The New Orleans Pelicans, under head coach James Borrego, are navigating a transformed NBA landscape where speed, decision-making, and versatility dictate success. As the team rebuilds around young talents like Derik Queen, Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Fears, Borrego emphasizes the need to embrace the game’s fast pace and strategic complexity to unlock their full potential in the coming seasons.
Embracing Increased Possessions and On-the-Fly Decision Making
<pReflecting on the changes in the NBA over the past two decades, Borrego pointed out how the rise in the number of possessions per game has fundamentally altered basketball’s rhythm. He stated, “I think significantly, you know, from when I came in the league 20 plus years ago to 10 years ago, Number one, possessions are up. Plays are less scripted. Guys have to make decisions on the fly and multiple decisions. So, there are more decisions to be made within a game because of the possessions, and then there is more action within a play.”?James Borrego, Head Coach
This shift means success now hinges on players’ ability to quickly read and react rather than rely on rehearsed plays. The accelerated tempo creates more complex situations where athletes must process multiple options instantly to gain an edge, transforming each possession into a dynamic challenge.
From Specialization to Versatility on the Court
Borrego also stressed that basketball’s traditional roles have evolved, with less emphasis on rigid specialization.
“It’s not just a scripted come-down and run a pick and roll,”
he explained.
“There’s a lot of movement to the game right now, and then multiple guys that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The days of just having one or two shooters on the floor are really gone. You’ve got to account for multiple shooters, more space on the floor, but the biggest thing to me is the amount of decisions players have to make on the fly. That’s the biggest thing.”
?James Borrego, Head Coach
This evolution demands players like Queen, Fears, and Missi develop a multifaceted skill set—being able to shoot, handle the ball, and distribute effectively—while also excelling at split-second decision making.
Challenges Ahead and the Focus on Cognitive Development
Despite the Pelicans’ current standing near the bottom of the league, their organizational outlook remains hopeful. After maintaining their roster through the recent NBA Trade Deadline, the emphasis shifts to mental growth and court awareness rather than quick fixes. Borrego sees the future success of his young stars tied not only to physical ability but also to their speed in processing the game.
In the modern NBA, Borrego concluded, mere athleticism and size are initial doorways onto the court. Yet, continuously making correct, high-pressure decisions possession after possession will be what ultimately ensures players like Derik Queen stay relevant as contenders and potentially reach NBA All-Star status alongside teammates Yves Missi and Jeremiah Fears.
