Pelicans’ coach Willie Green is officially on the hot seat after the team’s 0-6 start to the season, with half of those losses by lopsided scores. Green says he understands the criticism and takes responsibility for the poor start.
“Look, when you take these positions, this is what comes with it. There’s no way around that. When the team doesn’t do well or doesn’t start the way you want it to, I’m up front and center, and this my responsibility to try to continue to help these guys get on track,” Green said.
Green’s discussions with the Pelicans front office, including executive vice president Joe Dumars, remain focused on finding a quick solution to improve the season.
“Joe and I, we talk pretty much every day. We all echo the same sentiment, that we’ll continue to work at it. We’re all frustrated, want to be better. And we’re all a part of making sure that we do what we can to be better,” Green said.
New Orleans most recently extended Green’s contract in the 2023 offseason.
Green acknowledges the outside noise about his job security but says he is focused on blocking it out and turning the season around.
“I just continue to be me. Continue to have faith in what we’re trying to accomplish. You guys have been around me now five years. I haven’t changed my approach, and I continue to come in. I have ownership in what we’re doing, but continue to work at it,” Green explained.
In Green’s four season with the Pelicans, New Orleans has made the playoffs twice.
