Pelicans Fire Willie Green; Search for Interim Head Coach Begins

The New Orleans Pelicans have made a significant decision following a disappointing start to the season. The team has parted ways with head coach Willie Green after a troubling 2-10 record. This change comes shortly after a 118-104 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers, as reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Interim Head Coach Appointment

James Borrego, previously an assistant coach under Green, will take over as the interim head coach. Borrego has been with the Pelicans since 2023 and steps into this role amid challenges facing the franchise.

Reasons for Green’s Dismissal

Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars stated that Green’s dismissal was not solely about the team’s poor record. He highlighted the lack of a clear identity as a significant factor in the decision. Last season, the Pelicans finished with a disappointing 21-61 record, complicating Green’s position heading into this year.

Player Condition and Roster Issues

• Yves Missi is the only Pelican to have started at least 60 games in the 2024-25 season.
• CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III are the only other players with more than 31 starts.
• Zion Williamson continues to deal with injury issues, impacting the team’s overall performance.

Despite the struggles associated with injuries, the Pelicans currently rank last in the Western Conference for net rating. They have lost four consecutive games and recorded four losses by 23 points or more within their first 12 games.

Historical Context

After their rocky start, the Pelicans held the sixth-worst point differential in NBA history, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Some responsibility for the team’s failures has been placed on the front office, which has made questionable roster decisions. Notably, they traded a first-round draft pick in 2026 to the Atlanta Hawks for the rights to Derik Queen, raising eyebrows among analysts.

Willie Green’s Coaching Record

In his five seasons as head coach, Willie Green compiled a record of 150-190, including two playoff appearances. His time with the Pelicans has been marked by both challenges and opportunities to build a competitive team.

Looking Ahead

As James Borrego takes the helm, he returns to head coaching duties for the first time since his firing from the Charlotte Hornets in April 2022. During his four-year stint in Charlotte, he recorded a 138-163 record. The Pelicans now face critical decisions ahead as they seek to turn their fortunes around.