Pelicans fans voice frustration over Willie Green’s struggles as Dumars remains silent
The New Orleans Pelicans are currently languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, a disappointing position after just 11 games into the season. While injuries to key players like Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole, and Zion Williamson are often cited as contributing factors, the reality is far more sobering: the team’s outlook appears grim. With another trip to the lottery looming, fans are left disheartened, especially given that their 2026 first-round pick is already owed to the Atlanta Hawks.
Willie Green’s turbulent tenure
In the midst of this turmoil, head coach Willie Green’s performance has come under intense scrutiny. While he may not bear the brunt of the blame, his inability to elevate the team’s competitiveness—reflected in a troubling -12.8 net rating—has not gone unnoticed. Frustration is mounting among fans, many of whom are calling for Green’s dismissal. His recent comments criticizing the team’s effort suggest a disconnect between expectation and reality, further fueling the fire of discontent.
Ownership’s stance on coaching decisions
Pelicans owner Gayle Benson shed light on the situation, revealing that the decision regarding Green’s future rests firmly with Joe Dumars, the team’s newly appointed executive. In a statement to NOLA.com, Benson expressed her support for Green while emphasizing Dumars’ role in evaluating the basketball operations. “I really like Willie Green,” she said. “I hired Joe Dumars to assess our basketball operation. He is assessing Willie and all the players. When he makes a decision, that’s up to him.”
This delegation of authority from ownership could be seen as wise, allowing the front office to make the necessary changes without interference. Yet, when the front office is led by Dumars, whose summer dealings have raised eyebrows, this approach becomes more complicated.
Dumars’ questionable offseason moves
Dumars, alongside General Manager Troy Weaver, has faced criticism for a series of dubious decisions over the offseason. Notably, the trade that surrendered an unprotected first-round pick to the Hawks stands out as particularly damaging. Additionally, the multi-year contract given to Kevon Looney and the acquisition of Jordan Poole have not yielded the desired results, casting a shadow over Dumars’ judgment.
While the collective missteps of Benson, Dumars, and Weaver are evident, they do not absolve Green of accountability. The challenge lies in the fact that Dumars did not hire Green, which complicates the loyalty dynamic. However, Dumars also played a significant role in assembling the current roster, which now sits at a dismal 2-9. If he willingly traded away a valuable future asset, it raises questions about his belief in the team’s immediate competitiveness.
The disconnect between vision and execution
Despite the evident challenges, Dumars seemed to have a clear vision for the team when he aggressively pursued offseason transactions. Unfortunately, Green’s failure to execute this vision only amplifies the urgency for a change. As the Pelicans continue to struggle, one question looms large: why is the front office delaying what seems to be an inevitable decision regarding Green’s future?
As the season unfolds, the frustration among Pelicans fans is palpable. With each passing game, the need for clarity and direction becomes more pressing, leaving both supporters and analysts wondering what the next steps will be for a franchise in disarray.
