Just four games into the 2025-2026 NBA season, or (ahem) less than five percent of a full 82-game slate where we haven’t even left the month of October at the time of this writing, New Orleans Pelicans players are apparently already past the point of no return with fifth-year coach Willie Green.
That’s, at least, according to a report from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, which notes that Pelicans leadership is already having internal discussions about Green’s future as the team’s coach.
To be clear, this isn’t too surprising after watching the Pelicans get off to a disastrous 0-4 start, with New Orleans suffering recent back-to-back blowout losses of at least 30 points to both the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets. But the fact that Pelicans players are seemingly done with their coach before a new season even gets a chance to get on track is eye-opening. The fact that they’re already quitting on Green like this is jarring.
So much for all the good vibes of Zion Williamson’s offseason body transformation. Phew.
Amid the Pelicans’ 0-4 start to the season, several players have appeared disinterested and frustrated with how Green’s lineups are being handled, sources said. These displeasures have been visible on the team’s bench, as well as heard behind the scenes in the tunnel and locker room.
Through the team’s first handful of games, star forward Zion Williamson has been seen engaging more than usual with associate head coach James Borrego during his pregame warmups and routine.
Look, the Pelicans might have had their trust issues with Williamson over the years. But it seems unquestionable that the forward remains the face of the franchise, of whom everyone wants to get behind. And if you’ve lost him the way this report suggests, then it’s no surprise to learn that Green may have lost everyone else.
Less than 10 days ago, we were talking about the possibilities of a talented Pelicans lineup (on paper) with Williamson at the helm. They could’ve been a dark horse in a tight and competitive Western Conference. Now, we’re wondering whether they’re already enduring a lost season. When it rains, it pours.
I can’t say I’m that surprised by this situation, but my head is spinning from the plot twist nonetheless.