“Darvin Ham? Borrego? Rondo?Hetzel? WHO Should Coach the Pelicans?!”
The New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads, and the coaching search being led by Joe Dumars could define the next era of basketball in New Orleans. What stands out most about this process is that Dumars is not rushing it. In today’s NBA, where teams often make reactive decisions within days, the Pelicans taking their time signals something important: they are doing real due diligence. With young talent already in place and expectations rising, this hire is too important to get wrong.
Each reported candidate brings a different vision for the franchise.
Darvin Ham offers experience, toughness, and credibility from championship environments. His ability to command a locker room and establish accountability could help stabilize a Pelicans team that has struggled with consistency and identity. Ham’s background under championship staffs gives him the type of presence players respect immediately.
James Borrego represents the developmental side of modern coaching. Borrego is known for offensive creativity and maximizing younger talent, something that could benefit the Pelicans’ athletic core. His style fits today’s NBA and could unlock another level offensively for a roster that has often looked stagnant in half-court situations.
Steve Hetzel is the quieter candidate, but sometimes those are the names organizations value most internally. Coaches like Hetzel often build strong reputations through preparation, player relationships, and detailed game planning. He may not have the public buzz of the others, but his inclusion shows the Pelicans are examining every possible direction rather than simply chasing headlines.
Then there is Rajon Rondo — the most intriguing name of the group.
Rondo may not be considered the favorite, and understandably so. He lacks head coaching experience, and hiring a first-time coach always comes with risk. But in many ways, he makes the most sense for where the Pelicans are right now.
Few basketball minds of his generation see the game the way Rondo does. Throughout his career, he was essentially an extension of the coaching staff on the floor — diagnosing defenses, controlling tempo, and elevating teammates. Players across the league consistently praised his IQ and leadership, and younger stars naturally gravitate toward former players who have recently lived through the modern NBA experience.
Why Rajon Rondo may ACTUALLY make the most sense for the Pels.
Darvin Ham brings toughness
James Borrego brings offense
Steve Hetzel brings preparation
But Rondo brings something different… LEADERSHIP, IQ, and a championship mindset.
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For the Pelicans specifically, Rondo could bring a culture shift. He understands pressure, playoff basketball, and accountability. More importantly, he understands players. In an era where communication and relationships matter as much as X’s and O’s, Rondo’s voice could resonate in a way that immediately connects with the locker room.
The risk is obvious, but so is the upside. Sometimes organizations have to decide whether they want the safest choice or the coach with the highest long-term ceiling. Rondo feels like the candidate who could eventually grow with the team rather than simply manage it.
And that’s why Joe Dumars taking his time matters.
This decision is coming down to the wire because the Pelicans are weighing philosophies, leadership styles, and the future direction of the franchise — not just resumes. That should encourage fans, not frustrate them. The wrong hire could stall progress. The right one could finally unlock the potential this roster has teased for years.
Whether it’s Ham’s structure, Borrego’s offensive vision, Hetzel’s preparation, or Rondo’s leadership and basketball brilliance, the Pelicans are searching for more than a coach. They are searching for an identity.
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