NBA Report: Winless Pelicans Facing Rising Questions About Coach Willie Green
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Another lopsided defeat has intensified scrutiny on New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green. Sunday’s 31-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder dropped the club to 0-6, leaving the Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets as the NBA’s only winless teams.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, internal concern is growing over whether the roster has sufficient shooting and playmaking to contend for even a play-in spot. New Orleans has already suffered three defeats by 30 points or more.
Owner Gayle Benson has been described as a supporter of Green, and reports indicate she advocated for keeping him when Joe Dumars assumed control of basketball operations. However, Stein noted that such loyalty could be tested if losses continue to mount.
The Pelicans dealt an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in order to select Derik Queen, a move that signaled an expectation to compete immediately. An 0-6 start has shortened the organization’s patience.
Stein also reported that New Orleans refused to grant the New York Knicks permission this summer to interview associate head coach James Borrego for a lead assistant role under Mike Brown. League sources told Stein the Pelicans valued Borrego as a potential in-house option should a coaching change become necessary.
With substantial draft capital already invested and no wins on the board, pressure around Green is unlikely to subside any time soon.
Source: Hoops Wire
