New Orleans Pelicans Shake Up Coaching Staff
We’re still in the early days of the NBA season, yet the New Orleans Pelicans are already making significant changes. Willie Green will no longer serve as head coach, following an announcement made by the team on Saturday after just 12 games.
The Pelicans are coming off four consecutive losses, sitting at 2-10 before their matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
“After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to replace our head coach,” said Joe Dumars, the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations. He expressed deep respect for Willie Green, acknowledging his contributions to both the organization and the New Orleans community. Dumars wished Green and his family well in their future endeavors.
New Orleans started the season poorly, losing their first six games and facing injuries to key players. Zion Williamson, the team’s star forward, has again been hampered by a hamstring injury that’s affected his time on the court.
Williamson, the number one draft pick in 2019, has experienced hamstring issues for the past four seasons. In five games this season, he has been averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
The Pelicans’ defense has also struggled, failing to keep opponents under 101 points in early games.
In response to Green’s departure, the team has named James Borrego as the interim head coach. Borrego had previously attracted interest from various NBA teams during the 2024 head coaching cycle but chose to stay with the Pelicans.
Green, who took the head coaching role in 2021, leaves with a record of 150 wins and 190 losses in just under five seasons.
Adding to the team’s woes, they have also had to navigate the absence of guard Jordan Poole, who is currently dealing with quad tightness.
On the injury front, guard Dejounte Murray is still sidelined after suffering a torn Achilles tendon earlier this year.
Despite these challenges, Coach Green previously led the Pelicans to 49 wins in the 2023-24 regular season, culminating in a playoff appearance.
