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Report: Pelicans interviewing Gentry for a 2nd time

Noah Graham / National Basketball Association / Getty

Eight days off between the conference finals and the NBA Finals is a lot of time to get things done.

It's time to rest and recover, if you're the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's time to crack jokes and prepare to stop LeBron James, if you're the Golden State Warriors. It's time to clear the PVR, if you're a fan. If you're Alvin Gentry, it's also time to try to land the fifth head coaching job of your career.

The Warriors assistant was in Louisiana on Friday to interview for the New Orleans Pelicans vacant head coaching position for a second time, according to multiple reports.

The Pelicans were granted permission to interview Gentry nearly two weeks ago, conducting their first interview in the Bay Area on May 18. Gentry is said to be very interested in the opportunity to coach Anthony Davis as he enters his prime years, an opportunity almost every coach on the planet would probably love.

The second interview is a good sign for Gentry's candidacy, but he's not in the clear from competition. The Pelicans also interviewed Scott Skiles, who became the head coach of the Orlando Magic on Friday, interviewed Vinny Del Negro, and were believed to have interest in recently-deposed Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, though those rumors have been quiet since Thibodeau was officially let go.

The biggest threat to Gentry at this point may be Jeff Van Gundy, the coach-turned-broadcaster who interviewed with the team Tuesday. Van Gundy is said to be "very much in the mix," and he brings a better track record of success, though Pelicans general manager Dell Demps may be hesitant to bring in such a strong-minded presence after butting heads with Monty Williams before firing him.

Whereas Van Gundy would bring a terrific defensive reputation, Gentry is a creative offensive mind, and the thought of Davis at the five in a Gentry-designed attack is a lot of fun. Gentry owns a 335-370 career record over four stops and is said to be a relatively light, affable presence, possibly an important factor as the Pelicans look to convince Davis to sign a long-term extension this summer.

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