AP Photo/David ZalubowskiAccording to Marc Stein, the New York Times' Marc Stein, Willie Green, Phoenix Suns assistant and Charles Lee from Milwaukee Bucks are "prominent candidates for the New Orleans Pelicans head coaching vacancy."ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Lee is still in the running for the Washington Wizards job.Christian Clark, NOLA.com's Christian Clark, reported that Lee and Jacque Vaughn, Brooklyn Nets assistant were "viewed" as the most qualified candidates for the job. Vaughn pulled out days later. Wojnarowski reported that he preferred to remain with the Nets.Lee, who was 30 years old, earned his first NBA job in 2014-15 with the Atlanta Hawks. After spending four years in Atlanta, he moved to Milwaukee with Mike Budenholzer for the 2018-19 season.Green was a 12 year NBA player before he made the switch to the sidelines. After Monty Williams' retirement in 2019, Green joined the Golden State Warriors' team and accepted a position with Suns.The Pelicans brought Stan Van Gundy in as a safe pair of hands, given his track record and experience in the league. The 61-year old didn't seem compatible with the young team.It is likely that Lee and Green both are under 40, as either candidate may be better placed to connect with the Pelicans players.New Orleans is a popular city because of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. They also have a stash of draft picks that could help them land another marquee star.This raises the bar for anyone who is hired. As the front office moves to its third head coach in three years, it is also under similar pressure.
