Pelicans coach denies reports of Anthony Davis-DeMarcus Cousins rift

Alvin Gentry is standing up for his star player in the wake of whispers that he may have been partially responsible for DeMarcus Cousins’ departure.

Addressing the media on Monday, the New Orleans Pelicans coach responded to recent reports suggesting Anthony Davis did not want Cousins back. Gentry said that it “couldn’t be further from the truth,” per NOLA.com’s Will Guillory.

Alvin Gentry: Somebody said Anthony Davis didn't want DeMarcus Cousins back, and that couldn't be further from the truth

— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) July 9, 2018

After Cousins agreed to sign with the Western Conference rival Golden State Warriors last week, rumblings indeed emerged that Davis liked the Pelicans’ style of play (among other things) without his fellow All-Star big man.

Gentry, who has coached Davis for the last three seasons, does have incentive to come out and defend the honor of his remaining superstar. But if anybody would know the truth about the Davis-Cousins dynamic, it’s probably Gentry.