Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans struggle to find their identity as lineup questions loom and defensive woes persist. Can a shakeup—possibly featuring Herb Jones over Jeremiah Fears—unleash the true potential of Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Dejounte Murray?

Nick Angstadt and Dylan Sanders fill in for new dad Jake Madison to break down the Pelicans’ opening loss to the Pacers, spotlighting the challenges with ball movement, lack of spacing, and concerns over defense with key players being hunted on the perimeter. The analysis explores Jordan Poole’s adjusted role in a contract year, the promising but inconsistent showings...

New Orleans Pelicans fall to the Indiana Pacers as Zion Williamson’s scoring and electric threes can’t overcome old offensive woes. Can Jamahl Mosley’s squad fix their half-court struggles before it’s too late?

Jake Madison spotlights the Pelicans’ troubled starting lineup, the benching of Herb Jones, and critical issues with spacing and turnovers. Analysis covers the Pacers’ dominance in the paint, defensive lapses that allowed Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin to feast, and how missed opportunities on both ends doomed New Orleans in crunch time. Key positives include standout performances from Yves Missi on the boards a...

New Orleans Pelicans face a potential starting lineup shakeup as Jeremiah Fears’s breakout preseason performances put Herb Jones’s spot in jeopardy. With head coach Jamal Mosley considering both Fears and Dejounte Murray in the backcourt, and the offense sputtering in preseason, big decisions loom on opening night against the Indiana Pacers. Will defensive identity or offensive upside define the new-look Pelicans lineup?

Jake Madison breaks down what to expect from the Pelicans’ rotation, the implications of Tyrese Haliburton’s “disrespectful” comments, and how Mosley’s urgency—evaluating in five-game segments—could spark rapid adjustments all season. Key discus...

New Orleans Pelicans revamp their defense under Jamahl Mosley—could this be the key to unlocking their playoff potential? After years of switching 1-5, the Pelicans implement sharper rules, focusing on switching 1-3 and keeping bigs like Yves Missi in the paint. The defense not only looks more disciplined, but is also forcing turnovers, creating fast-break opportunities for explosive talents like Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray.

Jake Madison breaks down the nuances of Mosley’s approach: aggressive help defenders, prioritizing paint protection over perimeter shooting, and improved defensive rebounding fundamentals. Can the Pelicans’ new-found transition defense hold up aga...

Who are the BEST and WORST teams in the NBA heading into the 2026-27 season? With opening night just around the corner, Locked On NBA Daily reveals its official 30-team NBA Power Rankings, organized into S-through-F tiers!

Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize unveil rankings voted on by hosts from all 30 Locked On NBA team podcasts, debating the biggest surprises, overrated contenders and underrated playoff hopefuls.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and defending champion New York Knicks headline the exclusive S Tier. But do Victor Wembanyama's Spurs belong alongside the NBA's elite?

New Orleans Pelicans unveil their high-octane identity with a thrilling 107-106 preseason win over the Washington Wizards as Jeremiah Fears rockets into the spotlight. Can Fears’ relentless pace, sharp playmaking, and defensive hustle transform the Pelicans’ offense and unlock Zion Williamson’s full potential?

Jake Madison breaks down how the Pelicans’ second unit—powered by Saddiq Bey, Bennedict Mathurin, Karlo Matkovic, and Jordan Poole—sparked a game-changing run and forced crucial turnovers. Key topics include the ongoing concerns with three-point shooting, Matkovic’s impact on lineup versatility, and Zion’s evolving shot selection. Madison also questions whether Coach Jamal Mosl...

New Orleans Pelicans find themselves erased from NBA relevance as the latest GM survey barely mentions the franchise. Can Zion Williamson’s make-or-break season finally change league perception, or is it time to pivot to a rebuild around Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen? Jake Madison dissects how the NBA’s top executives see the Pelicans—highlighting troubling signals for Herb Jones, Jamahl Mosley’s unproven impact, and the roster’s uncertain direction.

Key talking points include Zion’s health versus actual team results, the lost luster of All-Defense talent Herb Jones, and why New Orleans must choose between genu...

New Orleans Pelicans surge as Jeremiah Fears flashes star potential on his 20th birthday, shaking up the team’s outlook after a 101-97 preseason win over the Dallas Mavericks. Can Fears’ dynamic scoring and playmaking redefine what’s possible for New Orleans this season—and push the franchise down a new path?

Jake Madison breaks down Fears’ standout night, the impact of a bold starting lineup experiment, and what improved defensive intensity means for the Pelicans’ identity. Key talking points include Zion Williamson’s efficient but uneven usage, the ongoing fit dilemma with Derik Queen, and how Karlo Matkovic...

New Orleans Pelicans face a win-now mandate as owner Gayle Benson sends a clear message: losing is no longer acceptable. Can Joe Dumars and Jamahl Mosley steer Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones to immediate success, or will the relentless push for short-term results jeopardize the franchise’s long-term future?

Jake Madison spotlights Benson’s candid comments, questions whether the Pelicans can avoid a forced rebuild, and weighs the risks of prioritizing playoff contention over development. Key topics include Bennedict Mathurin’s signing, trade deadline scenarios, and the mounting pressure on the current core. Plus, the show s...

New Orleans Pelicans' bench unit powers preseason surge—can they mask the starters’ struggles and spark a playoff run? Jake Madison breaks down the explosive production from Jordan Poole, Bennedict Mathurin, Saddiq Bey, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears, noting the reserves’ league-leading 72 points per game and red-hot three-point shooting. Are these offensive fireworks enough to offset the starting lineup’s spacing and defensive woes?

Key topics include the blueprint from the Pelicans’ 49-win season, concerns about the second unit’s defense compared to past lineups featuring Jose Alvarado and Trey Murphy III, and Coach Jamahl Mosley’s looming rotati...

New Orleans Pelicans spark controversy as Derik Queen echoes Zion Williamson’s “stay over there” message to doubters, despite the team’s lack of postseason success. Are bold words fueling more pressure on a franchise still searching for credibility?

Jake Madison dissects the Pelicans’ attitude problem, spotlighting Queen’s deleted tweet and Zion’s repeated call-outs to fans. Key topics include frustrations over unfinished business since the 2018 playoff win, persistent issues like poor offensive spacing and defensive lapses, and fan pushback after back-to-back 20-win seasons. The episode also highlights how Saints safety Justin Reed and trainer Kris Crisp mishandl...

New Orleans Pelicans’ offensive woes persist as preseason spacing issues resurface. Can Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy lead the turnaround, or will the team rely too heavily on unlikely heroes like Jordan Poole and Bennedict Mathurin? Jake Madison scrutinizes the Pelicans' 128-118 loss to the Miami Heat, spotlighting the impact of poor spacing, mid-range reliance, and concerning turnover rates on New Orleans’ offensive identity.

Key storylines include standout showings from Jeremiah Fears and Jaron Pierre Jr., whose shooting and versatility may be vital to the Pelicans’ success. Jake Madison breaks down Derrik Queen’s struggles, the defense's failure...

New Orleans Pelicans struggle to define their identity as preseason questions mount. Can Zion Williamson’s role finally be maximized, or are fans in for another year of uncertainty?

Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans’ lackluster performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, raising concerns about stagnant offense, defensive lapses, and the recurring dilemma of how to utilize Zion Williamson effectively. The episode spotlights disappointing starter stats, highlights promising second-unit combos featuring Jeremiah Fears and Benedict Mathurin, and scrutinizes Jamal Mosley’s early challenges as head coach. With an upcoming test against the Miami Heat—known for their Heat Cul...

The New Orleans Pelicans opened preseason with a 116-110 comeback win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the final score hides a major concern. Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Yves Missi struggled badly together, with poor spacing and defensive breakdowns against an undermanned Thunder team. If this is going to be the Pelicans’ starting five, Jamahl Mosley has work to do.

The good news? The bench completely changed the game. Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole and Bennedict Mathurin helped fuel the comeback, while New Orleans also showed real improvement on the defensive gl...

New Orleans Pelicans face a make-or-break preseason as Zion Williamson and the revamped roster are urged to treat every game like the regular season is already underway. Can the Pelicans finally shake their reputation for slow starts, or will early missteps doom another campaign? Jake Madison spotlights the urgency of banking wins early, breaking down critical lineup decisions, the integration of Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, and why preseason intensity could shape the team’s playoff fate.

Key topics include head coach Jamal Mosley’s defensive overhaul, the evolving guard rotation, and whether Saddiq Bey or Herb Jone...

New Orleans Pelicans face a bold shift: Zion Williamson's jump shot could lower his personal stats but unlock a stronger offense. Is the sacrifice of efficiency the key to true team success?

Jake Madison breaks down why adding a jumper to Zion Williamson’s arsenal may actually drop his points per game and true shooting percentage, but create better floor spacing and shot opportunities for teammates like Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, Derik Queen, and Trey Murphy. Major talking points include the math behind Zion’s elite rim efficiency, how opponents defend him, and the small yet vital chan...

New Orleans Pelicans face a turning point as head coach Jamahl Mosley unveils a strategy to fix last season’s defensive rebounding woes, putting the spotlight on team rebounding over relying solely on the center position. Can Mosley’s approach—proven in Orlando—transform Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Dejounte Murray into an elite defensive unit, or will a renewed focus on team defense sacrifice the Pelicans’ fast-break, transition-heavy offense?

Jake Madison breaks down the trade-offs between locking down the defensive glass and maintaining offensive pace, using advanced stats and Mosley’s historical trends with the Orlando Magic. Plus...

New Orleans Pelicans embrace a “win at all costs” mentality as demands for sacrifice take center stage. Will Zion Williamson and Derik Queen adjust their games for the greater good? Jake Madison spotlights the recurring themes of buy-in, accountability, and alignment coming out of Media Day and training camp, questioning if talk of teamwork will translate to winning results on the court.

Key discussions include Jamal Mosley’s impact on team chemistry, defensive buy-in from stars like Trey Murphy and Dejounte Murray, and how the front office’s vision is echoed throughout the organization. Can the Pelicans finally...

New Orleans Pelicans face a crossroads as Zion Williamson enters a true make-or-break season. Is this Zion’s last chance to prove he’s the franchise cornerstone, or will recurring injuries and postseason absences define his legacy? Jake Madison highlights Zion’s candid admission—“I’m not where I want to be”—and examines what this new mindset means for the Pelicans’ playoff ambitions.

Key topics include the Pelicans’ disciplined approach to contract extensions, the stakes of Zion’s leadership and conditioning, and how the team’s front office is managing salary cap flexibility in the modern NBA. Jake Madison also e...

New Orleans Pelicans erase excuses: Playoffs are the benchmark, with internal growth and coaching upgrades raising the stakes. Can Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray deliver on heightened expectations as Joe Dumars, Jamal Mosley, and a revamped roster aim to silence doubters?

Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans’ assertive playoff push following media day, spotlighting Bennedict Mathurin, Trendon Watford, and AJ Johnson as key additions. The conversation covers Jamal Mosley’s potential to raise the team’s defensive floor, the crucial impact of starting the season fully healthy, and whether this group finally has the toughness and leadership needed...

New Orleans Pelicans face a season of reckoning: is this core built to contend, or is another reset looming? Jake Madison spotlights the franchise’s Media Day, pinpointing the burning questions confronting Joe Dumars, Zion Williamson, and Jamahl Mosley. Will Dumars’ shift from aggression to discipline set the tone, and what must this team show to justify sticking with Zion, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and emerging talents like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears?

Insightful queries focus on Zion Williamson’s self-perception, offseason evolution, and leadership responsibilities, while Jamahl Mosley is pressed about transforming the Pelicans’ defensive identity and offe...

New Orleans Pelicans face major questions after ESPN ranks Zion Williamson just outside the NBA’s top 50, fueling doubts about the team’s star power and playoff potential. Can Zion reclaim elite status and silence critics, or will New Orleans struggle without a true top-tier presence? Trey Murphy also lands at 57, raising the stakes for his much-anticipated breakout year—does he have what it takes to emerge as a cornerstone scorer?

Jake Madison breaks down what these rankings mean for the Pelicans’ roster construction, Jamal Mosley’s first-year coaching challenge, and where players like Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, and...

New Orleans Pelicans double down on Dejounte Murray—find out why he could be untouchable despite limited trade chatter and recent injuries. Jake Madison breaks down Murray’s unique value as a steadying playmaker, defensive presence, and clutch performer the Pelicans desperately need alongside Zion Williamson, Jeremiah Fears, and Derik Queen. Can Murray’s leadership and on-ball skills unlock New Orleans’ offense, especially with questions swirling about shooting depth and half-court execution?

The discussion turns to Joe Dumars’s job security and the Pelicans’ organizational patience. Madison explores what it would take for management to consider a shakeup, fac...

New Orleans Pelicans pump the brakes on blockbuster center trades—are they hedging their bets or just biding time? Jake Madison examines why the Pelicans remain hesitant to pull the trigger on deals for Jalen Duren and Domantas Sabonis, spotlighting the complexities of sign-and-trade scenarios, salary cap challenges, and why Detroit’s asking price is all about Trey Murphy. With Sabonis’ fit and winning impact questioned, the front office’s cautious approach raises big questions about belief in this roster and the looming possibility of a major rebuild.

Key topics include the Pelicans’ offseason strategy, the importance of future...

New Orleans Pelicans face a defining season: is simply "winning games" enough to measure success, or does the roster need a new direction? Jake Madison tackles whether a playoff appearance is the baseline or if clarity around young stars like Zion Williamson, Jeremiah Fears, and Derik Queen is the true marker for progress. Does Jamahl Mosley’s defensive vision finally raise the team’s floor, and will Zion remind everyone why the franchise continues to build around him?

Key segments highlight emerging offensive identities with Benedict Mathurin, the unresolved questions about roster construction, and what’s at stake...

New Orleans Pelicans face a season of uncertainty as trade clocks tick for Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and more. Can the front office maximize value before the NBA trade deadline, or will tough decisions reshape the roster for the future? Jake Madison weighs the pros and cons of moving stars like Zion and Jordan Poole midseason versus offseason, exploring contract structures, salary cap flexibility, and potential cap space for free agency moves.

Key topics include the impact of Saddiq Bey’s extension, the untouchable status of Jeremiah Fears and Derek Queen, Yves Missi’s trade valu...

New Orleans Pelicans make a major commitment to Saddiq Bey with a 3-year, $55.5 million extension featuring a notable trade kicker. Is this a game-changer for their roster flexibility? Jake Madison breaks down what this move signals for Saddiq Bey’s future, the Pelicans’ approach to team building, and how it affects the squad’s salary cap options—especially with the looming Bennedict Mathurin extension and luxury tax pressures.

Key topics include the ongoing challenge of defensive rebounding—can Jamahl Mosley fix the third-worst defensive rebounding rate in the NBA without true board dominators?—and a countdown of the franchis...

New Orleans Pelicans make a bold bet on Jamahl Mosley to transform their struggling defense—despite a roster lacking proven stoppers. Can Mosley’s coaching blueprint raise the team’s defensive floor, or will limited personnel cap their potential against the NBA’s best offenses?

Jake Madison spotlights the coaching impact seen with Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks and Jason Kidd’s Bucks, exploring how systematic changes can propel teams up the defensive rankings. The episode questions whether Mosley can replicate such success without key acquisitions like Houston’s addition of Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet. Plus, Jake Madison breaks...

New Orleans Pelicans' awkward roster may finally find its rhythm under Jamahl Mosley’s fast-paced transition strategy. Can playing up-tempo unlock Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and Herb Jones despite the team’s lack of shooting and clunky half-court fit? Jake Madison argues that Mosley’s hard-earned lessons from the Orlando Magic—where ramping up transition play significantly boosted offensive efficiency—are exactly what New Orleans needs to avoid half-court struggles and maximize their unique talents.

Key topics include the fit of Derik Queen and Zion Williamson, Herb Jones’ underappreciated value in transition, and how forcing turnovers and defensive re...

New Orleans Pelicans gamble on continuity as Jamal Mosley steps in as head coach. With the roster virtually unchanged and Bennedict Mathurin the only notable addition, can a coaching swap turn around last season’s 26-win disappointment—or will the front office face tough questions about its decision-making?

Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans’ high-stakes evaluation year, ownership’s role in running it back, and the impact on fan morale. Discussion covers why results must matter for Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and the entire core, plus the franchise’s history of hesitancy to commit to a true rebuild or...

Can Jamal Mosley transform Bennedict Mathurin into a reliable defender, unlocking the New Orleans Pelicans’ full potential? Jake Madison examines how Mathurin’s inconsistent defensive habits could define both his future in New Orleans and the team’s lineup flexibility. With a scoring punch already established, Mathurin’s evolution, even to just an average defender, holds the key to more balanced rotations alongside Zion Williamson, Jeremiah Fears, and Derick Queen.

Jake Madison breaks down key stats, on-off numbers, and Mathurin’s struggles in pick-and-roll and spot-up defensive scenarios, raising questions about scheme fit and Mosley’s coaching impact. The...

New Orleans Pelicans face tough lineup questions as training camp approaches. Can Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Fears share the backcourt, or will the front office be forced to choose between competing now and developing young talent? Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy seem locked in as starters, but uncertainties loom over the starting center spot between Yves Misi and Derik Queen.

Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans’ rotation puzzle, Bennedict Mathurin’s scoring fit, and whether Jordan Poole’s shooting justifies a significant role. Insightful stats on player impact, defensive concerns, and Trendon Watford’s under-the-radar signing...

New Orleans Pelicans signal an offseason pause after the Bennedict Mathurin signing and Jordan Hawkins–Micah Peavy trade, but trade deadline fireworks may still be coming. Are Joe Dumars and company setting up for a bigger pivot if this roster underperforms again, or is continuity the new game plan in the Big Easy? Host Jake Madison breaks down the salary cap crunch, the perils of the luxury tax, and why future draft picks remain off-limits.

Who snags the final roster spot: AJ Johnson, Coby Bufkin, Caleb Houstan, or Christian Koloko? Madison ranks the candidates, evaluates the team’s wi...

New Orleans Pelicans sacrifice roster flexibility in a bold move to secure Bennedict Mathurin on a two-year, $16 million deal. Is Mathurin’s arrival worth the opportunity cost, and how will it shape the Pelicans’ future moves? Jake Madison breaks down the multi-team trade sending Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, and draft assets out to free up cap space—highlighting how financial decisions, not basketball strategy, are driving front office action.

Key topics include the true price of acquiring Mathurin, the loss of NBA-ready defender Peavy, and the persistent luxury tax barrier hampering New Orleans’ trade flexibility. Madison spotlights how Math...

New Orleans Pelicans set clear benchmarks for success as Jamahl Mosley takes the helm. Can improved transition defense and smarter shot selection ignite a turnaround for Zion Williamson and company?

Jake Madison spotlights Mosley’s mandate: tighten up transition defense and create more efficient offensive looks. With Dejounte Murray’s arrival, the Pelicans aim to cut down costly turnovers and leverage rim pressure from Zion, Bennedict Mathurin, and Derik Queen. The episode dissects how Mosley’s Orlando Magic teams excelled in defensive structure and what New Orleans must learn to avoid surrendering easy buckets. Plus, CJ McCollum’s leader...

New Orleans Pelicans navigate luxury tax hurdles to finalize the Bennedict Mathurin signing. With the roster at capacity and cap space narrowing, a potential three-team trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies and Jordan Hawkins could clear the way—will Memphis play hardball, or is a deal already lined up? Jake Madison examines the financial maneuvering, key trade mechanics, and the implications for the Pelicans’ rotation and future draft assets.

Micah Peavy’s breakout potential is put under the microscope as concerns mount about his offensive game. Can his elite defense keep him in the lineup, or will his shooti...

New Orleans Pelicans’ roster ranking sparks heated debate: is Trey Murphy the team’s new top star, or can Zion Williamson reclaim his crown? Jake Madison breaks down who truly stands out among Pelicans players—Murphy, Williamson, Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray, Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Bennedict Mathurin, and Jordan Poole—and challenges listeners to build their own top-7 list for the 2026-27 season.

With only three Pelicans likely to make the NBA’s Top 100—Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, and Herb Jones—the conversation shifts to dark-horse candidates with breakout potential. Can Jeremiah Fears or Derik Queen dramatically boost their le...

NBA drops the hammer on the Los Angeles Clippers with an unprecedented penalty: five first-round picks forfeited, a $30 million fine for Steve Ballmer, and sweeping executive suspensions. Can small-market teams like the New Orleans Pelicans finally breathe easier in the era of strict salary cap enforcement?

Jake Madison breaks down why this Clippers scandal is a game-changer for competitive balance and what it means for franchises without deep pockets. Key topics include the long-term dangers of mortgaging future draft picks, the chilling effect on aggressive star-chasing moves, and why the Pelicans’ patient approach may set them up fo...

New Orleans Pelicans double down on Trey Murphy III’s star potential, placing a premium on his future in the NBA. Is Murphy primed for an All-Star leap, or have the Pelicans overplayed their hand? Jake Madison breaks down The Athletic’s latest wing rankings with Murphy at No. 12 and explains why New Orleans rejected major offers to keep him. Key stats, contract implications, and the team’s bold vision set the stage for a make-or-break season.

Are the Pelicans undervaluing Herb Jones? Despite anchoring New Orleans’ defense and consistently winning his minutes, Jones lands just No. 29 among wi...

New Orleans Pelicans face a pivotal decision at center—can Karlo Matkovic’s versatile offensive arsenal finally solve the team’s biggest weakness? Jake Madison examines Matkovic’s unique skill set, from floor-spacing threes to explosive lob finishes, and questions why he remains buried in the rotation while the Pelicans’ search for answers continues.

Key topics include how Matkovic’s shooting, ball handling, and defensive versatility could reimagine lineups alongside Zion Williamson and Derik Queen. Jake Madison also discusses the latest City Edition jersey leaks and the franchise’s need for a fresh identity, plus ranks Ryan Anderson at No...