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On Monday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Phoenix Suns assistant coach Willie Green is the front runner for the New Orleans Pelicans’ head coach vacancy.
Phoenix Suns assistant Willie Green has emerged as the strong frontrunner and the New Orleans Pelicans’ choice to become the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 12, 2021
There are additional reports, including by Fletcher Mackel of WDSU-TV in New a Orleans that say Green is likely the next Pelicans head coach.
I continue to hear from NBA sources Suns assistant coach Willie Green is the presumed next Pelicans head coach.
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) July 11, 2021
While a deal is NOT done, plenty of mutual interest and I’m told, “Willie wants the New Orleans job and they want him.” pic.twitter.com/C7cNUMhDfy
With the Orlando Magic moving toward Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Jamahl Mosley for their head coach vacancy, that leaves the Washington Wizards as the only team with a vacancy and no clear frontrunner, something that Wizards reporter Troy Haliburton noted yesterday.
Looks like the Wizards will be the last NBA team to fill their coaching vacancy and I’m the least bit surprised. Lots of moving parts with this situation and I don’t expect a resolution before the league year ends.
— Troy Haliburton + (@TroyHalibur) July 12, 2021
On the one hand, most of the Wizards’ leading contenders for the position, like Denver Nuggets assistant coach Wes Unseld, are still available. But at some point, delaying a hire could hurt the Wizards in other ways. For example, the new head coach may not have his or her full pickings for assistant coaches. For example, Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Ronald Nored interviewed with the Wizards but took an assistant coaching position with the Indiana Pacers.
It’s unclear when the Wizards will offer the job to someone, but free agency starts on Aug. 2 and prospective players would want to know who Washington’s head coach is by then.