Why James Borrego has to push Ivo Missi, Karl Matkovic into the starting five

A adoring loss to a lowly Detroit Pistons team forced a tough showdown for the New Orleans Pelicans. The current starting lineup continues to dig early holes that proved too deep for Zion Williamson to escape, and James Borrego he knows the change is overdue. Developing rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derrick Queen it is and should be a top priority, certainly. However, it cannot come at the expense of everyone else’s season.

The interim coach, looking for answers after another slow start, doomed another 36 minutes of decent effort, set a clear ultimatum after a loss.

“It’s tough to come from behind every night. (Down) 13-0 tonight. (Down) 12-2 the other night … I’ve got to see how I can get it right and get it right,” Borrego sighed. “At some point that group has to take a stand. Or I’m going to have to turn around.”

With Fears and Queen struggling in the starting five, the addition of Yves Missy and Karl Matkovic could boost rebounding and rim protection from the tip. It would also allow Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III to handle the primary duties. Fears could trigger another unit facing far less pressure.

Borrego would protect Queen’s development from the pain of facing elite starters while also showcasing Missy and Matkovic’s talents to improve their trade value amid roster changes. Also, the young veterans are more trusted. The Pelicans have already seen what Missy and Matkovic can provide when paired together, especially in controlling the paint and securing rebounds that have eluded the current starting lineup.

“I feel comfortable when they’re in the game, especially defensively, because the rim isn’t going to be as open,” Borrego admitted. “The staples are going to be swallowed to some degree. While that’s an area we’re working on as well, they’re both doing a really good job.”

There is a mission emphasized natural chemistry he shares with Matkovic, forged in the offseason download sessions, which could translate seamlessly into starting minutes.

“Yeah, definitely. It goes back to last year when we played pickup. We’ve always played together. Always, and I love playing with him. I was wondering when (Borrego) would put us both on the field at the same time,” Missy said. “It finally happened. I was so excited about it. I know on defense I can trust him. I know I don’t have to be the second rebounder; (Matkovic) can block shots. It helps a lot knowing there’s someone else who can block shots behind me.”

That defensive confidence translates into aggressive, gamble-free rim protection that often leaves the Pelicans vulnerable to offensive rebounds. Borrego recognizes how that foundation changes everything about the defensive scheme.

“Well, when those two are in the game our paint and rim changes right away. We have to rely on that and they deserve a lot of credit,” Borrego said. “And that’s on the ball, but no matter what, when the ball goes downhill, which it’s going to go downhill in the NBA, those guys have to make plays. They’re athletic enough, they’ve got the size, they attack the right and they put pressure on both ends. That has to continue.”

The Western Conference playoff race offers no sympathy for teams working through growing pains. Any loss to an undermanned opponent like Detroit represents a missed opportunity that becomes harder to recover as the season progresses. The next few months will determine whether New Orleans saves this season or loses another year of Williamson’s prime.

Starting Ivo Misi and Karl Matkovic while bringing in Jeremy Fears and Derrick Quinn off the bench represents the kind of tactical adjustment that separates the flexible coaches from the rigid ones. James Borrego acknowledged the need to pivot. Now the head coach has to come through.