The New Orleans Pelicans’ worst fears are already coming to life just weeks into the 2025-26 NBA campaign. Between lackluster play on both ends of the floor and no avenue to tank, the franchise’s front office and coaching staff are under immense scrutiny.
After stumbling to a Western Conference-worst 0-6 start, Pelicans head coach Willie Green spoke candidly about his ongoing conversations with New Orleans head of basketball operations Joe Dumars.
Where Does Willie Green Stand With the Pelicans’ Front Office Amid Early-Season Struggles?
With star forward Zion Williamson in improved shape, surrounded by a talented young cast, New Orleans entered the season with playoff aspirations. Instead, the team has posted a bottom-four offensive rating (106.8) and a bottom-two defensive rating (124.2).
The Pelicans have lost a historic three of their first six outings by 30-plus points, most recently getting blown out 137-106 during Sunday’s road clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Speaking with reporters the following day, Green stressed the importance of Williamson and his veteran teammates maintaining belief in a turnaround. The fifth-year head coach also acknowledged growing fan unrest, noting that he and Dumars have maintained constant communication and remain on the same page.
“Joe and I, we talk pretty much every day. We all echo the same sentiment,” Green said. “We’ll continue to work at it. We’re all frustrated, want to be better. We’re all a part of making sure that we do what we can to be better.”
“Joe and I talk pretty much everyday. We all echo the same sentiment. We’ll continue to work at it. We’re all frustrated, want to be better. We’re all a part of making sure that we do everything we can to be better”
— Willie Green on his conversations with the Front Office pic.twitter.com/VlxHJ9ekQO
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 3, 2025
Dumars famously took a gamble by trading the rights to New Orleans’ unprotected 2026 first-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks to move up to select big man Derik Queen at No. 13 in June’s draft. While many deemed the trade questionable at the time, the Pelicans’ slow start and Queen’s limited impact in a deep center rotation featuring Yves Missi, DeAndre Jordan, and the recently returned Kevon Looney have heightened concerns.
Queen logged just seven minutes against OKC, though Green remains optimistic about the rookie’s outlook due to his versatility, particularly as a ball handler and inside finisher.
Still, if New Orleans continues digging its hole with no chance to land a top pick in a stacked 2026 draft class, Green will likely be on the hot seat. With a career coaching record of 148-186, the organization could be inclined to target a more proven leading sideline man to avoid another lost season.
The Pelicans will look to finally get into the win column during Tuesday’s home clash against the Charlotte Hornets (3-4) before embarking on another three-game road trip.