Pelicans Fans Frustrated: Willie Green’s Trust in Kevon Looney Raises Concerns
The New Orleans Pelicans faced yet another disappointing defeat on Friday, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in front of a home crowd, marking their fourth consecutive loss. The game unfolded in a familiar manner: the Pelicans stumbled out of the gate, trailing by double digits in the first quarter. Though they showed some resilience and briefly closed the gap, the Lakers pulled away decisively in the third quarter, leaving the Pelicans scrambling for answers. As the game slipped away, the frustration among Pelicans fans reached a boiling point, particularly regarding head coach Willie Green’s steadfast loyalty to Kevon Looney.
The Continued Struggles of Kevon Looney
Looney’s performance has become a focal point of the discontent. Despite expectations for a more competitive season, the veteran center has struggled to provide the necessary contributions. Over the past six games, Looney has been a regular starter, yet his impact has been minimal. In a recent matchup against the Blazers, he recorded no points, a turnover, and three personal fouls in just eight minutes, contributing to a -7 rating during his time on the court. In contrast, Derik Queen, who came off the bench to play nearly 38 minutes, helped stabilize the team’s performance during his stint, leaving fans questioning the rationale behind Looney’s continued presence in the starting lineup.
A Call for Change
As the Pelicans continue to suffer from slow starts, many fans and analysts alike have been vocal about the need for adjustments. The consistent losses while Looney is on the floor have led to speculation that this could be the breaking point for Green, who is under increasing pressure to make changes. Fans have expressed a strong desire to see more of Queen, particularly in tandem with promising guard Jeremiah Fears. This duo could potentially inject the energy and dynamism that the Pelicans desperately need.
Green finds himself at a crossroads. By opting to stick with Looney as a starter, he risks alienating the fan base and further diminishing his standing within the organization. The demand for Queen to receive more playing time is palpable, and continuing to bench a fan favorite in such a disappointing season could ultimately lead to repercussions for Green’s coaching tenure.
The Impact of Coaching Decisions
While it’s essential to acknowledge that Looney isn’t solely responsible for the Pelicans’ struggles, his inability to contribute effectively against starting units has become a point of contention. Although he showed some improvement with a few solid defensive plays in the latest game, the overall lack of production is glaring. Many argue that utilizing Looney against bench units might prove more beneficial, where his deficiencies could be less impactful.
As the season progresses, the Pelicans’ coaching decisions will be scrutinized. Fans are yearning for a change, and Green’s failure to adapt could be the tipping point that costs him his job. The frustration is palpable, and the clock is ticking on finding a solution that reignites the team’s competitive spirit. With the stakes higher than ever, the Pelicans must address these issues before it’s too late.
