A franchise at a crossroads just got a jolt of clarity. “After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach,” said Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars on Nov. 15 after dismissing Willie Green.
New Orleans has slid to 2-11, and cornerstone forward Zion Williamson, who appeared in peak shape over the summer, is now sidelined with a hamstring strain, intensifying fan anxiety. In the midst of the turbulence, an NBA insider has shed light on how Williamson views interim head coach James Borrego, and it could shape the Pelicans’ immediate future.
Zion Williamson’s Opinion on James Borrego Has Been Revealed
Green’s exit came on the heels of a (118-104) home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers that dropped New Orleans to 2-10 record which was the league’s worst mark in the West at the time. Across his tenure, Green guided the Pelicans to the postseason twice (2022 and 2024), but both runs ended in first-round exits.
His overall ledger finished below .500 with roughly 150 wins against 190 losses. This captured a tenure with flashes of promise. But not enough sustained traction.
One of the core challenges under Green revolved around Williamson’s availability. Since being drafted first overall, Williamson’s battle to remain consistently healthy has cast a long shadow over the team’s ambitions.
Coaches can’t control injuries, but they can create an atmosphere of accountability, focus, and conditioning. Unfortunately for Green, he never established the firm, reliable structure the Pelicans hoped would help Williamson unlock his MVP-level ceiling.
With progress stalling and frustration mounting, Dumars felt compelled to make a change, ending Green’s run as head coach.
“In addition, some players and members of the organization felt Green didn’t hold Zion Williamson accountable enough during his coaching tenure, sources said,” revealed NBA insider Michael Scotto in his report.
Moreover, according to Scotto, Williamson respects Borrego, who, as mentioned before, has been elevated to the interim head coach position. That respect matters. If Borrego can tap into that rapport there’s a real chance he can help Williamson rediscover rhythm and fitness once the hamstring heals.
“It’s worth noting that Borrego also took over Williamson’s player development program this season. By all accounts, Williamson has responded well to Borrego and respects him, sources said,” wrote Scotto in his report.
Borrego’s path runs deep in the league’s coaching pipeline. He entered the NBA in 2003 with the San Antonio Spurs as a video coordinator and assistant, contributing to championship runs in 2005 and 2007, as well as four Conference Finals appearances under Gregg Popovich.
He logged early head-coaching reps as Orlando’s interim for 30 games in 2014-15, going 10-20. Then he led the Charlotte Hornets from 2018-22, posting a 138-163 record and a .458 winning percentage.
All eyes now turn to how Borrego recalibrates roles, pace and late-game execution while the Pelicans wait on Williamson’s return.
