James Borrego won’t ‘force’ Jordan Poole amid Zion Williamson’s return

The The New Orleans Pelicans face a delicate balancing act while welcoming back key players after injuries, with an interim head coach James Borrego making it clear that the team will not rush anyone into uncomfortable rotations. Jordan Poole and Sion Williamson’s reintegrations are prime examples new training philosophies, although fans can also check out Dejounte Murray. This strategy underscores Borrego’s emphasis on team cohesion over individual heroics, especially as the Pelicans await Murray’s return from a torn Achilles.

Borrego is less concerned with speeding up individual reintegration timelines and far more focused on stabilizing minutes, maintaining rhythm and protecting long-term availability. In this context, Poole’s return is deliberately understated. The 26-year-old’s versatility and game-changing potential have been evident since the opener. Although limited to just nine games this season (four starts), Poole was still a positive off-season acquisition apparently.

“I think his overall impact on the game is huge,” Borrego said after a recent practice. “(Poole) can get the ball, stretch the defense, make plays and then go on a big run himself. He can quickly turn a two-point game into a six- or eight-point game on both ends of the floor.”

Yet Borrego deliberately avoids the urge to hastily expand Poole’s role, a strategy influenced by the larger, more complex revolving conundrum surrounding Williamson. This measured approach with Poole also mirrors the one taken with the two-time All-Star. When the franchise cornerstone returned from his own right hip injury, he too embraced a bench role, a move designed to carefully manage his minutes while allowing Williamson to finish games strong.

Jordan Poole steps up for the Pelicans

Furthermore, with rookie Jeremy Fiers thriving as the starting point guard (averaging 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists while playing in all 27 games) and the emergence of fellow rookie Derrick Quinn, the Pelicans’ rotation has evolved during Poole’s abs. Instead of forcing change, Borrego allows things to develop naturally.

“I think (Pool) came in with the right mentality,” Borrego said. “He’s not trying to force it; he’s trying to play in our system and be a team guy, which is what we need. He’s got to be a guy that’s willing to make sacrifices and play with his teammates. He’s done a great job of that. I don’t see anything being forced right now.”

Williamson has been the primary focus since returning from his own injury, a right hip adductor that was initially expected to sideline him for at least three weeks. In a surprising twist, Williamson returned early and came off the bench for the first time in his NBA career, leading to back-to-back wins against the Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls.

Poole had 16 points, four assists and two steals in the Windy City; The Pelicans are 3-6 and the Sixth Man is swinging. Despite that game-breaking ability, the coaching staff is more focused on the how than the how much right now. That’s the only way to get everyone involved, engaged and moving in the right direction in the Western Conference standings.

Fortunately, Borrego can praise Poole’s willingness to embrace this gradual process. His role will organically expand as the team plays, but not at the expense of chemistry. Same as everyone else, including Zion Williamson.