New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (Staff photo by Brett Duke, The Times-Picayune)
STAFF PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
“I really like Willie Green, but I hired Joe Dumars to assess our basketball operation,” Benson said. “And that’s what he is doing. He is assessing Willie and all the players. He and I spent the entire halftime (of the Portland Trail Blazers game on Wednesday night) talking. When he makes a decision, that's up to him.”
Benson hired Dumars as executive vice-president of basketball operations in April, just a few days after last season ended. Dumars replaced David Griffin, who hired Green in 2021. Since his hiring, Green has compiled a 150-189 record. He led the Pels to the playoffs in both his first and third season. Last season, one where the team was decimated by injuries, ended up being the second-worst season in franchise history. This season has gotten off to a rough start, too.
The game Benson and Dumars watched Wednesday night was a 125-117 loss to the Trail Blazers.
After the game, Green was asked if he’s had any discussions with Dumars and Benson about the state of the team.
“Joe and I continue to discuss the team and how we can continue to get better,” Green said. “We’ll continue to have those talks.”
Green was also asked how he’s handling the criticism and uncertainty.
“The main thing for me is control what I can control,” Green said. “Continue to put the focus on controlling what I can control. Continue to put the focus on pouring into our players, Pouring into our staff. I totally understand the frustration. We are frustrated as well.”
Dumars hasn’t made any public statements since the team’s media day in September.
Benson made it clear that any decision about Green’s future falls on Dumars.
“That's why I hired him,” Benson said. “I trust Joe, because I feel like he knows people. He's known Willie since he was a child, so they know each other. And if he can fix that problem, then he'll fix it. If he can't, then that'll be his decision, not mine. I've left that in his hands.”