Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Willie Green

How Willie Green built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Willie Green is an American professional basketball coach and former player. He is the current head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. As a player, Green had a lengthy NBA career, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic after being drafted in the second round of the 2003 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics and immediately traded to Philadelphia.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2003: Selected in the NBA Draft

In 2003, Willie Green was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the second round of the NBA draft and then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

March 23, 2006: Re-signed with the Sixers

On March 23, 2006, Willie Green officially re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after an injury put the contract in limbo in 2005.

April 4, 2006: Activated and Played for the Sixers

On April 4, 2006, Willie Green was activated and played 11 minutes, scoring 9 points in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2006: Plays for the Sixers

During the 2006-07 season, Willie Green played for the Sixers.

April 4, 2007: Career-High 37 Points

On April 4, 2007, Willie Green scored a career-high 37 points against the Toronto Raptors in the final Sixers game of the 2006–07 season.

2007: Starting Shooting Guard for Sixers

In 2007, Willie Green beat out Rodney Carney for the Sixers starting shooting guard position and achieved career highs in multiple statistics during the 2007-08 NBA season.

September 23, 2010: Traded to New Orleans

On September 23, 2010, Willie Green was traded to the New Orleans Hornets with Jason Smith in exchange for Darius Songaila and Craig Brackins.

December 22, 2011: Signed with Atlanta Hawks

On December 22, 2011, Willie Green signed with the Atlanta Hawks.

July 30, 2012: Signed and Traded to Clippers

On July 30, 2012, Willie Green was signed-and-traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for the rights to Sofoklis Schortsanitis.

June 29, 2014: Waived by Clippers

On June 29, 2014, Willie Green was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers.

June 30, 2014: Claimed by Orlando Magic

On June 30, 2014, Willie Green was claimed off waivers by the Orlando Magic.

August 9, 2016: Hired by Golden State Warriors

On August 9, 2016, Willie Green was hired by the Golden State Warriors coaching staff as an assistant coach.

2017: Pelicans first playoff berth since 2017-18 season

After starting the season 1-12, Green led the Pelicans to a 36-46 record. The Pelicans beat the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers en route to their first playoff berth since the 2017-18 season.

2017: First Championship with Warriors

In 2017, Willie Green won his first NBA championship as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, who defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.