Heading into tonight's matchup with the Denver Nuggets, I was extremely optimistic. Coming off three disappointing losses to start the 2025-26 season, I expected major urgency from the New Orleans Pelicans. And while this team had its moments, like ending the 2nd quarter on a 12-0 run, they got outcoached and outplayed for 95 percent of this game.
In the 122-88 loss, the Pelicans were outscored 39-11 in the third quarter, which is something that shouldn't happen to any professional basketball team, especially one that isn't tanking.
Starting a season where you don't own your own first-round pick 0-4 means something has to shake, and that shake should be the dismissal of Willie Green. I don't think this start to the season is all Green's fault, as Trey Murphy III has looked like a shell of himself, Herb Jones continues to struggle offensively, and the team has been without their top free agent signing, Kevon Looney.
However, I've never seen a team with the same core group of players play more uninspired under a head coach they've had for what's now his fifth season with the team. The teams have done a great job in spurts on both ends of the floor, but after 2-5 minutes of good basketball, the team falls out of sync, which ultimately falls on the head coach. I also believe Murphy III's struggles are partially on Green, as he rarely has had plays drawn up for him, and there's a lack of involvement in this team's offense despite coming off a career year last season and while being just 25.
In 5 seasons under Green, we've yet to see a real offense developed, a real identity built, or put any sort of culture in place, all things a head coach is brought in to do.
Potential replacement options when the inevitable happens
The obvious first choice is Mike Malone, an NBA champion with the Nuggets in 2023. Malone is a culture builder, a proven winner, and a fiery competitor.
I love Malone, and while it may seem far-fetched that he picks New Orleans as his next head coaching job, the connection between him and Joe Dumars goes way back. Malone's dad, Brendan Malone, was a lead assistant on the late '80s, early '90s Detroit Pistons team. The two won back-to-back championships together with the "Bad Boy" Pistons in 1989 and 1990.
Another potential option is James Borrego, the team's top assistant, who has been praised as an offensive guru. If Dumars seeks an internal upgrade, Borrego has to be the guy.
Sam Cassell and David Joerger are two names I also like. Cassell, obviously, is a three-time NBA champion as a player and a one-time NBA champion as an assistant with Boston in 2024. He's been a runner-up for multiple coaching gigs and could finally get a chance with New Orleans.
Joerger is a former head coach with Memphis and Sacramento. He'd bring a creative style on defense, paired with a focus on spacing on offense. He made three playoff appearances with Memphis, but failed to reach the second round each time.