Warriors of last season in that sense. However the big question mark with this job comes over whether Monty Williams will actually be fired, though he is a limited coach he did achieve the franchise goal this year which was to make the playoffs. However when a coach like Gentry is available franchises must not pass up the opportunity.
Another good fit may be the Washington Wizards. Although they are doing well in the playoffs, it is clear Randy Wittman is not going to bring a championship to that team. Wittman has a poor career win ratio and his offense is extremely limited which often results in deep mid-range jumpers being hoisted up by John Wall and Nene at the end of the shot clock. Washington are a top five defence, but their offense is ranked 19th in the NBA. Gentry could come in and immediately improve this situation for Washington. John Wall has asked for a stretch four to space the floor but Wittman has pursued with Nene as a mid-range shooter. Such moves are only going to drive John Wall away from the team. Gentry would give Wall the offensive that he is craving so he can move himself to an MVP level player.
Alvin Gentry seems to be a no-brainer appointment from a purely statistical point of view, his offenses are the best in the league without fail. He is also an excellent players coach and his defensive coaching is sufficient enough to put a team on a championship run. Oklahoma would have been a great team for him but it looks as if they have opted for Billy Donovan. Gentry will most probably get a head coaching gig within the next couple of years, and whoever gets him will be getting a top level coach. Don’t be surprised to see Alvin Gentry coaching a playoff team very soon.
