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Reports: Ex-Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry joining Kings as associate head coach

Former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry has reached an agreement with the Sacramento Kings to become an associate head coach on Luke Walton’s staff, according to multiple reports.

The Philadelphia 76ers sought Gentry for the same role on Doc Rivers’ staff, but Gentry chose to reunite with Walton, the New York Times’ Marc Stein reports. Walton and Gentry worked together as assistants for Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors.

Kings land years of experience with Gentry

Gentry served five years as the Pelicans head coach, compiling a 175-225 record. The Pelicans fired Gentry after they failed to quality for the playoffs in a season noted for a knee injury that kept star rookie Zion Williamson sidelined.

The 31-year NBA coaching veteran has also served head-coaching stints with the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit Pistons along with multiple stints as an assistant or associate head coach.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Alvin Gentry of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on December 03, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Alvin Gentry's next NBA stop is in Sacramento. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The Kings are in the midst of a front-office overhaul after long-term general manager Vlade Divac stepped down in the offseason. They replaced Divac with former Houston Rockets analytics guru Monte McNair.

Walton survived the overhaul after the Kings finished 31-41 during his first year as head coach. Sacramento hasn’t made the playoffs since 2006.

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