Latest NBA Rumors Link Darvin Ham as Possible Pelicans HC Target Amid James Borrego Buzz

The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a crucial offseason in which they will have to address their head coaching position.

While Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego is expected to receive consideration for the full-time role, sources told NBA insider Jake Fischer that former Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham is "another likely Pelicans target."

Ham posted a combined 90-74 record in two seasons as head coach of the Lakers, leading them to back-to-back playoff appearances. The team made a run to the Western Conference Finals in his first year but lost in the first round the following season, which led to his firing.

Following his dismissal from Los Angeles, Ham returned to the Milwaukee Bucks as the lead assistant under head coach Doc Rivers. He had served on the Bucks' coaching staff under Mike Budenholzer from 2018 to 2022 before taking the Lakers job.

Borrego was installed as the interim head coach in New Orleans after Willie Green was fired following a 2-10 start to the season. The change in leadership didn't make much of a difference, as the Pelicans have a 26-54 record and will miss the playoffs for the third time in the last four years.

With another lottery pick likely on the way in the 2026 NBA draft this summer, the Pelicans must make the right decision on who will lead the team over the next few years. Borrego has been an effective head coach, but Ham could turn out to be the best option as New Orleans tries to end its rebuild.