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Alvin Gentry leads first Pelicans practice in Orlando, says Jeff Bzdelik will give input via technology

During a recent multi-day stretch, it appeared possible that the New Orleans Pelicans would be competing without their head coach and most experienced assistant coach being on the Disney World premises. As it turns out, fifth-year head coach Alvin Gentry, 65, was cleared at the last minute to travel with the Pelicans to Orlando, but defensive-focused assistant Jeff Bzdelik, 67, will not be on the team’s bench.

Gentry found out not long before Wednesday’s team flight to Orlando that he was OK’d by the NBA to proceed with the Pelicans to the “bubble.”

“It’s been tough on everyone,” Gentry said Friday afternoon of the temporary uncertainty about his status.