Pelicans associate coach Jeff Bzdelik to not travel to Orlando, Alvin Gentry status uncertain

With one of the older coaching staffs in the league, the New Orleans Pelicans could see some changes on the sideline with the team’s trip to Florida. On Friday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that associate head coach Jeff Bzdelik, known as a defensive specialist, will not travel with the team to Orlando. At 67 years old, Bzdelik falls into one of the higher risk categories and, after speaking with team physicians, will opt to stay in New Orleans.

Wojnarowski also noted that Bzdelik had the support of the New Orleans Pelicans franchise in his decision.

New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach Jeff Bzdelik, 67, won’t be joining the team in Orlando, his agent Warren LeGarie tells ESPN. The organization is supportive of the decision.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2020

Bzdelik will stay in New Orleans after consulting with team physicians and CDC regulations. He will be able to work remotely and advise the team on defensive strategy while he’s in New Orleans, per sources. https://t.co/QkYeCwlwtW

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) July 3, 2020

Interestingly, Alvin Gentry, who is 65 years old, falls into the same category as Bzdelik. He, however, has not made a decision on whether he will join the team in Orlando.

No decision has been made yet on the status Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry, 65, according to sources. https://t.co/QkYeCwlwtW

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) July 3, 2020

Positive cases of the coronavirus have spiked nationwide to record levels, particularly in Florida. On Thursday, Florida reported 10,109 new cases, a record-high amount, breaking the mark set on June 27.

Currently, most teams are slated to arrive in Florida by the end of the second week of July.