New Orleans Pelicans head coach James Borrego drew parallels between NBA defensive standouts and NFL greats while discussing his team’s approach to defense ahead of their game against the Golden State Warriors. With the NFL Combine approaching, Borrego mentioned iconic football players to describe the impact and leadership of players like Herb Jones and Draymond Green, emphasizing the unique qualities that make them defensive anchors.
Draymond Green’s Defensive Leadership Compared to Hall of Famers
Borrego began by praising Green’s rare influence on defense, likening him to NFL legends known for their game-changing presence. In his 23 years in the NBA, Borrego stated few have matched Green’s ability to communicate and manage the defense. He remarked,
“There are very few guys who have impacted the defensive end like Draymond Green in general in my 23 years in the NBA. His ability to communicate and put out fires is second to none. (Green) quarterbacks that entire defense. He’s as close to Lawrence Taylor as we’ve seen in the NBA,”
and added,
“I mean, that guy from that outside linebacker position, Mike Singletary, I think I’d put those two guys, that’s what Draymond has done for their defense.”
Green’s role extends beyond measurable statistics; his teammates and coaches recognize his invaluable presence when the pressure is high. Borrego recalled,
“Steve Kerr has said this multiple times. Without (Green), there are no championships,”
and continued,
“He brings a different edge with his ability to communicate and talk, his physicality, and the way he covers for his teammates.”
Herb Jones’ Defensive Instincts Mirror Football’s Middle Linebackers
Borrego also highlighted Herb Jones, the Pelicans’ All-Defensive first-team honoree, who similarly exhibits an instinctive control of defense reminiscent of the best NFL linebackers. The coach reflected on their shared qualities, saying,
“(The Pelicans) have a guy like that, too. I think Herb Jones has this ability, this innate ability,”
and admitted,
“I don’t even know if you can teach it. I don’t know where Draymond got it from, and I don’t know where Herb got it from. It’s probably a combination of growing up and how they grew up in different sports.”
Borrego described the cerebral nature both players demonstrate, elaborating,
“Maybe they had a coach along the way. Maybe it’s a little bit of just being cerebral, where they can see fires before they even start and go put them out. (Green’s) ability to cover for Steph and Klay, everything happening in actions, it’s hard to find those types of guys.”
He drew a specific football comparison for Jones, likening him to a middle linebacker who anticipates and controls the defensive flow with precision. Borrego stated,
“Turn him loose. (Jones) is a really special, really special player. Herb’s the one that I would say from a defensive standpoint is that type of cerebral defender, the middle linebacker, the Brian Urlacher, those types of guys that instinctively can make plays. They have a feel for what’s about to happen, and they go handle it.”
Football-Inspired Metaphors Explain Rim Protection and Defensive Roles
Borrego extended the football metaphor to other Pelicans defenders as well, focusing on rim protection and the role of controlling the paint. Using DeAndre Jordan as an example, Borrego described him like a nose tackle anchoring the line of scrimmage, stating,
“I think DeAndre Jordan has been interesting,”
and continued,
“I’m not sure where you would put him in there, but his ability to protect the rim, he’d be the nose tackle or the guy right in the middle of the floor, like at the line of scrimmage. (Jordan) is going to own the line of scrimmage. To me, that’s how the protection of the paint is put in football terms. Really own the line of scrimmage. You’re going to win the running game. Those small margins, like the running game, are really important there.”
Potential Football Comparisons for Zion Williamson’s Explosive Play
Looking ahead, Borrego recognized Zion Williamson’s unique combination of power and agility as qualities that could easily translate to football. Though he admitted he didn’t have a precise comparison at hand, Borrego believed Zion’s athleticism and spontaneous playmaking reminded him of a football player’s skill set. He said,
“And then (Williamson). I’ll probably find (a football comp) for Zion, too. I don’t have one off the top of my head, but just his ability to make spontaneous, athletic, powerful plays at any time. Zion belongs on the football field, too. I mean, he could go do that, you know, really as a defensive end.”
Despite the enticing comparison, the Pelicans remain cautious about Williamson’s injury history, avoiding any football-related risks that might threaten his availability. Borrego and the organization understand that football during downtime is risky, and keeping Williamson healthy for basketball is a priority.
Significance of Defensive Leadership and What It Means for the Pelicans
Borrego’s comparisons illuminate the Pelicans’ defensive strategy by highlighting the importance of leadership, anticipation, and communication—traits borrowed from legendary football defenders. The nuanced understanding of defense as a cerebral and physical chess match shapes how New Orleans seeks to compete at a high level in the NBA.
By drawing from NFL stardom, Borrego contextualizes how players like Draymond Green, Herb Jones, and DeAndre Jordan embody defensive roles that transcend traditional basketball measures, influencing team performance in subtle but critical ways. As Zion Williamson continues to develop, the question remains how his rare skill set will impact the Pelicans’ frontline dynamics while balancing health concerns.
