Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, expectations are high within both the New Orleans Pelicans fan base and front office. After an abysmal 2024-25 season where injuries depleted the team and, as a result, they had a bottom two finish, both the front office and fans want a different result this year.
Obviously, last season's disappointment wasn't anyone's fault, as no coach in the world could have produced a successful year while dealing with the number of injuries the Pelicans had. That being said, every coach's day eventually comes, and I think Willie Green's day could be coming very soon.
Since taking over the Pelicans in 2021, Green has a record of 148 wins to 180 losses, with two playoff appearances, one in 2021-2022 and the other coming in 2023-24. In both of these appearances, the Pelicans didn't make it past round one. However, it's not all bad. Prior to last season, Green's record improved each year from 36 wins to 42 to 49.
When Joe Dumars took over this team entering the offseason, many expected Green to be axed, as often when a new front office takes over, they bring in their own guy to run the show. But that wasn't the case this time. Dumars looked at the coaching market and decided to give Green a chance to prove himself.
This season, Green finds himself in a step-up or step-aside situation.
What does a successful year look like?
A successful year, in my opinion, for coach Green looks like 44+ wins and a playoff appearance. While playoffs might sound like a reach to some, having a superstar in Zion Williamson surrounded by a former All-Star in Dejounte Murray and a future All-Star in Trey Murphy. As well as a top 5 defender in the game in Herb Jones, and two NBA champions in Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole. Aiming for anything less than the playoffs would simply be shortsighted.
Roster improvements aren't all Green can rely on, because he needs to be better, too.
I want to see him have better responses when the opposing team goes on a run to end a quarter. I want to see this team come out of the half and shut the door on their opponents. This group needs to stop messing around and bring that killer instinct this year, and that starts with their coach.
I do hope Willie Green can get this group where they need to be this year. But with how tough their schedule is to start the season, if signs of failure are there, Joe Dumars must pull the plug.