New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green addressed the strange scene that unfolded when the team decided not to announce his name during pregame introductions, a highly unusual move for any NBA team.
Willie Green Responds After Awkward Pregame Omission
When asked by reporters if the decision came from him, Green was quick to clarify. “No,” he said simply.
He then added, “Whether they announce me or not, I’m fine with whatever the decision was. My focus is on the game. Whatever it takes us to go out and be our best, whether they announce me or not, I’m fine with it.”
The decision immediately raised eyebrows around the league. Rarely, if ever, does an NBA team skip its head coach during introductions. It’s possible that the Pelicans’ staff made the call to avoid potential boos from the home crowd amid the team’s rough start to the season.
Green on the Hot Seat as Pelicans Struggle
Green, who has been the Pelicans’ head coach since July 2021, finds himself in an increasingly uncomfortable position. Entering his fifth season, he’s now squarely on the hot seat after another disastrous start.
The Pelicans are currently 2-9, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. After opening the season with a six-game losing streak, they briefly rallied for two straight wins before dropping three more in a row.
Despite the struggles, expectations were higher in New Orleans this season. The front office traded away an unprotected 2026 first-round pick, signaling a win-now mindset, yet also drafted two lottery picks, Jeremiah Fears at No. 7 and Derik Queen at No. 13, forcing Green to balance development with playoff aspirations.
Making matters worse, the team has been hit hard by injuries once again. Zion Williamson remains sidelined, Dejounte Murray is still out and Jordan Poole, who was expected to be a key scoring option, is both inconsistent and currently injured.
Even the best coaches would struggle with this situation, but in Green’s case, the patience of ownership and fans seems to be wearing thin.
Under Green’s leadership, the Pelicans have endured ups and downs since his debut in the 2021–22 season, but last year’s 21-win campaign was particularly deflating. This season has offered little improvement, and the team’s inability to find an offensive rhythm or consistent effort has fueled rumors about a possible coaching change.
Still, Green insists he’s focused on what he can control. “My focus is on the game,” he said.
The Pelicans will next face the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 14, hoping to snap their losing streak and quiet the growing noise surrounding both the team and their embattled head coach.
