James Borrego is proving that thinking outside the box can pay big dividends for the New Orleans Pelicans. When the team struggled with paint defense, Borrego didn't hesitate to insert 37-year-old DeAndre Jordan into the starting lineup, despite Jordan not having played since before Halloween.
The result? A three-game winning streak, including a victory over the Utah Jazz.
Borrego's willingness to make bold decisions has been evident since he stepped in as interim head coach 12 games into the season. Taking over after Willie Green's departure, Borrego immediately made waves by starting rookie Derik Queen. Queen quickly rewarded that faith, posting impressive performances, including a 30-point game and his first double-double shortly thereafter.
When Zion Williamson returned from an injury, Borrego made the unconventional choice to bring him off the bench. This move, which saw Williamson in a reserve role for the first time in his career, led to a four-game win streak and a 4-3 record before Zion returned to the starting lineup.
Borrego's strategic maneuvers didn’t stop there. He benched Jordan Poole, the team's second-highest-paid player, for nine games due to his struggles.
Additionally, Borrego experimented with a bigger lineup, placing Herb Jones at point guard and moving rookie Jeremiah Fears to the bench. When Dejounte Murray returned from a year-long Achilles rehab, Borrego started him immediately, benching Queen despite the chemistry the group had developed.
Borrego's approach is clear: winning is the priority. Without a first-round draft pick, there's no incentive to tank, and Borrego is focused on maximizing the team’s potential. As he puts it, “The goal for us is to win, and DeAndre is moving that needle for us.”
The Pelicans are buying into Borrego’s vision. Players like Poole have embraced their roles, coming off the bench to contribute significantly.
Poole scored 23 points in his second game back and added 12 points and six rebounds against the Warriors. Meanwhile, veterans like Murray praise the team’s unity and willingness to adapt, emphasizing the focus on winning and longevity.
Looking ahead, Borrego faces tough decisions with the impending returns of Trey Murphy and Yves Missi from injuries. Does he replace Jordan with Missi at center? Does Saddiq Bey, fresh off a 42-point game, stay in the starting lineup, or does Borrego favor Herb Jones for his defensive prowess?
“It’s very complicated right now,” Borrego admits. “It’s about to get more complicated probably in the next game or two.
It’s a good problem. We’ve got healthy bodies back.
We’re playing good basketball. Guys are confident right now.
It’s a puzzle that I’ve got to figure out night to night. I can’t make 15 guys happy, but I know I have 15 guys ready to go.”
In a league where adaptability and innovation are key, Borrego’s leadership is steering the Pelicans through uncharted waters with a focus on success.