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The NBA season is less than a full month old, but the New Orleans Pelicans have already made a significant change. Willie Green has stepped down as Pelicans head coach after just 12 games, the team confirmed Saturday.
The Pelicans have lost their last four games and are 2-10 entering Sunday’s game against the Golden State Warriors.
“After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change in head coaching,” Joe Dumars, Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, said in a statement. “I have the greatest respect for Willie Green and sincerely appreciate his contributions to the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”
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New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green looks on against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Smoothie King Center. (Stephen Lew/Image Images)
To make matters worse, New Orleans began the season on a six-game losing streak and lost key players to injuries. Zion Williamson’s availability has once again been limited by a hamstring issue that led to his latest setback.
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Williamson, the top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has dealt with some type of hamstring issue in each of the last four seasons. Williamson is averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in five games this season.
The Pelicans’ defense has been an issue early in the season. New Orleans has failed to hold any opponent under 101 points.
Assistant James Borrego was named interim coach of the Pelicans. Borrego attracted interest from several NBA teams during the 2024 head coaching cycle, but ultimately decided to remain with the Pelicans.
James Borrego watches during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports)
Green was named head coach of the Pelicans in 2021. He ends his tenure after less than five full seasons with a 150-190 record.
In addition to being without Williamson for several games, Green also had to deal with the absence of Jordan Poole. Poole is dealing with a quad strain.
Head coach Willie Green of the New Orleans Pelicans watches the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 25, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, guard Dejounte Murray has yet to return to the court after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in January.
Green coached the Pelicans to 49 wins during the 2023-24 regular season and a postseason appearance.
