Pelicans Owner Clarifies Joe Dumars’ Role in Coaching Decisions

The ownership of the New Orleans Pelicans has made it abundantly clear that any decisions regarding head coach Willie Green’s future will be made exclusively by executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. Team owner Gayle Benson, in a recent statement to NOLA.com’s Jeff Duncan, emphasized that she will not interfere should a coaching change be deemed necessary.

Benson’s comments come on the heels of internal discussions surrounding Green’s position amid a challenging start to the season. The Pelicans have struggled significantly, posting a dismal 2-9 record, raising questions about Green’s tenure. According to hoopswire.com, the uncertainty surrounding Green’s job has gained traction, particularly since Dumars took over from former general manager David Griffin last spring, inheriting a team that finished the previous season with a disappointing 21-61 record.

“I have a lot of respect for Willie Green, but I brought Joe Dumars on board to evaluate our basketball operations comprehensively,” Benson stated. “He is currently assessing Willie as well as all of our players. The decision-making process regarding the coaching staff rests with him, and that is precisely why I hired him.” This statement reinforces Dumars’ authority in making crucial decisions that could reshape the team’s future.

Benson’s loyalty to Green has been called into question, with some speculating that her affection for the coach might influence his job security. However, she dismissed this notion outright. “Joe has known Willie since they were kids,” she added, underscoring Dumars’ intimate understanding of the situation. “He’s in a position to evaluate all aspects of our team better than anyone else.”

Injuries have compounded the Pelicans’ woes on the court, particularly the absence of star forward Zion Williamson, who has been sidelined for most of the season. The team has struggled to find its rhythm, and with the pressure mounting, Dumars faces the challenge of determining the best course of action to turn the season around.

As the Pelicans navigate these turbulent waters, the focus will remain on how Dumars chooses to address the coaching situation, which could have significant implications for the franchise’s trajectory. The upcoming games will be crucial for Green, as he aims to prove that he remains the right fit to lead the team amidst adversity.

With the NBA season still unfolding, the Pelicans’ management and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this situation develops. Will Dumars opt for change, or will he give Green the opportunity to right the ship? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of New Orleans basketball.