It’s rare for NBA head coaches to assume that same role during summer league, with the exception of first-year sideline bosses. As he takes over the helm for the New Orleans Pelicans, Willie Green carried some additional motivation to lead the franchise’s Las Vegas squad: A handful of summer league players are likely to be on Green’s roster when the NBA regular season tips off in October.
“I thought it was important for synergy,” Green explained of his decision to serve as head coach for all five upcoming games. “The synergy with the coaching staff and our young (players).