Pelicans Turn to Borrego as Franchise Seeks Stability Amid Early-Season Slide

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the season searching for traction, but instead endured another rocky beginning that prompted a major midseason shakeup. After parting ways with Willie Green, the organization turned to assistant James Borrego in hopes of reigniting a team that had lost its spark. The move, approved by team governor Gayle Benson and implemented by executive vice president Joe Dumars, reflected more than frustration with results — it signaled a belief that the locker room had drifted and needed a new voice.

Early impressions of Borrego’s tenure have offered a glimmer of encouragement. Though his first two games came against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the veteran Golden State Warriors, New Orleans showed improved pace, ball movement, and communication. With the roster depleted by injuries, those signs of renewed engagement became an important starting point.

Still, the Pelicans’ issues extend beyond energy or effort. A series of injuries, inconsistent rotations, and lingering questions about the team’s best lineup combinations have hindered their ability to compete in a crowded Western Conference. Fans and players alike have sensed that the team’s identity has slipped, leaving Borrego with pressing decisions to make.

Five central challenges now stand between the Pelicans and a potential midseason turnaround — issues ranging from lineup management to rebounding troubles, and from defensive lapses to the long-term complexities surrounding the franchise’s stars. Addressing them quickly may determine the trajectory of the Pelicans’ season.

1. Establishing a Reliable Starting Lineup

Borrego’s first major adjustment came quickly, and decisively: he moved rookie center Derik Queen into the starting lineup. Queen had earned the opportunity through both performance and poise, validating the front office’s aggressive move to trade an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to acquire him on draft night. His immediate impact has fueled comparisons to the franchise’s last transformative rookie moment — the arrival of Chris Paul two decades ago. The next steps, however, are more complicated. Zion Williamson is expected to return soon from injury, bringing his customary blend of interior scoring, playmaking flashes, and physical presence. Yet Williamson’s fit raises important questions. His strong production in limited appearances earlier this season was offset by turnovers and a lack of perimeter range, creating spacing concerns that Borrego must navigate. Dejounte Murray remains sidelined until late December at the earliest, while Saddiq Bey continues to recover from an ankle issue. Their returns will force further rotation decisions. Balancing Queen’s promising development with the need to reintegrate Williamson and Murray will require careful planning — particularly when considering how these pieces coexist in the same offense. Ultimately, the Pelicans must determine how to optimize their best talents without sacrificing the chemistry and tempo that have emerged during Williamson’s absence. With expectations rising for Queen and long-term questions growing around Williamson, Borrego inherits a delicate puzzle with no easy answers.

2. Addressing Rebounding and Physicality Issues

Even with rotation uncertainty, one issue has stood out more than any other: rebounding. New Orleans’ struggles on the glass have repeatedly placed the team at a disadvantage, including in a recent matchup against Oklahoma City, where the Pelicans failed to secure a single player rebound until the final minute of the first quarter. Their standing — 26th in team rebounding — underscores a fundamental flaw that has hindered their defense and transition opportunities. Frontcourt reinforcements are available, but not without complications. Veterans such as DeAndre Jordan, Kevon Looney, and Yves Missi have seen fluctuating roles due to injuries and matchup needs, while Karlo Matkovic and Saddiq Bey offer depth that may diminish once the roster is fully healthy. At least one of these forwards will likely see a sharp reduction in minutes, leaving Borrego to determine who fits best in his long-term plans. Rebounding concerns also extend to the perimeter. Herb Jones, widely regarded as the team’s premier defender, currently sits near the bottom of the roster in rebounds per 100 possessions — well below guards such as Jose Alvarado. For a wing tasked with playing heavy defensive minutes, that level of production is unsustainable. The solution may be less about schematic creativity and more about commitment. The Pelicans need increased physicality, stronger box-outs, and greater discipline from all five positions. For Borrego, stabilizing the rebounding effort is a prerequisite to stabilizing the team itself.

3. Restoring Herb Jones’ Two-Way Impact and Managing Alvarado’s Future

Herb Jones remains one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, a status reinforced by his recent standout performances against players such as Stephen Curry, James Harden, Luka Dončić, and Devin Booker. His instincts and consistency continue to anchor New Orleans’ defensive schemes. But his offensive impact has fluctuated amid the team’s broader scoring droughts, leading to forced attempts and less efficient decision-making. Reestablishing Jones’ role in the offense is essential. Borrego has the opportunity to reintegrate Jones into sets that create early corner threes, attack mismatches, and force defenses to respect his presence. The Pelicans cannot afford for Jones — one of their most reliable two-way contributors — to drift into offensive anonymity. Alvarado represents another key consideration. Long known for his energy and game-changing pressure, he remains a valued contributor off the bench. But with a player option looming and the likelihood of him pursuing a more lucrative deal this summer, the Pelicans face decisions about his future. Strong performances could boost both his impact on the floor and his trade value as the deadline approaches. With the team straddling a line between competing now and planning for the future, Alvarado may become a pivotal asset. Borrego’s task is to maximize his effectiveness, whether as a sparkplug reserve or situational starter, while the front office weighs long-term options.