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The New Orleans Pelicans are in the market for a new head coach, and recent reports indicate Willie Green is the front runner. Although no official statement has been made, Green will likely take over the head coach position ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season.
A disappointing 31-41 run in the 2020-21 regular season was the main reason for Stan Van Gundy's departure after only one season with the Pelicans. The 11th-placed finish was not good enough for the franchise, and by mutual agreement, they parted ways.
The race for the head coach position is reportedly down to Green and Charles Lee, who is currently an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks. Although both candidates do not have experience as head coaches, they are known for their contributions to player development.
Willie Green is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns. However, the announcement of his hire as the New Orleans Pelicans head coach might come sooner rather than later. The Suns will have to finish their run in the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks before an official press conference is held.
Green's signing will make him the 8th head coach in franchise history. The young coach will be charged with leading the New Orleans Pelicans to the playoffs.
On that note, here are three reasons why Willie Green can be a great choice as the New Orleans Pelicans head coach.
#1 Willie Green will bring a winning mentality to the New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have missed three consecutive NBA playoffs and will be looking to change that. The Pelicans have the talent needed; all that is left is for them to find a winning formula.
Green's hiring might be the catalyst for change in New Orleans as he is no stranger to winning NBA championships as a coach. His first win came a year after he started his coaching career with the Golden State Warriors. He was an assistant coach under Steve Kerr, who led the Warriors to two championships in 2017 and 2018.
The 39-year-old is well on his way to winning a third championship with the Phoenix Suns, who are currently in the NBA Finals. Although the competition is far from over, the Suns hold a 2-1 lead in the 7-game series.
With his hire, the New Orleans Pelicans will have a head coach that can instill the same winning mentality in the players and perhaps lead them to a deep run in the playoffs.
#2 Green can help develop the New Orleans Pelicans' youngsters
The New Orleans Pelicans need a coach who can help their players hone their talents. Willie Green, who has spent the last two seasons with the Phoenix Suns and has helped develop a number of their youngsters, is the perfect candidate. The Phoenix Suns have recorded tremendous success in the 2021 NBA playoffs so far, despite having three young playoff debutants on their roster.
Communication is a key part of the job, especially with a young roster like that of the New Orleans Pelicans. It was something Van Gundy struggled with, which made it difficult to get results out of the players.
Players at the Phoenix Suns have raved about Green's expressive style of coaching and how it has helped them become better. The 39-year-old has also served under Kerr and Monty Williams, both of whom are embodiments of effective coach-player communication.
With the New Orleans Pelicans looking to build a squad around youngsters Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, getting a coach who can effectively communicate with them is the best choice. Relating to the young roster would be a walk in the park for Green, who is known to be a great communicator.
#3 Green has experience as an NBA player
It can be argued that former NBA players make for some of the best coaches. We see that in the likes of Steve Kerr and Larry Bird, who have registered incredible success as head coaches.
Former players seem to understand the game to a certain level and are able get through to players better. Their time on the court tends to serve as a valuable experience and, more often than not, results in greater insight when they take on coaching roles.
Aside from the one year Green spent with the New Orleans Pelicans, he played in the NBA for eleven seasons. During his time in the NBA, he moved from starter to rotational piece, and was a benchwarmer at one point as well. That experience will help him better understand how each player feels and manage them at every level of the roster.
Although not all former players have turned out to be great coaches, Green's level of experience and achievements are noteworthy.
