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According to a source, Fletcher Mackel has reason to believe Alvin Gentry and Dell Demps had choice words following the New Orleans Pelicans loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on New Year's Eve.
Source tells me Demps & Gentry had heated exchange last night after Pels tough loss to Clips. Team 10-22. Maybe nothing, maybe unraveling.
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherMackel) January 1, 2016
As WDSU's sports anchor correctly noted, this episode, if true, could either have little meaning or be potentially explosive. The Pelicans are in the midst of a dismal season. With most of the team healthy, New Orleans still struggled to a 6-9 record for the month of December and have lost 3 of their last 4 games.
When sports teams fail to meet expectations, there is additional pressure on organizations to correct the issues. Perhaps Demps is not happy with the minute allocations. Maybe Gentry doesn't think he can't win with his existing personnel. Either way, expect ramifications.
Tom Benson wants New Orleans to be a winner, and after firing Monty Williams following a postseason berth, Demps has to be feeling the heat. The franchise entrusted him to pick up the pace of play so he selected Gentry and brought back most of the roster.
Unfortunately for Dell Demps' image, this wouldn't be the first time he has reportedly had a heated exchange with a coach (he and Monty were famous for not seeing eye to eye), but it could lead to it being his last. At the very least, expect a trade or two. Several pieces on the roster do not fit and are in direct conflict with Gentry's strategies. It's Demps' responsibility to try to clean up the mess, and past history has taught us he doesn't sit on his hands.