The New Orleans Pelicans went from 21st in offensive rating in 2023 to 11th last season. It helped them win seven more games and get to the playoffs. Zion Williamson was significantly healthier, but the Pels also added James Borrego as their associate head coach. Borrego is known for his offense, and he certainly made an impact in the Big Easy.
New Orleans must sort out the futures of several key players. Brandon Ingram is rumored to be on the trade block, despite David Griffin’s latest comments. Jonas Valanciunas is expected to depart in free agency as the Pelicans remake their roster around Zion.
Many believed James Borrego would exit for a head coaching gig. He was under consideration for multiple openings but made a bold move on June 28 that likely signals his return to New Orleans.
James Borrego withdraws from consideration as Pistons head coach
According to Chris Haynes, Borrego took his name out of the race to be the Pistons head coach. Many linked him to that job as former Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon took over as the top decision-maker in Detroit. The Pistons have the only current head coaching opening in the NBA after Kenny Atkinson got the job in Cleveland and J.J. Redick went to the Lakers.
Borrego was close to getting his third shot as an NBA head coach. He led the Magic for 30 games on an interim basis in 2015 before spending four years as Hornets head coach from 2018 to 2022. Borrego is eager to get back into the lead chair, but he will have to wait.
Pelicans fans should be ecstatic as James Borrego should be back next season. He has a chance to implement his offense further and make their attack even more dynamic. Zion Williamson played 70 games last season and should be even better in his sixth NBA season. Keeping Borrego helps and could make New Orleans impossible to stop in 2025.
James Borrego will not be the head coach of the Detroit Pistons if the rumors are true. It is a massive win for the New Orleans Pelicans and their fans.
They will have Borrego back on their bench next season but do not be surprised to see him land another head coaching gig soon. The 46-year-old is ready to prove he can lead his franchise to another level. Borrego is just waiting for the right opportunity.