Posted: June 1, 2004
Alvin Gentry, a 25-year coaching veteran, 16 in the NBA, has joined the Phoenix Suns coaching staff, it was announced today. A three-time NBA head coach at Miami, Detroit and L.A. Clippers, Gentry has also been an assistant coach for 11 seasons, nine years under the trio of Larry Brown, Kevin Loughery and Doug Collins, who have combined for over 1,700 NBA victories.
"I am happy to have him join us and have him be a part of this coaching staff. He has vast knowledge after serving as a head coach and assistant coach in the NBA. He also has experience at the collegiate level," Suns Head Coach Mike D'Antoni said. "He can bring a lot to this staff."
Most recently, Gentry served as an assistant coach with the New Orleans Hornets as the East's No. 5 seed finished 41-41. Previously, as a head coach with the L.A. Clippers, Gentry led the club to an 89-133 mark (.401) from 2000-03.
Prior to the Clippers, the 48-year-old spent five seasons (1995-00) with the Detroit Pistons, including the first two and a half seasons as an assistant under Doug Collins. He took over for Collins on Feb. 2, 1998 and registered a 73-72 (.503) record from 1997-2000.