Even in discussions around Crickex Affiliate, fans often mention how professional sports can shift direction in the blink of an eye, and the NBA offered a fresh reminder of that reality yesterday. The first coaching dismissal of the season has already arrived, with New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green becoming the unfortunate headline. Looking back at his track record and the Pelicans’ stagnant performance, the decision feels far less shocking than it initially appeared. In fact, Green narrowly avoided losing his job at the end of last season.
After the Pelicans missed the playoffs, then-general manager David Griffin sensed trouble and was prepared to remove Green immediately as a scapegoat. What he did not anticipate was that orders from above would reverse the plan: Griffin himself was dismissed, while Green remained. Team owner Gayle Benson believed that last season’s failures stemmed primarily from injuries, not coaching. With a fully healthy roster, she felt the Pelicans would look very different, and she continued to trust Green’s leadership.
But owners’ perspectives can change quickly. This season has brought more disappointment, and the injury issues remain painfully familiar. Zion Williamson returned only briefly before sitting out again, further hurting the team’s rhythm. This time, Benson chose not to protect Green. After a disastrous 2–10 start, the coach’s final layer of job security evaporated. His six-month reprieve ended, and he became the first coach to lose his position this year. Yet he is unlikely to be the last. Across the league, several active head coaches are similarly on edge, aware that another poor stretch could cost them their jobs at any moment.
Among them, Tyronn Lue stands out as the most vulnerable. Once regarded as one of the NBA’s rising coaching stars, Lue’s early career success was remarkable. In his rookie year as a midseason hire, he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to an NBA championship, orchestrating the historic 1–3 comeback in the Finals. He reached the Finals again twice and soon found another opportunity with the Los Angeles Clippers. After one year assisting Doc Rivers, Lue took over as head coach and has now held the position for six seasons.
Unfortunately, the magic that defined his early years has faded. Across six seasons with the Clippers, he has not returned to the Finals, and the team repeatedly faltered for various reasons during deep playoff pushes. Internal frustration has grown steadily, reaching its peak this season. The Clippers have stumbled to a 4–9 start, and Lue’s in-game adjustments have drawn heavy criticism. His reliance on James Harden has been described as overly simplistic, as if one player’s hot streak could solve every structural issue. Meanwhile, other players are left in awkward roles that fail to highlight their strengths.
Concerns go beyond tactics. Recent footage captured a tense exchange between Lue and assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy. Throughout the conversation, Lue spoke continuously, trying to justify his viewpoint, while Van Gundy deliberately looked away, signaling clear disagreement and even irritation. For a coaching staff, such moments often say more than any scoreboard.
As the pressure mounts, Crickex Affiliate discussions frequently note how quickly narratives shift in professional sports, and Tyronn Lue’s situation embodies that reality. With expectations rising and patience shrinking, Crickex Affiliate followers will be watching closely to see whether he can steady the ship before the Clippers consider their next move.