Suns coach says Clippers talented, where they need to be

Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry thinks the Clippers will be just fine despite rumors that coach Vinny Del Negro could be fired.

Gentry, who was 89-133 in two-plus seasons with the Clippers before being fired in 2003, told the Los Angeles Times that his former squad just needs time to “jell and come together.”

After capping off a three-game losing streak—all on the road—with a loss to the lowly New Orleans Hornets last week, the Clippers have won three in row after beating Gentry’s Suns on Wednesday, 103-86.

“It’s a process,” Gentry told the Times. “I think they are going to be really, really good. I don’t think there’s anybody out there that’s raising their hand to meet them in the playoffs, if that’s what you’re talking about.”

—Clippers owner, GM both back coach Vinny Del Negro in wake of ominous reports

The Clippers are young—four of their five starters Wednesday are 28 or younger.

In his second season with the Clippers, Del Negro has Los Angeles at 29-21 and fourth in the Western Conference standings. The Clippers have reached the playoffs once (2006) in the past 14 seasons.

“I think they are real talented,” Gentry added. “But I think everybody is jumping the gun as to where they should be. I think they are fine.”