Alvin Gentry was hired to take the New Orleans Pelicans to the next level. Instead of taking another step the Pelicans slipped down the standings. Injuries and adjusting to the new scheme are considered the biggest culprits. Of course, New Orleans suffered more than their fair share of significant injuries last season and found a way to win 45 games.
Offensively the team has taken a step back. It's easy to look at their ranking among the league and compare it to last year and call it a day. Sliding from 8th last season to 20th is a significant decline, but partially the result of injuries.