New Orleans fans don’t appear to have an obvious rooting interest in the 2015 NBA Finals, but in an odd way, the outcome of the Golden State-Cleveland series will still have a minor impact on the Pelicans. That’s because Alvin Gentry’s tenure as New Orleans head coach can technically begin only after the NBA Finals are completed.
Gentry, the current associate head coach for the Warriors, is expected to hold his introductory press conference in New Orleans after the conclusion of the Finals. The Warriors-Cavaliers series could end June 11 at the earliest – in the unlikely event of a 4-0 sweep – but could go as deep as June 19 if it requires a Game 7.