Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans face a turning point as Ja Morant trade rumors spark debate: can star power alone revive a struggling franchise, or is a deeper rebuild the real solution? Questions surround Morant’s fit alongside Zion Williamson, his off-court issues, and the impact on rookie development—all with massive salary cap implications looming.

Jake Madison breaks down why Morant’s arrival could inject short-term excitement but might ...

New Orleans Pelicans spiral after crushing defeats to the Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets, igniting debate over whether the trade deadline should mark a hard reset or a high-risk roster shakeup. As Jay Huff and the struggling Pacers expose the Pelicans’ weaknesses, doubt grows about the team’s belief in their current core and the viability of building around Zion Williamson.

Jake Madison spotlights the organization’s pivotal dec...

Jaren Jackson Jr. might look like the perfect blockbuster fix for the New Orleans Pelicans, but could his acquisition actually set the franchise back? Jake Madison breaks down why the former Defensive Player of the Year’s elite shot-blocking and floor-spacing don’t guarantee on-court success alongside Zion Williamson or recent draftee Derik Queen. With defensive rebounding woes, risky future draft capital, and a ballooning salary c...

New Orleans Pelicans surge past the Brooklyn Nets with Trey Murphy III's explosive 34-point performance, proving his value as the late-game closer the team desperately needed. With Zion Williamson coming alive in the third quarter and Yves Missi injecting crucial energy off the bench, Jake Madison highlights how the Pelicans are redefining their closing strategy and carving out a new team identity.

Key topics include Murphy’s All-S...

New Orleans Pelicans fall short to the Denver Nuggets, raising tough questions about late-game execution and defensive effort. Without a reliable closer, the Pelicans struggle to fend off Jamal Murray's clutch scoring, while Trey Murphy racks up 31 points but can’t secure the win. Can the team find a dependable scorer when the pressure mounts, or will fourth quarter woes continue to haunt their playoff ambitions?

Jake Madison break...

New Orleans Pelicans risk repeating the Atlanta Hawks’ biggest mistake: mistaking a brief surge for true contender status. Can the Pelicans avoid falling into the same trap that led Atlanta to years of mediocrity and the eventual loss of Trae Young for minimal return? Jake Madison draws sharp parallels between the Pelicans’ current optimism and the Hawks’ ill-fated post-2021 Conference Finals decisions, questioning whether New Orle...

New Orleans Pelicans fans get a glimpse of the future as Trey Murphy’s star-level leap and breakout performances from rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears fuel hope for the franchise. Can this young core help the Pelicans escape their roster woes and drive the team toward contention?

Jake Madison breaks down Trey Murphy’s expanded offensive arsenal, improved ball handling, and elevated rebounding that position him as a cornerston...

New Orleans Pelicans eye a game-changing future with major Smoothie King Center and Champions Square renovations—could this bold move transform how the city supports its NBA team? Jake Madison unpacks the organization's ambitious plans, spotlighting the push for a long-term lease to secure the franchise's future in New Orleans, and the potential for a revitalized sports and entertainment district to attract fans of all kinds.

Trade...

New Orleans Pelicans unravel against the Atlanta Hawks as half-court offense stalls and roster inconsistencies pile up. Can the front office deliver the fixes this team desperately needs? Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, and rookie Jeremiah Fears struggle to make an impact while missing key shooters like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones amplifies the team's lack of firepower.

Jake Madison scrutinizes the Pelicans' ongoing transition woes, ...

New Orleans Pelicans squander Trey Murphy III's electrifying 42-point outburst in a fourth quarter collapse against the Los Angeles Lakers. Trade rumors swirl as roster flaws are exposed, raising urgent questions about the team’s future direction and front office decision-making.

Jake Madison spotlights Murphy's breakout performance, Derik Queen's promising moments, and issues with Zion Williamson's impact and Jordan Poole's strugg...

New Orleans Pelicans face an uncertain future as Zion Williamson’s contract situation tightens the organization’s options. Is the team stuck with a star whose on-court performance and unique contract structure make moving on nearly impossible? The episode spotlights Zion’s playing time, the intricacies of his rolling guarantees, and why playing well may inadvertently force the Pelicans into an uncomfortable corner—unable to trade, ...

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...

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 ...

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 s...

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 la...

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 opti...

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...

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 lineu...

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 Kla...