Pressure Mounts on Willie Green as Winless Pelicans Struggle to Find Answers

The New Orleans Pelicans’ season has begun in turmoil, and head coach Willie Green finds himself at the center of growing uncertainty. Entering his fifth year at the helm, Green remains in charge for now, but the team’s winless start and lack of progress have intensified questions about his future.

Since taking over in 2021, Green has guided the Pelicans to two playoff appearances — in 2022 and 2024 — both ending in first-round exits to top-seeded opponents. His leadership has been marked by flashes of promise, particularly during stretches of strong defensive play and improved team chemistry. Yet those moments have been overshadowed by inconsistency and injuries that have stalled New Orleans’ ascent.

This season, optimism has quickly faded. The Pelicans have dropped their first six games, tying the Brooklyn Nets for the worst record in the league. Worse yet, their average margin of defeat — 18.1 points per game — suggests deep-rooted problems on both ends of the court.

According to local reporter Shamit Dua, Green continues to lead practices and remains engaged with the team, but the front office is evaluating its options as pressure mounts. For now, Green’s position is unchanged — but each passing loss adds urgency to the organization’s decision-making.

1. Offense and Defense in Disarray

The Pelicans’ struggles have been comprehensive. On offense, New Orleans ranks last in the NBA, averaging just 107.7 points per game and posting a bottom-tier offensive rating of 108.3. Their half-court execution has faltered, with poor ball movement and inconsistent outside shooting limiting scoring opportunities. Defensively, the numbers are even more concerning. The team allows an average of 125.8 points per game — 28th in the league — and holds a defensive rating of 126.6, ahead of only one other team. That combination of inefficiency and lack of physicality has made the Pelicans one of the least competitive squads to start the season. Green has built his coaching reputation on fostering defensive effort and player development, but both areas have faltered in recent weeks. Missed rotations, weak rebounding, and miscommunication have plagued the team, particularly in second halves when opponents have consistently pulled away. Despite the dismal start, Green has continued to preach patience, emphasizing effort and accountability. However, patience is wearing thin among fans and analysts who expected New Orleans to build upon last season’s playoff appearance.

2. Stars Struggling to Lift the Team

Zion Williamson continues to serve as the focal point of the Pelicans’ offense, averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. While his individual production remains strong, his impact has been limited by defensive lapses and a lack of consistent help from teammates. Williamson’s frustration has been visible at times, reflecting the team’s broader struggles to find rhythm. Jordan Poole, acquired to add scoring and perimeter creation, has been inconsistent. Averaging 18.3 points and three assists per game, Poole has shown flashes of offensive spark but remains prone to turnovers and erratic shot selection. Meanwhile, Trey Murphy (14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds) and rookie Jeremiah Fears (13.7 points, 3.8 assists) have contributed solidly but have yet to establish the reliability needed to support Williamson on a nightly basis. Green’s challenge has been to integrate these pieces into a cohesive unit capable of competing with the West’s elite. Injuries and lineup experimentation have compounded the issue, preventing the team from establishing chemistry or rhythm through the first two weeks. Still, Green’s message to his players remains consistent — focus on long-term improvement rather than short-term panic. Whether the front office shares that sentiment remains unclear.

3. Uncertain Future and a Critical Home Test

As New Orleans prepares to host the Charlotte Hornets on November 4, the team’s immediate goal is simple: secure its first win of the season. Yet the stakes are much larger for Green and the franchise’s leadership. Each game without a victory adds to the sense that a coaching change could be imminent if the slide continues. Team sources suggest that the Pelicans’ front office is weighing its options carefully, balancing the desire for stability with the need for progress. Green’s connection to players and familiarity with the roster could work in his favor, but ownership’s patience appears to be thinning amid a fan base eager for results. A victory against Charlotte would not solve the Pelicans’ deeper issues, but it could buy Green valuable time to realign his rotation and reestablish confidence. Conversely, another loss would intensify calls for change and cast further doubt on his long-term future. For now, the Pelicans remain a team in search of identity — and a head coach under mounting pressure to find it before the season slips away.