The New Orleans Pelicans have made the decision to part ways with head coach Willie Green following a challenging start to the season, which saw the team record just two wins against ten losses. This move comes after a particularly tough beginning, marked by an alarming 0-6 record and persistent injuries to key players.
One of the most significant setbacks for the Pelicans has been the limited availability of Zion Williamson, who has only participated in five games due to a recurring hamstring injury. This injury has plagued Williamson for four consecutive seasons, casting a shadow over his performance and the team’s prospects. Furthermore, the Pelicans made history by becoming the first team in NBA history to lose three of their first six games by at least 30 points. They also allowed a historic average of at least 120 points in five straight games at the start of the season, as noted by ESPN Research.
New Orleans is currently on a four-game losing streak, with their most recent defeat occurring on November 10, 2023, when they lost 118-104 to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pelicans’ struggles have culminated in the decision to dismiss Green, who has been with the team for five seasons and holds a record of 150 wins to 190 losses. Under his leadership, the team made playoff appearances in both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons.
In the interim, assistant coach James Borrego will step in as head coach. Borrego has previous experience as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets and was a finalist for coaching positions with the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024. During the offseason, he also received offers for lead assistant roles from the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets, but chose to remain with the Pelicans.
As the team navigates this transition, the Pelicans will hope to turn their season around under Borrego’s guidance. The upcoming games will be critical for the franchise as they aim to recover from this rocky start and improve their standings in the competitive NBA landscape.
