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The NBA’s coaching carousel reached a new speed on Wednesday after both the Wizards and Pelicans decided to make changes at the front of the bench. After just one season, the Pelicans and Stan Van Gundy have parted ways. In the Eastern Conference, the Wizards are moving on from Scott Brooks.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Andrew Lopez delivered the news regarding the Pelicans’ switch this morning.
ESPN Sources with @_Andrew_Lopez: After one season, Stan Van Gundy is out as the New Orleans Pelicans coach.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2021
Wojnarowski went on to reveal that former Trail Blazers forward Ime Udoka is on the list of potential candidates for the Pelicans. New Orleans finished the 2020-21 season outside of postseason contention with a 31-41 record.
For Brooks, the split with the Wizards was triggered by contract uncertainty. Wojnarowski detailed the situation shortly after the Van Gundy news broke.
Washington and coach Scott Brooks couldn't come to an agreement on a new deal and are agreeing to part ways, sources tell ESPN. Brooks' deal expired after the playoffs.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2021
Brooks served as the Wizards head coach for five seasons. During that stretch, he recorded a regular season record of 183-207. Prior to his time in Washington, Brooks was the Thunder’s coach for seven seasons.
With the Pelicans and Wizards now in the mix, there are currently six openings in the NBA.