The NBA coaching carousel is spinning fast, and two teams—the New Orleans Pelicans and the Portland Trail Blazers—are taking very different approaches to finding their next leader. With the Orlando Magic just beginning their search after parting ways with Jamahl Mosley, the Pelicans and Blazers are further along, but their strategies couldn't be more distinct.
According to a report from Sam Amick at The Athletic, the Pelicans have trimmed their list to four finalists: Darvin Ham (associate head coach with the Milwaukee Bucks under Doc Rivers), Steve Hetzel (Brooklyn Nets assistant), Sean Sweeney (San Antonio Spurs associate head coach), and Rajon Rondo (a coaching associate with the Bucks). Notably absent is interim coach James Borrego, who led the team through the end of the season.
Rondo's candidacy is a fascinating twist. The four-time All-Star point guard has been out of the NBA for four seasons, but his basketball IQ has long been praised. He's drawn interest from several general managers, but the big question remains: Is he ready for a head coaching role? Many around the league expected that Mosley—freshly fired by Orlando—would be the frontrunner in New Orleans, but it's unclear if he'll join the Pelicans' list.
Ham brings head coaching experience from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his name has also surfaced in Orlando's search. Hetzel and Sweeney, both respected assistants, offer a blend of modern defensive schemes and player development backgrounds.
While New Orleans is narrowing its focus, Portland is going in the opposite direction—casting a net so wide it could include nearly 20 candidates. The Trail Blazers' search, led by new owner Tom Dundon and general manager Joe Cronin, is still in its early stages with no clear timeline for a hire. Interim coach Tiago Splitter did an admirable job taking over after Chauncey Billups' arrest on gambling charges, guiding the team to a surprising playoff berth. However, league sources indicate Splitter isn't a favorite of Dundon, leaving the door wide open for a fresh face.
Adding to the intrigue, rumors have circulated that Dundon is looking for a cost-effective hire, which could shake up the candidate pool. For fans of both teams, this offseason promises plenty of drama as the coaching landscape takes shape.