History of Willie Green in Timeline

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Willie Green

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.

July 28, 1981: William Julius Green Born

On July 28, 1981, William Julius Green was born. He later became a professional basketball coach and former player in the NBA.

1999: Graduation from Cooley High School

In 1999, Willie Green graduated from Cooley High School.

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.

2005: Injury during Offseason

During the 2005 offseason, Willie Green was due to re-sign with the Sixers but suffered an injury on the day of the contract signing, putting the contract in limbo.

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.

2018: Second Straight Championship

In 2018, Willie Green won his second straight NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games.

June 26, 2019: Hired as Assistant Coach for Phoenix Suns

On June 26, 2019, Willie Green was hired as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns.

July 22, 2021: Named Head Coach of Pelicans

On July 22, 2021, Willie Green was named head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.

2022: Strong Start to 2022-23 Season

Willie Green and the Pelicans had a strong start to the 2022-23 season, being tied for first place in the Western Conference at the start of 2023.

April 12, 2023: Pelicans Season Ends with Loss to Thunder

On April 12, 2023, the Pelicans' season ended with a 123–118 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the play-in tournament.

November 15, 2025: Fired by Pelicans

On November 15, 2025, Willie Green was fired as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans after a 2–10 start to the 2025–26 season.