Pelicans Fans Celebrate Willie Green’s Departure
New Orleans Pelicans fans saw their wishes come to fruition on Saturday with the announcement of Willie Green’s firing. Stepping into the role of head coach is James Borrego, who will be tasked with turning around a franchise that has stumbled to a troubling 2-10 start. While Green’s tenure has faced scrutiny, particularly this season, the challenges he encountered—namely injuries to key players like Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, and Dejounte Murray—only partly explain the team’s dismal performance. The Pelicans, boasting a roster with more talent than their -12.9 net rating would suggest, have at times shown a shocking lack of competitiveness that has frustrated fans and analysts alike.
Ownership Issues Overshadow Coaching Changes
While the fanbase understandably hopes for a swift turnaround under Borrego’s leadership, the coaching change also casts a spotlight on a more profound issue: the role of ownership in the franchise’s struggles. Green’s departure has inadvertently highlighted the missteps of Gayle Benson, the team’s owner, whose decisions have drawn significant criticism since she took over in 2018.
One uncomfortable truth for sports enthusiasts is that ownership often plays a pivotal role in determining a franchise’s success or failure. The gap between a winning organization and a perennial loser is frequently defined by the competency of those at the top. Under Benson’s stewardship, the Pelicans have consistently avoided paying the luxury tax, a telling sign of the organization’s financial approach. Since she took control, the franchise has never invested in this critical aspect of roster management, even when competitive teams warranted further financial commitment.
Questionable Leadership Choices
Benson’s decisions extend beyond fiscal conservatism. The hiring of Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver to lead basketball operations stands as a glaring miscalculation. Dumars, who took on the role of president of basketball operations just six months ago, had not held a permanent front office position in over a decade prior to his appointment. His previous stint with the Detroit Pistons ended in 2014 after a prolonged period of underwhelming results, and subsequent advisory roles in Detroit and Sacramento did little to bolster his reputation.
Weaver, similarly, had a troubled tenure as general manager of the Pistons, presiding over a team that recorded the worst winning percentage in the league during his time. The Pelicans’ decision to appoint Dumars and Weaver without a thorough hiring process raises questions about the organization’s commitment to building a competitive team. The absence of formal interviews or consideration of other candidates reveals a troubling pattern in how Benson conducts business.
A Cautionary Future
Since their arrival, Dumars and Weaver have made several controversial moves, including trading away an unprotected first-round pick for 2026, acquiring Jordan Poole, and handing out a multi-year contract to Kevon Looney. These decisions have not only raised eyebrows but have also left fans wondering about the future direction of the Pelicans.
While the expectation is that James Borrego will lead the team to improved performances on the court, the underlying issues rooted in ownership appear to be the more significant obstacle. Until the ownership landscape changes, the promise of a brighter future for the New Orleans Pelicans seems elusive at best.
