The New Orleans Pelicans don’t play basketball again until they tipoff their preseason schedule on October 10th. But when they do, they will be returning with a stacked cast.
On Saturday, the Pelicans got some good news regarding next season’s coaching staff. First, after interviewing for the Detroit Pistons’ head coaching position (which ended up going to Monty Williams), Jarron Collins, Head Coach Willie Green’s lead assistant, will be staying on the staff.
Collins played a role in three championships with the Golden State Warriors and has been an integral part of Green’s staff over the last two seasons. So, having him back for the Pelicans will be huge next season as they look to get back in the playoffs.
On top of that, the Pelicans will also be adding former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach and Charlotte Hornets Head Coach James Borrego.
Can confirm the news that James Borrego will be joining the Pelicans staff as associate head coach, per source. @wojespn was first with the news.
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) June 3, 2023
The Pels will also retain Jarron Collins on the staff.
Along with his stops on the Spurs (where he served under the legend himself Gregg Popovich) and Hornets, Borrego has also spent time with the Orlando Magic and another Hornets team – the one in New Orleans, back when they used to be the New Orleans Hornets.
Ironically enough, Borrego was on the staff during the lone season that Green was a player for New Orleans. So, Borrego’s return will serve as a bit of reunion for the two.
Not only does Borrego bring head coaching pedigree to the bench, but he is also well-respected around the league for his offensive creativity. This could prove to be very helpful for a team that finished 21st in the league in Offensive Rating (although, we know a lot of that had to do with Zion Williamson missing 53 games this year).
With the draft, free agency, and any potential trades the Pelicans may make still yet to come, there is still plenty of time before we know what New Orleans will look like heading into the 2023-24 campaign.
But if their coaching staff is any indication, New Orleans is going to have a juggernaut on their hands.