Willie Green Preaches 'Stay the Course' Amid Pelicans 10-Game Losing Streak

Willie Green is preaching the message of "staying the course" amid the Pelicans ten-game losing streak.

Author:
Kyle T. Mosley
Feb 3, 2023 7:20 AM EST

In this story:

Following the Pelicans' tenth-straight loss, Willie Green's message remains adverse to making drastic changes: "We've got to stay the course."

One consistency for New Orleans as they weathered poor traveling conditions was finding themselves in another first-half hole on the road. Dallas led 40 to 22 in the first quarter and kept pouring in shots before halftime for a 70 to 43 advantage at the break.

FACTORS IN FALLING TO MAVS

Two factors carried New Orleans to defeat in Dallas:

15.4% of turnovers per 100 plays,
20.2% free throw per field-goal attempts in the contest.

Conversely, the visiting team had a 53% effective field goal percentage and 28.6% offensive rebounding; both triggered the second-half rally.

The combination of Jonas Valanciunas (4) and Larry Nance Jr. (10) grabbed 14 offensive rebounds. At the same time, McCollum (64.3%), Ingram (50%), and Murphy III (50%) were the field-goal percentage leaders for New Orleans.

The Pels were below average from beyond the arc, finishing with a 5-of-20 (25%) effort on the evening against the Mavs.

CJ McCollum Defends — Feb 2, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) and Dallas Mavericks forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (11) battle for control of the ball in the air during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

THE 10-GAME LOSING STREAK

From Jan. 16 to Feb. 2, the ten-game losing streak matched the Wizards' streak and is close to the Kings' (11) and Rockets' (13) dubious streaks of the season.

New Orleans Pelicans 10-Game Losing Streak; Pelicans Scoop

Green counters questions about the defeats, "We've been here before. This is not new to this team. We had more losses this time last year. So perspective is important for us at this time."

Perspective? Before last season's All-Star break, the Pelicans were mulling a trade for CJ McCollum that eventually propelled the team into the postseason. Could New Orleans consider another at the same point in 2023?

"What do you do during those times? Do you do something drastic and change everything you're doing, or do you try to stay the course, make a few tweaks and adjustments, and those are the things that we'll do."

Jan 19, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby (3) shoots while Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1) defends during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

PELICANS OPTION?

How long does the New Orleans front office keep faith in the "stay the course" message Coach Green delivers before exploring trade options? The odds makers have the Pelicans leaning towards making a play for Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby.

At 25, the 6-7 player can be the steady performer New Orleans needs by averaging 16.9 PPG, 5.5 RPB, 2.0 APG, and has a player impact estimate of 8.8. He's averaging 35.8 minutes per contest which may significantly drop in the Big Easy with Brandon Ingram returning to form after his toe injury.

Besides Zion's expected return to boost the Pelicans, a concern is in the air with the fans, if not with Green. Can Griff, Langdon, and Green right the ship that has gone off course after the All-Star festivities in Utah?

We shall see.