The New Orleans Pelicans have decided to move on from head coach Willie Green after a tough start to the season, with a record of 2-10. The team made this announcement recently, highlighting the struggles they faced.
Green’s position became precarious right from the start, as the team kicked off the season with a disheartening 0-6 record. Compounding the issue were injuries to key players. Most notably, Zion Williamson has only played five games due to a recurring hamstring injury. This has been a problem for him over the past few seasons.
In a surprising statistic, the Pelicans became the first team in NBA history to lose three of their first six games by over 30 points. This was also the first time the franchise started a season by allowing at least 120 points in five consecutive games, according to ESPN Research.
Their recent downturn included a 118-104 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers, extending their losing streak to four games. Currently, they’re ranked among the bottom five teams in both offensive and defensive ratings.
Pelicans executive Joe Dumars explained the decision, saying, “We have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach. I have the utmost respect for Willie Green.” He thanked Green for his contributions to the team and the community.
Taking over as interim coach is James Borrego, who previously led the Charlotte Hornets. Borrego was once a strong candidate for openings with the Lakers and Cavaliers and had opportunities with the Knicks and Nuggets but chose to remain in New Orleans.
Green leaves with a 150-190 record over five seasons and led the team to playoff appearances in 2021-22 and 2023-24. While Williamson’s potential has been evident, averaging 22.8 points and nearly seven rebounds this season, his frequent injuries raise questions about his reliability moving forward.
Adding to the challenges, the team has also been missing Jordan Poole due to a quad strain and point guard Dejounte Murray, who is recovering from a torn Achilles.
Going into this season, Dumars made some significant offseason moves, including the acquisitions of Poole and Kevon Looney. The Pelicans made bold trades, sending their unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for the 13th overall pick, resulting in the selection of Derik Queen. Queen has begun to shine with increased playing time. However, the stakes are high; the 2026 draft is expected to feature top talent, and the Pelicans currently lack first-round picks for that year.
Green’s departure follows the broader leadership change within the organization, as Dumars replaced David Griffin just a few months prior. The team now faces the challenge of regrouping while aiming to improve their standing in a competitive league.
These developments are critical not only for the Pelicans but also for fans and analysts eager to see how the team will adapt under new leadership. As the season unfolds, the focus will be on how Borrego can navigate this difficult phase and leverage the talent available to improve the team’s performance.
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