The New Orleans Pelicans started this season 1-12 and almost three months later they are in 10th place and competing for the Play-In Tournament. Willie Green has stepped up as the head coach to turn the Pelicans program around.
Willie Green has put his players in the best position to succeed, especially recently, when he has pushed the right buttons with his bench. He has gotten to know each player’s strengths and weaknesses and utilizes them for their ability to change the game.
Ever since he was hired over the offseason, Green’s mentality and passion for the game have impacted the team in the locker room. You can just tell the energy is different, players are having fun with each other and the Pelicans continue to have success. It is a domino effect that comes from the top and goes to the bottom. Good energy from Willie Green goes to everyone on the Pelicans team and organization which makes it more enjoyable to be on the team.
Even former Pelicans HC, Stan Van Gundy chimed in about Willie Green:
"“Willie Green has done a great job and this team has improved incredibly. Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart have been great and Herb Jones has been the biggest surprise in the rookie class”"
Even through the losing streak at the beginning of the season, Green was still there with the team motivating them and staying positive, regardless of the results.
#Pelicans are 18-16 since Nov. 24. During that span, they're 16-11 when Brandon Ingram plays (in one of those 11 losses, he only logged 9 minutes due to a first-half injury)
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) February 7, 2022
Even without Zion Williamson, Green has learned to adapt on the fly and make those adjustments best for the team. That is what is so amazing about this team. Without their star player, Willie Green and the Pelicans have been able to play high-level basketball.
The New Orleans Pelicans have six straight home games before the All-Star break and are currently behind the LA Lakers who are in 9th place, so there is a shot that the Pelicans will move up.