Willie

Green

Friday’s loss to the Lakers dropped the Pelicans to 2-10, and there had been rumblings of a potential move well ahead of the team’s most recent defeat. In four-plus seasons as the head coach, Green’s teams went 150-190 and made two playoff appearances. He’ll be replaced on an interim basis by associate head coach James Borrego.

Two days after firing lead executive David Griffin, the Pelicans officially hired his replacement. Dumars served as Detroit’s president of basketball operations for 14 years and, most recently, was the NBA’s executive vice president and head of basketball operations. He’ll have some key questions to answer this offseason, most notably Willie Green’s future as head coach and whether or not Zion Williamson is equipped to remain a key figure in the Pelicans’ rebuild. While Zion has shown flashes of excellence, the inability to stay healthy has been an issue for New Orleans.

The pick compensation is part of the Anthony Davis trade from a few years ago, with New Orleans having the right to either claim the Lakers’ first-rounder this year (17th overall) or defer the choice until next season. According to HoopsHype, the Pelicans will defer and receive the Lakers’ 2025 first. Many draft analysts consider the projected 2025 draft class to be stronger than 2024, and the Lakers have some significant questions to answer this offseason (LeBron James’ future, for one).

“I want to thank Mrs. Benson, David Griffin, and the entire Pelicans organization for having faith in me to lead this talented group of players moving forward,” said Green. “It’s a blessing and an honor to get this opportunity in a special place like New Orleans. I look forward to getting to work and immersing myself and my family into the local community.”

No surprise here, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday that Green has emerged as a “strong frontrunner” to fill the Pels head coaching vacancy. It seems it’s only a matter of time before New Orleans makes it official.

We had a report last week that Green had distinguished himself as a “prominent candidate” amongst the initial group of interviewees, and it looks like he’s on the verge of securing the gig. Stay tuned.

Green and Lee will face off against each other in the NBA Finals, with Green working as Suns assistant on Monty Williams staff, and Lee serving as an assistant under Coach Bub in Milwaukee. Pelicans assistants Teresa Weatherspoon and Fred Vinson have also interviewed for the job.

Coach Jim O’Brien said it’s not personal. “He’s a good player. Right now, I’m limiting the rotation and giving Johnny [Salmons] a thorough look at the backup point-guard spot. I think that might be Johnny’s natural position.” Green doesn’t have a place on fantasy rosters right now.

The Sixers have to be close to leading the league in major and minor injuries this season. No word on the status of Green and Coleman tonight.

Green will undergo surgery today at the Philadelphia Hand Center. He said doctors told him he would be out four to six weeks. He hasn’t played much, though coach Randy Ayers said his defense would be missed.