Internal concerns over accountability toward Zion Williamson were a key factor in the New Orleans Pelicans’ decision to dismiss head coach Willie Green, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Scotto reported that several players and staff members believed Green failed to keep the two-time All-Star responsible for team standards. Frustrations involving guards Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy III also contributed to the front office’s move.
Poole was reportedly unhappy after being removed from the starting lineup on Oct. 29, while Green’s messaging had “become stale” with Murphy and others inside the organization, the report said.
Green finished his Pelicans tenure with a 150-190 regular-season record and a 2-8 postseason mark, never coaching Williamson in a playoff game.
Williamson has appeared in only five games this season and is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury. He is averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 48.7 percent shooting.
New Orleans enters Tuesday at 2-11, the worst record in the Western Conference.
Assistant James Borrego will coach the club for the remainder of the season and has reportedly already earned Williamson’s respect after quietly overseeing the forward’s player-development program before training camp.
Since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2019 draft, Williamson has played 219 career games. He is in the second year of a five-year, $197 million extension that pays him $39.4 million this season.
Source: Hoops Wire
