Pelicans Part Ways with Willie Green
The New Orleans Pelicans have officially parted ways with Willie Green, marking the end of his coaching role with the team after a disappointing start to the current season. This dismissal, reported by Chris Haynes, comes just as Green was embarking on his fifth year as head coach for the franchise. The team’s struggles were evident from the get-go, as they began the season with six consecutive losses, landing them at the lowest spot in the NBA standings.
Early Season Struggles
This early-season failure makes Green the first head coach to be relieved of his duties in the league for the 2023-2024 season. Unfortunately, the Pelicans were optimistic at the start of the season, particularly with star player Zion Williamson appearing fit and ready to play. The offseason saw the addition of players such as guard Jordan Poole and veteran center Kevon Looney, complemented by promising first-round draft picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, alongside the return of key players Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, both of whom had been sidelined due to shoulder surgeries last season.
Significant Defeats and Injuries
Despite the aspirations for a strong campaign, the team struggled with their offense and could not find clarity in their gameplay. New Orleans not only lost their initial six games but suffered significant defeats, including crushing losses by 32 points against the Boston Celtics, 34 points against the Denver Nuggets, and 31 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The challenges were exacerbated by Williamson’s ongoing injury issues, where he missed key games due to a bone bruise and subsequently a Grade 1 hamstring injury.
Previous Season’s Challenges
Last season, injuries plagued the Pelicans’ roster, leading to a disappointing 21-win finish while they ended up 14th in the Western Conference. Williamson played limited games before being sidelined with a back injury, while the anticipated impact of 2024’s marquee signing, Dejounte Murray, was cut short due to a torn Achilles. Despite these setbacks, the Pelicans managed to clinch a playoff spot in 2024 as the No. 8 seed, though they were promptly swept 4-0 in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. They had previously reached the postseason in 2022 but were eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns.
Willie Green’s Coaching Record
Willie Green concluded his time with the Pelicans holding a record of 150 wins against 190 losses, representing his first head coaching position in the NBA after serving as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns. His coaching background included prior stints with the Golden State Warriors during their championship runs in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Known for his defensive prowess, Green’s tenure saw the Pelicans once recognized as a formidable defensive team; however, this season, they have dropped to 28th in defensive ratings, surrendering an average of 121.3 points per game. The organization recognizes that a shift was necessary due to the team’s poor performance, leaving the incoming coach with significant challenges ahead.
