NEW ORLEANS — Pelicans owner Gayle Benson said Monday that any decision about head coach Willie Green’s future rests entirely with executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, distancing herself from reports that ownership might intervene after a slow start to the season.
Front office in charge
Benson told NOLA.com that she hired Dumars “to assess our basketball operation,” stressing that he alone will determine whether Green remains on the sideline. “I really like Willie Green, but I hired Joe Dumars to assess our basketball operation,” Benson said. “He is assessing Willie and all the players. When he makes a decision, that’s up to him. That’s why I hired him.”
Mounting questions after 2–9 start
Speculation about Green’s job security intensified after the Pelicans opened 2–9. Dumars inherited the coach last spring when he replaced David Griffin following a 21–61 campaign, opting at the time to keep Green in place.
Injuries and on-court struggles
Health issues have complicated the evaluation. Zion Williamson has appeared in only 35 of the club’s last 93 games, while key contributors Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones have also missed time. Even when available, the trio of Williamson, Murphy and Jones has posted a net rating of –11.3 in 75 minutes this season, according to The Athletic.
Franchise not for sale
Benson also dismissed rumors that she might sell the Pelicans or the NFL’s New Orleans Saints. “The teams are not for sale. That’s in capital letters,” she said, urging worried fans to “calm down about the team moving.”
Addressing frustrated supporters, Benson added, “I’m doing everything I can—other than throwing the ball and catching it. I give them the money. I’m in the locker room, win or lose. I don’t know what else I can do except support them.”
Source: Hoops Wire
