In a decisive move signalling a major shift in direction, the New Orleans Pelicans have dismissed head coach Willie Green. The termination came just hours after the team suffered a demoralising 118-104 home defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 14.
A Start That Spelled Disaster
The Pelicans' decision was a direct response to a catastrophic beginning of the season that fell far short of expectations for a squad coming off a strong 49-33 record. New Orleans opened the campaign with an 0-6 record, a hole from which few teams recover. The team's struggles were not just about losing; they were about historic levels of failure.
The Pelicans managed to secure an unwanted place in the NBA history books by becoming the first team ever to lose three of its first six games by a staggering margin of 30 or more points. Compounding this was a franchise-worst defensive opening, where they allowed opponents to score 120 points or more in each of their first five games.
Front Office Acts Decisively
The front office, led by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars, concluded there was no room for patience. The on-court product was unacceptable, and the urgent need for a change in leadership became undeniable. Dumars delivered the news in an official team statement on Saturday morning.
"After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach," Dumars stated. He expressed his respect for Green, adding, "I have the utmost respect for Willie Green, and I’m sincerely appreciative of his contributions to the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community. We wish him and his family all the best in the future."
Ownership Backs the Tough Call
Team owner Gayle Benson publicly supported the move, releasing a separate statement that echoed the difficult nature of the decision. "I have tremendous admiration and respect for Willie Green, and I truly appreciate all he has done for our organization over the last few years," Benson said. "This is a tough business and these are difficult decisions."
This action aligns with comments Benson made prior to the firing, where she emphasised the immediate need for improvement, stating, "We need to improve immediately. Our roster is built for success right now." She also reaffirmed her confidence in Dumars's judgement to steer the basketball operations.
The firing marks a stark reversal from Dumars's stance just months earlier. After a disappointing 21-61 finish in the 2024-25 season, he had defended Green, looking forward to "working with Willie and to push us to success." However, the early-season collapse, compounded by injuries to key players like Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray, forced the organisation's hand.
With four-plus seasons and two playoff runs under his belt, Willie Green's time ran out as the same problems persisted. The Pelicans, turning to James Borrego, are now betting on a new voice to salvage a season that is on the brink of being lost.
