Pelicans to Focus on Fundamentals in Lost Season

Interim coach James Borrego wants team to 'keep it simple' as they play out the string

Feb. 5, 2026 at 11:15pm

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With the playoffs out of reach, the New Orleans Pelicans are shifting their focus to fundamentals and simplicity as they close out a disappointing season. Interim head coach James Borrego, drawing from his experience with the San Antonio Spurs, believes the team should stick to basic principles like protecting the ball, making good shot selections, and playing aggressive defense rather than implementing complex schemes. The goal is to build positive habits for next season rather than chasing a long-shot playoff berth.

Why it matters

The Pelicans have struggled with consistency and turnovers all season, putting their defense in difficult positions. By simplifying their approach, Borrego hopes to help the young core of Zion Williamson, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears develop better habits and lay the groundwork for a potential playoff push next year.

The details

Borrego wants the Pelicans to focus on fundamental principles like protecting the ball, making smart shot selections, and playing physical, aggressive defense. He believes complexity is not the answer for a team that has been plagued by careless turnovers and poor shot selection. Instead, he's aiming to instill a 'keep it simple' mentality inspired by his time with Gregg Popovich and the Spurs.

  • The Pelicans are entering the final stretch of the 2025-26 NBA season.

The players

James Borrego

The interim head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, who previously worked under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs.

Zion Williamson

The star player for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Derik Queen

A young player on the New Orleans Pelicans roster.

Jeremiah Fears

Another young player on the New Orleans Pelicans roster.

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What they’re saying

“Learning from (Gregg Popovich) in the San Antonio world, we tried to keep it as simple as possible back then. I still think that resonates today.”

— James Borrego, Interim Head Coach (clutchpoints.com)

“No doubt it's holding on to the ball, not turning it over, and shot selection. A lot of our poor shots at the rim lead to transition the other way. Whether it's getting blocked, I know it doesn't show up in the stat sheet as a turnover, but a bad shot at the rim that's getting blocked is basically a turnover going the other direction. So, shot selection in the paint is massive for us. Not turning it over. If we do those two things, we're giving ourselves a better shot in the in the half court defense. If we can get our defense set, much better.”

— James Borrego, Interim Head Coach (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Pelicans will look to implement Borrego's simplified approach over the final stretch of the season as they aim to build positive momentum heading into the offseason.

The takeaway

By focusing on fundamental principles like ball security and smart shot selection, the Pelicans are hoping to develop better habits and lay the groundwork for a potential playoff push next season, rather than chasing a long-shot postseason berth in the current campaign.