The New Orleans Pelicans are in another conundrum that could define the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. They need an answer at head coach, but it’s not exactly a buyer’s market. Thankfully, since James Borrego took over in an interim capacity on November 15, 2025, the team has shown unmistakable signs of life despite being ravaged by injuries. That positive momentum has not added up to many wins, and it’s been hard for the Zion Williamson-led squad to find much progress on the statsheet as a result, but it’s a starting point in the interview process.
It’s been the same old song and dance for Big Easy basketball since Williamson was drafted. That seemingly constant organizational stagnation has caused head coaching candidates to turn towards other opportunities in the past. This year did little to shake the narratives, which is one reason why the 48-year-old is still an option. If there is no upgrade to be found, a one-year extension to see what can be done with a full training camp is not the worst outcome.
First, the Pelicans are playing for Borrego, quite literally in the case of Williamson (62 games played). That alone is progress. He has guided the locker room in a unique way that seems to be an upgrade over Willie Green and Stan Van Gundy. Williamson even took a bench role with enthusiasm.
Borrego has deflected all praise back to the locker room to wind down the season, too, allowing the front office an easy out in the name of continuity.
“I’m just proud that the group continues to play with great urgency. We’re getting better, continuing to pound the rock, build an identity, never drop the sword, and they’re playing together,” Borrego explained. “They’re competing. Ultimately, this group is competing to win games, playing for one another. I see an edge about them. We’re not from where we need to be; we’re certainly making strides. Even the games we lost, we were right there, continuing to compete.”
If development is key, look no further than First-Team All-Rookie candidate Jeremiah Fears. The 19-year old is putting up 13.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds on 42.9% shooting (34.2% 3PA) this season. Derik Queen (11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists) is still scratching and clawing for Second-Team All-Rookie votes. Both took midseason role changes, which could have been perceived as demotions in stride. That’s a credit to Borrego’s communication skills. Investing another year into that trio’s chemistry doesn’t seem crazy.
Saddiq Bey, Yves Missi, and Karlo Matkovic have thrived under Borrego as well. Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray look comfortable together. Williamson looks like an All-Star again, mostly. Give the Pelicans a healthy Herb Jones, and they can realistically sell an NBA Play-In Tournament spot as the floor next season. New Orleans went 18-10 in 2026 with Jones (ankle) in the lineup, with a top-10 Net Rating to boot after all.
Louisiana hoops can live with that, if that is indeed the product on the floor in 2027. Tying up long-term money in Darvin Ham or Jahmal Mosley is hardly a huge upgrade. For a franchise that has often found itself adrift, that kind of buy-in under Borrego is not something to discard lightly. A one-year pact allows the Pelicans to reward that culture without mortgaging a future that is, for the moment, still hazy. It’s a marriage of convenience, but one that serves both parties.
Pelicans pondering wage bill
The job opening in New Orleans will be far more enticing next summer. By then, the Williamson question will have been answered. The All‑Star forward will have lived up to some of that unrealized potential, or the Pelicans will have moved on from him altogether. Either scenario clarifies the organization’s direction and makes the head coaching position significantly more attractive to top‑tier candidates.
Given the current market and franchise’s frugal nature, Borrego will be given a shot to pitch a new direction. Tom Thibideaux, Billy Donovan, Mike Budenholzer, and Taylor Jenkins would want to overhaul the staff and take control of some roster decisions. Basically, they would all want the blank check that former EVP David Griffin received for behind-the-scenes facility upgrades. That might be too much to give up since the team doesn’t exactly have a title trajectory right now.
Taking a chance on a former player like Rajon Rondo or Sam Cassell would be asking for a lot of faith from the fans. Johnnie Bryant (Cavaliers), Chris Quinn (Heat), and Micah Nori (Timberwolves), along with experienced former head coaches Becky Hammon, Terry Stotts, and Borrego would be more amenable to the current setup in New Orleans.
If Borrego thrives under a one‑year prove‑it contract, the Pelicans can revisit a longer‑term commitment next summer with a much clearer understanding of their roster’s ceiling. If the team regresses or if a more compelling candidate becomes available, the franchise can pivot without the financial and organizational burden of a multi‑year deal. They’d have a clean cap sheet and a lottery pick in the NBA Draft.
In the precarious world of small‑market NBA franchises, optionality is a precious commodity. Do not be surprised if the Pelicans extend Borrego; just be surprised if it’s for more than a one-year trial contract.
The post Why Pelicans must extend James Borrego, but there’s a catch appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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