The New Orleans Pelicans have parted ways with head coach Willie Green just 12 games into the 2024-2025 NBA season, following a challenging start that has seen the team record only two wins against ten losses. The decision was announced on Saturday by Joe Dumars, the Pelicans’ Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, who has appointed James Borrego as interim head coach. Borrego, who previously served as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022, will lead the team as they prepare to face the Golden State Warriors at home on Sunday night.
Green’s tenure with the Pelicans began in 2021 when he was hired by former basketball operations chief David Griffin. Over his four-plus seasons, Green accumulated a record of 150 wins and 190 losses. Under his leadership, the Pelicans reached the playoffs twice but were eliminated in the first round on both occasions. They faced the Phoenix Suns in 2022 and were knocked out by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024. Additionally, the Pelicans made an appearance in the Western Conference play-in tournament in 2023 but were again defeated by Oklahoma City.
The decision to relieve Green of his duties comes after a notably poor start to the season. The Pelicans began their campaign with a six-game losing streak, including three losses by more than 30 points. Although the team managed to secure two consecutive victories, they have since faltered, losing four straight games, culminating in a 118-104 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA Cup on Friday night.
Dumars, who took over the role of Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations earlier this year, had initially decided to retain Green for the final year of his contract during the offseason. The current performance, however, led to a swift reassessment of the coaching situation.
As the Pelicans aim to turn their season around, Borrego will have the opportunity to implement his strategies and potentially reshape the team’s fortunes. The upcoming game against the Warriors will be a crucial test for the interim coach and the players as they seek to regain momentum in a demanding season ahead.
