New Orleans Pelicans Axe Coach Willie Green After Slow Start to Season
Just 12 games into the NBA season, the New Orleans Pelicans have made a significant coaching change. Willie Green, the team's head coach since 2021, has been let go after struggling to find his footing with the squad.
The Pelicans are currently mired in a six-game losing skid and sit at 2-10 on the season, making them one of the worst teams so far. The lackluster performance can be attributed to several factors, including the absence of key player Zion Williamson due to hamstring issues. Williamson has dealt with hamstring problems for each of the past four seasons and is now averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game this season.
Another factor contributing to Green's departure is the team's porous defense, which has allowed opponents to score over 101 points in every game. The Pelicans' offense has also struggled to find consistency, making it difficult for Green to get the most out of his players.
assistant coach James Borrego will take over as interim head coach, marking a change of pace from Green's tenure. Borrego was rumored to be interested in coaching jobs during the 2024 offseason but ultimately chose to remain with the Pelicans.
Green's time at the helm ended with a 150-190 record in nearly five seasons, which isn't an impressive mark by NBA standards. The decision to let him go is seen as a bold move by the team's front office, led by executive vice president Joe Dumars, who released a statement praising Green for his contributions but ultimately making the call to make a change.
With Dejounte Murray still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, the Pelicans are in desperate need of a turnaround. Can Borrego's coaching acumen help steer the team back on track and build some momentum before the midpoint of the season?
Just 12 games into the NBA season, the New Orleans Pelicans have made a significant coaching change. Willie Green, the team's head coach since 2021, has been let go after struggling to find his footing with the squad.
The Pelicans are currently mired in a six-game losing skid and sit at 2-10 on the season, making them one of the worst teams so far. The lackluster performance can be attributed to several factors, including the absence of key player Zion Williamson due to hamstring issues. Williamson has dealt with hamstring problems for each of the past four seasons and is now averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game this season.
Another factor contributing to Green's departure is the team's porous defense, which has allowed opponents to score over 101 points in every game. The Pelicans' offense has also struggled to find consistency, making it difficult for Green to get the most out of his players.
assistant coach James Borrego will take over as interim head coach, marking a change of pace from Green's tenure. Borrego was rumored to be interested in coaching jobs during the 2024 offseason but ultimately chose to remain with the Pelicans.
Green's time at the helm ended with a 150-190 record in nearly five seasons, which isn't an impressive mark by NBA standards. The decision to let him go is seen as a bold move by the team's front office, led by executive vice president Joe Dumars, who released a statement praising Green for his contributions but ultimately making the call to make a change.
With Dejounte Murray still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, the Pelicans are in desperate need of a turnaround. Can Borrego's coaching acumen help steer the team back on track and build some momentum before the midpoint of the season?
I feel bad for Willie Green, he got a raw deal. 150-190 record ain't nothing to brag about but still, 5 years is a long time. They gotta give him more time or at least some support. Zion's injury is a major factor and it's on the coaching staff to figure out how to make the most of our best player despite his hamstring issues 
. The team needs some momentum and I hope he can bring that. It's time for some wins 
and that defense is like, totally falling apart 
. And 150-190 record in five years, that's not too shabby but it's definitely not great either 
. One thing's for sure, they gotta get some momentum going before Dejounte comes back from that Achilles injury 
.
. The question is, can he turn things around quickly? The Pelicans need to get Dejounte Murray back healthy ASAP and start winning some games before they fall too far behind the pack 
.
That's just too many! Borrego's gonna have his work cut out for him, no doubt about it 
...
! 12 games into the season already? That's crazy talk! The Pelicans are struggling big time 
, that's huge, and their defense has been gettin' torched 
every game. Poor Willie Green, he deserved better 
. James Borrego's a solid coach, hopefully he can turn it around 
️. But man, 2-10? That's just brutal 
. Time to step up their game or they'll be in the tank 
.
he got a raw deal, 12 games into the season is not enough to turn things around 
and Zion's absence is a huge blow 
, maybe another month or two 
with this squad, Dejounte still out and all the drama surrounding Murray's injury... it's a tough hill to climb 
. Maybe they should've made some moves in the offseason to shore up that defense 
? Anyway, I'm rooting for Borrego to prove me wrong 
. 150-190 record is a joke 
. Pelicans needed a shake-up, now they gotta get Zion right 
good hands, hope he can fix this mess 
.
... fingers crossed for Dejounte to get back healthy soon