3 reasons why Willie Green can be a good choice as the New Orleans Pelicans head coach

#2 Green can help develop the New Orleans Pelicans' youngsters

Brandon Ingram #14 and Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans need a coach who can help their players hone their talents. Willie Green, who has spent the last two seasons with the Phoenix Suns and has helped develop a number of their youngsters, is the perfect candidate. The Phoenix Suns have recorded tremendous success in the 2021 NBA playoffs so far, despite having three young playoff debutants on their roster.

Communication is a key part of the job, especially with a young roster like that of the New Orleans Pelicans. It was something Van Gundy struggled with, which made it difficult to get results out of the players.

Zion and Brandon Ingram under the tutelage of Willie Green pic.twitter.com/DuLFstXmkj

— Bobby (@JAXS0NHAYES) July 12, 2021

Players at the Phoenix Suns have raved about Green's expressive style of coaching and how it has helped them become better. The 39-year-old has also served under Kerr and Monty Williams, both of whom are embodiments of effective coach-player communication.

With the New Orleans Pelicans looking to build a squad around youngsters Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, getting a coach who can effectively communicate with them is the best choice. Relating to the young roster would be a walk in the park for Green, who is known to be a great communicator.

---

#3 Green has experience as an NBA player

Willie Green #33 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 22, 2012

It can be argued that former NBA players make for some of the best coaches. We see that in the likes of Steve Kerr and Larry Bird, who have registered incredible success as head coaches.

Former players seem to understand the game to a certain level and are able get through to players better. Their time on the court tends to serve as a valuable experience and, more often than not, results in greater insight when they take on coaching roles.

Willie Green was one of the most respected hard working players I ever played with… Like T.Lue with the clippers with Doc, players know when your ready to become a Head Coach.. Willie Green is ready! https://t.co/g3JqmOEwo1

— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) July 12, 2021

Aside from the one year Green spent with the New Orleans Pelicans, he played in the NBA for eleven seasons. During his time in the NBA, he moved from starter to rotational piece, and was a benchwarmer at one point as well. That experience will help him better understand how each player feels and manage them at every level of the roster.

Although not all former players have turned out to be great coaches, Green's level of experience and achievements are noteworthy.