Just one game into the 2025-26 season, Willie Green found himself addressing a painfully familiar narrative with resigned acceptance. The embattled New Orleans Pelicans coach, standing before reporters after Zion Williamson's squad was taunted by Ja Morant's Memphis Grizzlies , delivered the same message repeated throughout his tenure. It was expected since Kevon Looney, Karlo Matkovic, and Dejounte Murray were all on the injury report. Yves Missi (ankle) suffered an NBA Opening Night knock, adding more bad news to the Big Easy's basketball gumbo.

“Unfortunately, it's part of the game,” Green sighed. “Sometimes you deal with that as a team. The biggest thing you can do is be consistent as a leader.”

Green was speaking of himself, yet it also applies to the team's All-Star. Willia

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