NOLA ‘has eyes on’ James Borrego amid final matchup for full-time job
With six weeks left in the regular season, James Borrego makes the definitive case to remove the temporary tag. For better or for worse, like New Orleans Pelicans led by rookies heading into the critical stretch after the All-Star Game, the acting head coach knows exactly where the front office’s magnifying glass will be focused. All the misses mean being in the news for all the wrong reasons after the 82-game streak ends.
Borrego, who took over for Willie Green, must show he can solve two persistent problems that have plagued the Pelicans this season. Slow starts and inconsistent clutch production have been problems for too long given the top-end talent available. The players have to close out the games, but the coaching staff does on the hook because he has a plan at the top of the opening.
“There’s a responsibility when you get your team off to a good start and set the tone for the night. We haven’t done that (this season), but that’s the goal, the task at hand,” Borrego explained. “We have realized some other areas of growth, but the beginnings are extremely important. We have our eyes on that and will make the appropriate adjustments.”
The Pelicans are ranked 24th in the standings when measured exclusively by the results of the first quarter and in the 18th century first quarter points per game. Borrego’s group wins first quarters only 27% of the time. Unfortunately, after hosting the Warriors on Feb. 24, New Orleans embarks on a six-game road trip. The end of the season is more difficult. Seven of the team’s last 10 games are on the road, ending with a meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 12.
Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver would likely give Borrego a fair shot at a full season if the team can even get 10 wins in the final six weeks of the season. However, slow starts and inconsistent clutch production will leave the front office with no choice but to look at outside options.
2026-02-24 04:07:00
