Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans

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EMBARRASSING: Can the New Orleans Pelicans FIX Their Defense? Zion Williamson & Star Effort EXPOSED Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans' defense unravels with Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole leaving fans questioning the team's effort. Seven straight losses highlight a broken defensive culture, as star players struggle to set the right tone and young talent receives mixed messages. Can head coach James Borrego and executives spark the needed change, or will lackluster defense doom the season?

Jake Madison breaks down creative lineup experiments, including Zion at the three and Karlo Matkovic’s new role, while spotlighting Trey Murphy’s historic franchise record for three-pointers. Key topics cover the Pelicans' ongoing struggle with defensive rebounding, lack of shooting, and the urgent need for more accountability. Are roster moves or benchings on the horizon, or is a youth movement the only way forward? Get insight on the team's path ahead and the significance of upcoming decisions for New Orleans basketball.

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REALITY CHECK: New Orleans Pelicans Fans Must FACE Harsh Truth About Playoff Hopes Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans’ five-game losing streak exposes harsh truths: this roster isn’t ready to contend, and a win-now move could derail the franchise’s rebuild. Is management’s belief in a quick turnaround putting long-term success at risk? Jake Madison argues the Pelicans must resist trading future draft assets for short-term gains.

Major discussion points cover Zion Williamson’s standout performance vs. the Bulls, struggles of rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, and why Jonathan Kuminga could be a smart buy-low trade target—if he accepts an Aaron Gordon-style role. With insights on emerging talents like Noah Clowney, Deni Avdija, and Nikola Jovic, the episode explores whether patience can help New Orleans build a real contender. Will the Pelicans’ front office learn from Oklahoma City Thunder’s slow-build approach, or repeat their own costly mistakes?

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PERFECT FIT: The Pelicans URGENTLY Need an Aaron Gordon-Type Like OG Anunoby or Scottie Barnes Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans hunt for their own Aaron Gordon—can the right trade piece propel them into contention? Jake Madison spotlights trade targets who fit the Pelicans’ need for a versatile, defensive-minded forward, exploring both star-caliber options like OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, and Keegan Murray, as well as more attainable players including Patrick Williams, Miles Bridges, Tari Eason, and Dorian Finney-Smith. Discover which skill sets perfectly complement Zion Williamson or Derik Queen and how these additions could cover defensive gaps while energizing the squad.

The episode also breaks down the value of Saddiq Bey and Jose Alvarado as potential trade assets, weighing whether their impact should be sacrificed for an upgrade. With upcoming matchups and a pivotal New Year’s Eve game against the Chicago Bulls, Jake Madison examines the Pelicans’ strategy on and off the court as they prepare for a critical stretch of the NBA season.

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MELTDOWN: Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson Deliver BIG but Pelicans Still Can't WIN Close Games Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans collapse late as veteran core falters again—can youth shake up a stagnant finish? Jake Madison challenges the team’s decision to stick with established players after a 130-125 loss to the New York Knicks, spotlighting the recurring inability to close winnable games even with standout performances from Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey, and Jordan Poole. Despite strong offense, defensive breakdowns and questionable late-game execution exposed unresolved roster flaws and a lack of answers at the center position.

Key analysis includes the Pelicans’ ongoing struggles to defend the three-point line, the inconsistent impact from vets, and what it means for the futures of Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Jake Madison raises the pivotal question: if the current core can’t win now, when will change come—and should rookies get more developmental minutes to shape the next era? Don’t miss this honest look at the Pelicans’ path forward in a shrinking Western Conference window.

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Why the Pelicans MUST SOLVE the Zion Williamson-Derik Queen Defense Problem NOW Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans face a pivotal second half—can Zion Williamson and rookie sensation Derik Queen form the foundation of a winning future? Jake Madison spotlights the crucial need to assess their defensive chemistry, revealing why this pairing holds the key to the team’s long-term blueprint. The search for the ideal fifth starter intensifies, as the podcast explores player archetypes like Aaron Gordon and debates if current options such as Sadiq Bey or potential trade targets could unlock new levels for the Pelicans.

Competing every night isn’t just about the standings—it’s about building winning habits in Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, and the young core. Jake outlines how staying competitive, rather than tanking or trading core players, will accelerate rookie development and set the standard for a winning culture in New Orleans. Which roster choices will shape the Pelicans’ identity—and is a new era about to begin?

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WARNING: Trey Murphy III Trade Rumors That New Orleans Pelicans Need to IGNORE Immediately Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans face swirling trade rumors, but moving Trey Murphy III—even for a star package—could spell disaster for the team's momentum. Is maximizing "value" worth sabotaging fan excitement and on-court chemistry? Jake Madison makes a passionate case against dealing core pieces like Trey Murphy and explores why the front office should resist short-term moves that diminish their competitive edge.

Key topics include Memphis Grizzlies' missteps in the Desmond Bane deal, the evolving role of Sadiq Bey, and the importance of building around rising stars Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. The show dissects Zion Williamson's unique contract situation and explains why holding steady at the trade deadline sets up the Pelicans for long-term success, on and off the court. Can the Smoothie King Center stay electric if the team avoids major shake-ups? Catch this must-hear analysis of the Pelicans' strategy.

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New Orleans Pelicans two biggest flaws EXPOSED in blowout loss to Cavaliers | Can it be FIXED? Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans’ glaring weaknesses in defensive rebounding and three-point shooting threaten their path to true contender status. Can Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver find the elusive “unicorn” center to pair with rising star Derik Queen?

Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans’ tough loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, spotlighting Derik Queen’s impressive 21-point, 7-rebound, 5-assist outing and the team’s ongoing struggles with lineup combinations, especially alongside Zion Williamson. Key topics include the impact of poor defensive effort, the challenge of trading twos for threes in today’s NBA, and whether Zion’s future lies in the starting lineup. Upcoming decisions for the front office could reshape the Pelicans’ core—will new strategies finally fix this long-standing problem and bring playoff hopes back to New Orleans?

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CLOSERS: Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole FUEL Pelicans’ Winning STREAK With Powerful FINISH Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans rally for a fifth straight win as Zion Williamson takes over in crunch time, capping a dramatic 11-point comeback against the Dallas Mavericks. Is a turning point underway for the Pelicans’ playoff hopes? Jake Madison spotlights Zion’s dominant fourth quarter, Jordan Poole’s redemption as a catalyst off the bench, and key tactical adjustments from interim head coach James Borrego that kept Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson in check.

Pivotal team chemistry shines as rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears step up alongside veterans, while Sadiq Bay and Jose Alvarado provide crucial depth. Discussion covers the evolving partnership between Queen and Williamson, defensive rebounding improvements, and the vibrancy in the Smoothie King Center. Can the Pelicans ride this momentum to seize a play-in spot? Explore how Borrego’s leadership and the team’s mindset might redefine New Orleans basketball this season.

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Are the Pelicans Right to TRUST James Borrego as Head Coach? Zion Williamson’s Role Examined Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans surge with a four-game winning streak, but Zion Williamson’s uncertain role still clouds the team’s future. Is James Borrego making a strong case to become the permanent head coach, or does Zion’s unresolved situation trump any coaching decisions?

Jake Madison spotlights Borrego’s immediate impact, including improved offensive structure, defensive effort, and bold coaching moves. The episode questions whether the Pelicans should build around Zion Williamson, develop Derik Queen and Trey Murphy, or finally commit to a clear direction. With wins against struggling teams like the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls, the hype remains tempered—are these victories enough to pivot toward a playoff push, or is New Orleans headed for another crossroads? Don’t miss the latest analysis of the Pelicans’ identity crisis, future roster moves, and what truly determines success in the Big Easy.

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DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

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PrizePicks

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Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Robinhood

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Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

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PROOF: Pelicans Shock Rockets with Grit—Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey DELIVER! | Zion Williamson Benched! Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans shock the Houston Rockets with a dramatic 25-point comeback, sparking questions about Zion Williamson’s future role on the team. Is this proof the Pelicans have finally turned the page? Jake Madison unpacks how grit, resilience, and sharp coaching led New Orleans to a thrilling 133-128 overtime win against a legitimate title contender.

Key storylines include Herb Jones locking down Kevin Durant and igniting the Pelicans' defense, Saddiq Bey’s emergence as the unexpected closer, and James Borrego’s bold decision to bench Zion in crunch time. The discussion weighs the shifting team culture, the impact of key role players like Trey Murphy and Derik Queen, and what Borrego’s fresh approach means for the franchise’s direction. Can the Pelicans ride this new energy to a playoff push—or has a new era begun in New Orleans basketball?

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