The New Orleans Pelicans continued to struggle, suffering their fourth consecutive loss this season with a defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers at home. The pattern has become all too familiar for the team: they start strong only to fall behind by double digits in the first quarter, mount a brief comeback, and then falter again as their opponents pull away in the third quarter. This recurring scenario has left Pelicans fans increasingly frustrated, as they witness a lack of adjustment from head coach Willie Green and his staff.
One key point of contention among fans is the persistent decision to start veteran center Kevon Looney. This season, Looney has not performed at the level expected of a starter, contributing neither points nor impactful play. Despite his struggles, he has been in the starting lineup for the past six games, a decision that fans believe has contributed to the team’s struggles. In a recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Looney recorded zero points, one turnover, and three fouls in just eight minutes, resulting in a -7 rating during his time on the floor.
Observers were hopeful that the Pelicans would finally make the switch to bench Looney in favor of rising star Derik Queen, who had been performing well off the bench. However, no changes were made for the latest game against the Lakers; Looney started again, logging more than ten minutes without contributing any rebounds or blocks, leaving the team trailing by seven points by the time he exited the game in the first quarter.
While Looney’s performance wasn’t the sole reason for the defeat, many fans believe that his presence in the starting lineup is detrimental to the team’s success, particularly when matched against starting units. Some argue that he could be utilized more effectively against bench lineups, minimizing the impact of his slow play and limited offensive capabilities.
The growing call among Pelicans fans for more playing time for Derik Queen—especially alongside fellow young player Jeremiah Fears—highlights the desire for a shift in strategy that could invigorate the struggling team. Many are questioning Green’s decision-making and whether continued reliance on Looney will cost him his job, particularly given the poor results and the mounting pressure from the fanbase.
As the Pelicans navigate this rough stretch, the hope remains that changes can be made swiftly to turn the season around and restore faith in the team moving forward.