Darwin Hamm has been linked as Willie Green’s replacement
The The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a crossroads, and the conversation now turns to life following the firing of Willie Green. With Green officially fired, attention turns to a growing list of trades linked to the Pelicans’ head coaching seat. One name that is growing fast is Darwin Hamm. The other is Kevin Ollie. And according to Marc Stein, both candidates are drawing early interest as the Pelicans begin to plan their future.
Stein noticed that Darwin Hamm, currently an assistant in Milwaukee, has emerged as a serious name to watch. His presence carries weight. In Los Angeles, he led the Lakers through playoff storms, won a title as a player and built the kind of commanding offices in the locker room. As the Pelicans reassess their direction, they need stability. They need clarity. And they need someone who can keep the stars aligned under the brightest lights. Ham checks a lot of those boxes.
Meanwhile, Oli brings a different flavor, rooted in development and culture. He won a national championship at UConn and later became the Nets’ interim head coach, earning rave reviews. Furthermore, Stein added that Troy Weaver, a respected voice in the Pelicans’ decision-making orbit, has long admired Ollie’s leadership style. That connection alone gives his candidacy real momentum as the search widens.
What the Pelicans want next
Pelicans stand in a delicate moment. They have talent. They have youth. However, results declined, leading to the firing of Willie Green. That’s why ownership weighs from every angle. They want a coach who can maximize Zion Williamson while building the supporting cast around him. A stronger late-game identity is also a priority. And above all, they need a voice that pushes the bill without breaking up the room.
Green leaves respected, but the Pelicans organization must decide which new voice becomes the missing spark. Ham offers a championship framework. Ollie offers the roots of culture and development. Both represent a change in tone, perhaps even ambition.
The pressure is building now. If the Pelicans want to rise in the West, which coach will they trust to lead the rise?
2025-11-17 15:36:00
