Adam Silver and NBA Shouldn't Sideline Older Coaches: Unchecked

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry is right in saying older coaches should not be kept off sideline as Adam Silver mentioned could happen on Inside the NBA.

I agree with Alvin Gentry. Healthy older coaches, who want to be out there, should not be sidelined when the NBA returns. 

After league commissioner Adam Silver mentioned that certain coaches may not be able to be the bench coach on Inside the NBA, Gentry was quick to say in part, "I think it's unfair if that's what they're doing. To base something strictly on age...I want to be with my team and do my job. That's what they hired me for."

Alvin Gentry: “At the end of the day, they're the league. They're going to make the choice. I think it's unfair if that's what they're doing. I understand the risk that I'm taking if I do get it. But hell, I want to be with my team and do my job. That's what they hired me for."

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 5, 2020

And NBA Coaches Association President Rick Carlisle followed up, "I just spoke to Adam Silver and he admitted that he jumped the gun with his statement to TNT. The health and safety of our coaches is first and foremost. It's entirely possible that an NBA coach in his 60's or 70's could be healthier than someone in their 30's or 40's.”

Carlisle continued: ..."healthier than someone in their 30's or 40's. The conversation should never be solely about a person's age. Adam assured me that we would work through this together to help determine what is both safe and fair for all of our coaches." https://t.co/yYDldXL69D

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 5, 2020

To be fair, this is not simply a case of ageism in my mind, as the facts are that the coronavirus has tragically impacted the older demographic at a much higher rate. And obviously, I support attempting to keep everyone safe. But that is what the NBA had to look into in green lighting a return to play. I trust the league will handle this issue with care and resolve it the right way.

But as is the case with all of us, older coaches like Gentry, who I can't believe is 65, and perhaps most notably Mike D’Antoni, given the Rockets playoff position, will make decisions in how they want to live their lives. 

Clearly, for many, that means being the coach for their team on the sideline.