It’s a feeling that many of us can only imagine – sitting on the opposite bench from a team that we once idolized. Maybe we had posters of them on our bedroom walls, dreamed of playing alongside them, and even came close to joining their ranks. But then, in a sudden turn of events, the opportunity slips away and is handed to someone else. This is the exact situation that Pelicans’ assistant coach James Borrego found himself in when the Los Angeles Lakers opted to hire JJ Redick instead of him.
For Borrego, who had spent time as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs and the Orlando Magic, the chance to join the Lakers was a dream come true. He had forged connections with the organization and its owners, and was eager to take on the challenge of coaching one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. But fate had other plans, and the infamous ‘LeGM’ activated, snatching the opportunity away from Borrego and handing it to Redick.
It’s a bittersweet moment for Borrego, who has since moved on to become the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets. In a recent interview, he opened up about his feelings on the lost opportunity and made it clear that there were no hard feelings towards the Lakers or Redick.
Borrego acknowledged that it was a surreal experience to be in the running for a job with a team that he had admired for so long. He spoke about the excitement and anticipation he felt during the interview process, and how he had already started envisioning himself on the sidelines, coaching some of the best players in the league. But when the news came that Redick had been chosen instead, Borrego was disappointed, but not bitter.
In fact, Borrego had nothing but praise for Redick, calling him a “great player and a great person.” He also expressed his admiration for Redick’s work ethic and his ability to make an immediate impact on any team he joins. Borrego’s positive attitude and sportsmanship in the face of disappointment is a testament to his character and professionalism.
It’s not easy to lose out on a job opportunity, especially one that you have been working towards for a long time. But Borrego’s response to the situation is a reminder that setbacks can often lead to new and unexpected opportunities. In this case, it was the opportunity to become the head coach of the Hornets, a role that Borrego has embraced with enthusiasm and determination.
Borrego’s positive outlook and resilience are qualities that are highly valued in the NBA, and it’s no surprise that he has quickly made a name for himself as a head coach. In his first season with the Hornets, he led the team to a 10-game improvement from the previous year, and has continued to make strides in developing young talent and implementing a strong team culture.
As for the Lakers, they have also found success with Redick, who has been a valuable addition to their roster. But it’s clear that Borrego’s impact on the team would have been equally significant, and it’s a shame that he didn’t get the chance to showcase his abilities with one of the league’s top teams.
In the end, Borrego’s experience serves as a reminder that in the competitive world of professional sports, opportunities can come and go in the blink of an eye. But it’s how we handle these disappointments that truly defines us. Borrego’s positive attitude and determination to move forward despite the setback is a lesson that we can all learn from.
So while it may have been a surreal and bittersweet moment for Borrego to sit on the opposite bench from the team he once idolized, he has proven that he is more than capable of creating his own success and forging his own path in the NBA. And who knows, maybe one day he will have the chance to face off against the Lakers and show them what they missed out on.
