Because of the ability Stevens had demonstrated, Dempsey also considered his opinion when choosing an assistant coach.
After hearing him out, Dempsey consulted Tang Tian before making his final choice.
As it turned out, Stevens and Tang Tian saw eye to eye. Both believed Alvin Gentry was the best fit among the four candidates.
However, there were subtle differences in their reasoning.
Stevens valued Gentry's abilities. The latter was known for his offense.
Last season, the Pelicans' Defensive System had yet to take shape, so the team needed a defensive-minded coach to help out.
But now that the Team's defensive system was in place, and Stevens himself was a defensive master, what he needed was an offensive assistant coach.
During his time with the Suns, Gentry had been the second Master of Run and Gun after D'Antoni. In the season when he led the team to the Western Conference Finals, they averaged 109 points per game.
That average score was terrifying for that era.
That was also why Tang Tian chose Gentry, though it was not the whole reason.
Another important reason for his decision was that Gentry had been an assistant coach with the Warriors for the past two seasons.
Together with Ron Adams, one handling offense and the other defense, they had been Cole's right-hand men.
Bringing Gentry in as the First Assistant Coach indirectly weakened the Warriors' coaching staff.
Moreover, having an assistant coach familiar with the Warriors' Tactical System would be a tremendous help to the Pelicans in the Playoffs.
Just like Brown last season—having him around had made containing James twice as effective with half the effort.
Once both sides agreed on the contract, the Pelicans immediately held a press conference to welcome Gentry aboard.
After the Pelicans' press conference ended, the Warriors quickly responded.