With six weeks remaining in the regular season, James Borrego is making a final case to remove the interim tag. For better or worse, as the rookie-led New Orleans Pelicans embark on a crucial post-All-Star Game stretch, the acting head coach knows exactly where the front office's magnifying glass will be focused. Any shortfall means being in the news for all the wrong reasons after the 82-game task is complete.
Borrego, replacing Willie Green, will have to show he can solve two persistent issues that have plagued the Pelicans this season. Slow starts and inconsistent clutch production have been an issue for too long given the top-level talent available. Players have to close out games, but the coaching staff is ready to make a plan at the starting point.
"It's a responsibility when you try to get your team off to a good start and set the tone for the night. We haven't done that (this season), but that's the goal, we have a job ahead of us," Borrego said. "We have explored some other areas of development, but the beginning is extremely important. We have our eye on that and will make appropriate adjustments."
The Pelicans are 24th in the standings based on first-quarter scoring alone and 18th in first-quarter points per game. Borrego's group is winning only 27% of the time in the first quarter. Unfortunately, after hosting the Warriors on February 24, New Orleans embarks on a six-game road trip. The end of the season is more difficult. Seven of the team's last 10 games are underway, culminating with facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 12.
If the team can even get 10 wins over the final six weeks of the season, Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver will probably give Borrego an honest chance at a full season. However, a slow start and inconsistent clutch production will leave the front office with no choice but to look to outside options.
