The New Orleans Pelicans entered the season with hopes of having a healthy Zion Williamson year and the chance at competing for a play-in seed. Unfortunately, a worst-case scenario start of 0-4 sees the Pelicans seeming destined for another disappointing year. New Orleans also has the worst point difference in the game by averaging a 19-point loss each night thus far.
Head coach Willie Green might be the first on the hot seat this season to see his job in doubt. NBA reporter Brett Siegel reported that Pelicans players are “frustrated” and “disinterested” in the coach’s rotations so far this season. Williamson has looked great in two of his three games played, but New Orleans has yet to secure any victories.
Cornerstones Trey Murphy III, Jordan Poole, and Herbert Jones have had terrible starts to the season. All either have had scoring declines and/or are shooting a woeful percentage from the field. Green needs to get the best out of his talent or risk the alienation growing to cost him his job.
Willie Green Must Rely On Players
The players have to deliver on the court for Green to have any success, and reports of losing the locker room is usually the first sign of one’s job ending soon. Rookie Jeremiah Fears and Williamson are the main bright spots for this team so far. Green needs to get the most out of his underperforming talent, while continuing to make these two success stories even greater.
Some pundits gave New Orleans a better chance this year due to the expectations of Zion being healthy and underrated guard Dejounte Murray expected to return halfway through the season. Unfortunately, the loaded Western Conference makes it hard to lose early and remain in the play-in race.
Green’s job is likely on the line to prove he can improve the current roster, or he’ll be the first head coach fired. The Pelicans hired Green in 2021, but they’ve yet to win a playoff series since then. In his defense, Green has been dealt a lot of bad luck via injuries, and he still has a lot of challenges today in the difficult role.
Who Would Replace Willie Green?
Any report about a coach losing the players typically sees a franchise starting to plan for other options if the end of the road is near. Tom Thibodeau makes the most sense on paper since many felt he was unfairly fired by the New York Knicks after helping resurrect that franchise. The reputation of Thibodeau is that teams work hard under him and he gets their full potential.
A young team like New Orleans could benefit from a veteran like Thibodeau holding them accountable for mistakes and moments lacking effort. Other respected available coaches on the market include Mike Malone, Mike Budenholzer, Taylor Jenkins, Jeff Van Gundy, and Frank Vogel.
Some have assistant coaching or broadcasting roles right now that could make it a tougher choice for them. Regardless, nothing about this report is good for Green and has already opened the door for discourse. No one wants to be the first coach fired in a new NBA season, but Green is risking it if he can’t turn the sinking ship around.
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