Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans

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SCANDAL: Why the New Orleans Pelicans MUST Worry About Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer and Salary Cap Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers contract controversy could tip the NBA’s balance of power—should New Orleans Pelicans fans be worried? Host Jake Madison breaks down how Steve Ballmer’s alleged salary cap circumvention scheme isn’t just a Los Angeles story, but a threat to competitive balance across the league. If owners can funnel money to star players outside the CBA, do mid- and small-market teams like the Pelicans stand a chance?

Madison spotlights the risk of owners using shell companies and sponsorship deals to skirt salary restrictions, highlighting the recent Aspiration endorsement that put $28 million in Kawhi Leonard’s pocket. He explains why this practice could erase advantages like Bird Rights for players such as Trey Murphy, and examines how these off-book moves undermine luxury tax systems and team building. Should Pelicans fans root for stricter league enforcement—or envy Ballmer’s relentless spending? The future of fair play in the NBA is on the line.

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CLARITY: New Orleans Pelicans Roster Set With Trendon Watford, Malik Dia—Who EARNS The Edge? Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans set their roster, but questions loom as battles for key roles ignite in training camp. Trendon Watford locks into the 15th roster spot with a partial guarantee, while Malik Dia impresses on a two-way contract after a standout Summer League showing. Are cost-effective signings like Watford and Dia enough to strengthen the Pelicans’ depth, or will fringe moves leave gaps in the rotation?

Jake Madison spotlights karlo Matkovic as a potential X factor at center, breaking down his three-point shooting, defensive promise, and fit alongside Zion Williamson and the rest of the core. The discussion turns to uncertainty around Jordan Poole’s future—can new head coach Jamahl Mosley revitalize Poole’s game or will his contract remain a trade chip? Roster clarity brings optimism, but will these under-the-radar players elevate the Pelicans in a highly competitive Western Conference?

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UNDERRATED SIGNING: Pelicans SECURE Trendon Watford—Will He ELEVATE the Team Behind Zion Williamson? Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans take a calculated offseason risk by signing Trendon Watford on a fully guaranteed veteran minimum deal. Can Watford’s versatile playmaking and potential as a point forward provide the depth needed behind Zion Williamson, or does his defensive inconsistency leave more questions than answers for their frontcourt?

Jake Madison breaks down the implications of Watford’s arrival, examining his fit in Jamal Mosley’s system, the significance of his LSU connection, and the impact on Bennedict Mathurin’s possible signing. Additional topics include ongoing training camp battles for two-way contracts between Kobe Bufkin, Christian Koloko, and Caleb Houstan, and whether Yves Missi could finally solve the Pelicans’ glaring center issue. With cap flexibility waning and the roster nearly set, is New Orleans ready to prove themselves—or running out of excuses in a tough NBA landscape?

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Wayfair

Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.

Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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TRANSFORMATION: Do the New Orleans Pelicans NEED to DOMINATE Early or Trust a Late-Season Run? Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans face a pivotal question: can a slow start under new head coach Jamahl Mosley turn into a real contender’s run, or will early stumbles dictate another year of missed potential? Jake Madison examines the stakes of the Pelicans’ season, focusing on how Zion Williamson’s defensive engagement, the development of Trey Murphy, Jeremiah Fears, and Derik Queen, and major shifts in defensive schemes could redefine New Orleans’ identity.

Key topics include historical cases of NBA teams turning seasons around, what truly makes late-season surges sustainable, and why this year’s tougher anti-tanking environment raises the bar for meaningful wins. With an unforgiving schedule and looming trade deadline, can the Pelicans afford to wait for things to click, or must decisive action come sooner? Find out why measuring real progress—rather than just improvement—may decide the futures of Williamson, Mosley, and the entire New Orleans Pelicans roster.

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Indeed

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Cozy Earth

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Wayfair

Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.

Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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MUST-WIN: New Orleans Pelicans Face Crucial Start—Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy MUST Deliver Early Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans face a make-or-break start as the NBA schedule drops, with Zion Williamson and company under pressure to prove this core can contend. Are early season struggles a sign it’s time to blow up the roster by the trade deadline?

Jake Madison breaks down key stretches, including a winnable opening run, brutal road trips around Mardi Gras and Europe, and the daunting slate of 16 back-to-backs. Insights focus on Jamal Mosley’s impact, expectations for Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, and the challenge of just two national TV games—both international showcases versus Victor Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs. Madison questions whether this is the last stand for the current roster and why banking early wins is essential before a punishing second half. Can the Pelicans turn national apathy into a redemption narrative, or does the schedule signal the end of an era in New Orleans?

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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Are New Orleans Pelicans Too AFRAID to Pick a Path With Zion Williamson and Derik Queen? Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans face mounting frustration as their quiet offseason sparks debate—are fans overreacting, or is the front office’s “discipline” approach a misstep? Hosts Jake Madison and Dylan Sanders break down the impact of Joe Dumars’ strategy, the team’s two-timeline dilemma, and the uncertainty surrounding key roster decisions. With Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy at the heart of trade rumors, could holding out for a blockbuster deal backfire, or is patience a virtue in a crowded Western Conference?

The conversation spotlights which Pelicans players—like Saddiq Bey, Yves Missi, and Zion Williamson—have the most at stake this season, and explores the potential for a soft rebuild. Future-focused projections raise big questions: Will the Pelicans pivot to Jeremiah Fears as a franchise cornerstone? Can Trey Murphy rise to All-Star status? Tune in for sharp NBA trade talk, bold predictions, and a candid look at New Orleans’ evolving path in the league.

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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DISCIPLINE Isn’t Inaction: New Orleans Pelicans COULD STILL Pull Off Trades This Offseason Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans hit a crossroads as trade rumors swirl around Bennedict Mathurin. Will a disciplined approach pay off, or could inaction force a rebuild sooner than expected? Jake Madison breaks down the front office’s strategy, the league-wide perception of the Pelicans as an easy target after the Derik Queen deal, and why a potential Jarrett Allen–Herb Jones swap with the Cavaliers could redefine the center rotation.

Fan excitement takes center stage as Jake Madison proposes honoring Chris Paul in the Pelicans’ 25th anniversary season and suggests bold changes like a City Edition rebrand and lowering concession prices. Can building goodwill with fresh jerseys, arena upgrades, and marketing young standouts like Yves Missi and Queen rekindle the city’s passion? Get all the insights and speculation on New Orleans’ next big moves in this essential Locked On Pelicans episode.

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Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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Joe Dumars Explains the Offseason, Why DISCIPLINE is a RISKY Bet For New Orleans Pelicans Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans’ quiet offseason sparks big questions: is Joe Dumars’ new “discipline” the right path to building around Zion Williamson? Jake Madison breaks down Dumars’ revealing interview, examining the front office’s shift from last summer’s aggressive deals—like trading for Jordan Poole and moving up for Derik Queen—to this year’s risk-averse, patient approach.

Key topics include the ongoing struggle to improve the Pelicans’ roster, unresolved issues at the center position, the impact on young prospects like Jeremiah Fears and Derrick Queen, and whether internal growth can truly deliver results. Madison also explores the dangers of prolonged patience, potential trade value risks for Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, and the possibility of pivoting to a rebuild. Will banking on internal improvement pay off, or is New Orleans simply risking another wasted season in the Zion Williamson era?

Photo Credit: New Orleans Pelicans

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Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

STRETCH TRAP: Why the Pelicans Waiving Jordan Poole WON’T Unlock Bennedict Mathurin Signing Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans confront tough CBA realities as cap-space maneuvers lose their shine. Can waiving or stretching costly contracts like Jordan Poole or Jordan Hawkins really unlock the flexibility needed to pursue Bennedict Mathurin or even Peyton Watson? Jake Madison breaks down the hidden pitfalls of stretching deals under the new NBA collective bargaining agreement and spotlights how luxury tax restrictions could stall the Pelicans’ offseason ambitions.

Key segments feature smart analysis on why trading for players like Myles Turner or Peyton Watson is more complicated than it seems—especially with Denver Nuggets' second apron limitations shutting down sign-and-trade options. Plus, Jake Madison addresses the latest Anthony Davis statements and exposes the revisionist history behind his exit from New Orleans. With Herb Jones' long-term value, looming roster uncertainties, and the constant quest for defensive identity, this episode is a must-listen for any Pelicans fan eyeing the team's next big move.

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#NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans

Everydayer Club

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

DIRECTION: Why the New Orleans Pelicans Must DEFINE Success Beyond Playoff Wins With Zion Williamson Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

New Orleans Pelicans face a pivotal crossroads—making the playoffs may not be enough. Can Zion Williamson truly become the franchise cornerstone, or is it time to hand the reins to young talents Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen?

Jake Madison unpacks what defines a successful Pelicans season beyond wins and losses, spotlighting the need for clear direction and sustainable growth. He examines Zion Williamson’s contract saga, individual player development, and the franchise’s history of fleeting postseason success. Key topics include Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver’s roster decisions, Jamal Mosley’s defensive vision, and whether Fears and Queen can anchor the next era for New Orleans. Don’t miss this deep dive into the high-stakes questions shaping the Pelicans’ future in the NBA.

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#NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed

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Cozy Earth

Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%.

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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