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The New Orleans Pelicans say coach Alvin Gentry and general manager Dell Demps will return for the 2017-18 season. The Pelicans were 34-38 this past season, finishing seven games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. "After careful and thorough review of basketball operations, we have made the determination that the best course of action as we move forward into the 2017-18 season is to continue under the leadership of general manager Dell Demps and head coach Alvin Gentry," executive vice president of basketball operations Mickey Loomis said in a statement. "We will continue to evaluate important roles on both the administrative and coaching staffs which will be resolved at the appropriate time." The Pelicans swung a blockbuster trade to acquire DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings this season with the hopes that he and Anthony Davis would team together to get the Pelicans into the playoffs. Cousins is under contract through next season. He played through pain in his right Achilles until New Orleans was eliminated from playoff contention. Cousins then sat out the last few games of the season, as did Davis. Davis finished averaging 28 points and 11.8 rebounds, while Cousins averaged 27 and 11. "Our organizational expectations and goals have not changed and all of our efforts are focused on putting together a playoff caliber roster entering training camp and ultimately into the season," owner Tom Benson said in the statement. "The end result as we move forward -- playoffs and winning a championship for our fans." Demps hired Gentry two seasons ago, and the Pelicans have gone 64-100 since, missing the playoffs both seasons. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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