The New Orleans Pelicans officially announced that Willie Green will no longer be the team’s head coach as he gets relieved due to their disappointing record this start of the season (2-10). The decision was announced today by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars, also addressing James Borrego as the interim head coach, taking over the control of the locker room since now.
The team’s current shape, decisive
The Pelicans began this season with the goal to achieve the playoffs once again, with confidence and strength where players and coaches believed in the message. Unfortunately, their results have not matched what expected or gotten even close, nearly “forcing” the front office to take action.
The 2-10 record and the concerns over Green’s capacity to control the locker room have hit hard to a group that, perhaps, a change is what they need to reactivate. The decision has been taken. Some suggest the front office was prepared for this possibility, keeping Borrego on staff over the summer in case a transition was needed.
While the official statement does not disclose all internal reasons, the change clearly represents the organization’s desire and intent to redirect the team’s current trajectory.
Why James Borrego?
Borrego is certainly not an unexpected substitute at all. Until now he was an assistant coach for the Pelicans, with prior head coaching experience in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets. His familiarity and close relationship with the team make him a natural choice to step in during this period of transition.
He will follow the legacy of Green, who initially became head coach of the Pelicans in July 2021. During his tenure he led the team to two playoff appearances, but also experienced significant ups and downs.
Now, a new future for the Pelicans await and it is the turn for the players to deliver and prove better, while Borrego must try to put things together in a collapsing team. NBA fans will surely keep their eyes on how they perform after Green’s departure.
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