When New Orleans retained Willie Inexperienced after a 61-loss season final 12 months, it got here as little bit of a shock, particularly with Joe Dumars being introduced in to move basketball operations. The Pelicans adopted up that head-scratcher with buying and selling away their very own 2026 first-round decide to maneuver up and choose Derik Queen in June.
New Orleans does have expertise on their roster. Their core of Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones is extraordinarily proficient when wholesome. They introduced in Jordan Poole, who loved a resurgent 12 months with Washington final 12 months, and drafted Jeremiah Fears, and Queen. In addition they have gamers like Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins, Yves Missi, and Saddiq Bey.Â
Regardless of their depth and expertise, the Pelicans are 0-4 to begin the 12 months, together with back-to-back losses of 30 or extra factors to the Celtics, and Nuggets. New Orleans made it clear with their transactions that they wish to compete, and an 0-4 begin will not be supreme, resulting in the necessity for large modifications.
New Orleans should hearth Willie Inexperienced and begin contemporary
When the Pelicans employed Inexperienced, he was one of many hotter names on the teaching market on account of his observe document as an assistant coach below Steve Kerr and Monty Williams. When New Orleans made the playoffs in 2022, the long run seemed brilliant. Since then, Inexperienced has not been in a position to construct momentum.
The accidents to Williamson haven’t helped, as he has performed 129 out of a attainable 246 video games within the final three years, however Inexperienced has not been in a position to proper the ship even with Williamson. He laments the workforce’s lack of toughness, and never being prepared for video games, however that comes instantly from the pinnacle coach. That normally indicators {that a} coach has misplaced the locker room, and his message will not be getting via to gamers.
Moreover, New Orleans’ offensive scheme has a surprising lack of creativity. A workforce with proficient scorers like Williamson, Murphy, Poole, and ample ground spacing shouldn’t be struggling to interrupt 90 factors. The defensive depth can also be not there, regardless of having a dynamite wing duo in Murphy and Jones.Â
The Pelicans can not waste this season
New Orleans pigeon-holed themselves once they determined to commerce their first-round decide away. In a loaded West, they don’t seem to be assured a playoff spot, they usually can’t afford to tank. They’re caught within the center, so that they need to attempt to compete.
Williamson has seemed rejuvenated, Murphy confirmed that he’s prepared for a bigger position, and Fears has been pretty much as good as marketed to begin the 12 months. New Orleans has the expertise to no less than be within the play-in combine. Firing Inexperienced would give the workforce a contemporary begin, and doubtlessly the jolt they should proper the ship earlier than it’s too late.
