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NBA Coaches Hot Seat Watch: 5 coaches at risk of being fired

By Josh Cornelissen

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 08, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 08, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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NBA Coaches
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 19: Willie Green head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans instructs his team during the second quarter of a NBA game against the LA Clippers at Smoothie King Center on November 19, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana, NBA Coaches. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

NBA Coaches Seat Index: Willie Green, New Orleans Pelicans

2021-22 Record: 7-19 (26.9 percent)

Willie Green was a solid veteran role player in the NBA who earned respect as an assistant coach under Monty Williams in Phoenix. He stepped into a New Orleans Pelicans team with a budding superstar in Zion Williamson and some intriguing parts around him.

Then came a questionable series of transactions this summer, including the easy departure of Lonzo Ball to the Chicago Bulls. With Devonte’ Graham signed in his place, and Jonas Valanciunas replacing Steven Adams, this team took a serious defensive hit this summer. Then came the news that Zion Williamson was going to miss the start of the season; he is still yet to be seen 26 games into the season.

After starting 1-12 and 3-16, the Pelicans have somewhat righted the ship with a 4-3 record over the last two weeks. That still puts them in last place in the Western Conference, already five games back of merely the final play-in spot. Factor in that Brandon Ingram has missed seven games himself, and it’s possible Green hasn’t had a chance to do anything but lose.

That being said, this team has not looked very prepared either. Green is throwing all sorts of rotations at the wall and hoping that something sticks. A team starting Devonte’ Graham and Jonas Valanciunas is going to struggle defensively, sure, but ranking 29th is a tough sell.

This team should at least be able to score, but they rank just 25th in offensive rating. Green was supposed to optimize this offense around Williamson; he’s had neither Williamson nor an optimized offense.

Green is only 26 games into his career; it would be a tough break for him to lose his job before the end of the year, especially with Williamson not yet playing a game.

Yet, the Pelicans were supposed to be in the playoffs this year; that’s why they traded down in the draft, to put a different mix of players on the court and have the salary cap flexibility to do so. So far no Zion, but no reasons for confidence in Green either.

Seat Index: 5 (too much Icy Hot)