The Pelicans fire Willie Green after a complicated start to the season
The New Orleans Pelicans have made the decision to fire their coach, Willie Green, after a season start with a 2-10 record, according to sources close to the team.
Green’s situation was compromised by a disastrous 0-6 start and injuries to key players.
Zion Williamson has only participated in five games due to a hamstring injury, a physical problem that has affected his performance in the last four seasons.
The Pelicans became the first team in NBA history to lose three of their first six games by a margin of at least 30 points. In addition, they allowed at least 120 points in five consecutive games at the start of the season, setting a franchise record.
New Orleans is currently on a four-game losing streak, including a recent 118-104 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers.
James Borrego, team assistant, will take over as interim coach of the Pelicans. Borrego, who previously coached the Charlotte Hornets, was a finalist for the head coaching positions of the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024. The New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets also offered him senior assistant positions during the offseason, but Borrego decided to stay in New Orleans.
Green, who was in his fifth season as the Pelicans’ coach, leaves the team with a 150-190 record, including postseason appearances in 2021-22 and 2023-24.
