Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans face a turning point as trade season heats up—could tearing down the roster jeopardize the growth of rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen? Should Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones stay to support the team's future, or will pressure mount for a fire sale ahead of the NBA Draft? Jake Madison breaks down the impact of keeping veteran talent and why development around core prospects must remain a top priority. Hot topics include rumored trade interest in Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, the realistic market for Jose Alvarado, and the latest buzz around Zion Williamson’s long-term value. With insights on salary cap strategy, team culture, and the importance of avoiding a hasty rebuild, this episode explores what it will take for the Pelicans to return to winning basketball and build a competitive core for next season. Is patience the key, or should New Orleans shake up the roster now? Join the Locked On Pelicans Insiders: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonpelicans Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOPelicans?sid=YouTube Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA #NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! SKIMS Shop SKIMS Men’s now at https://SKIMS.com. When you place your order, choose “podcast” in the post-purchase survey and select our show from the dropdown to let them know we sent you. The SKIMS Holiday Shop is open — so if you’re looking for the perfect gift this season, SKIMS has you covered. Gusto Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/lockedonNBA and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Rugiet Visit https://rugiet.com/lockedonnba to get 15% off your first order. And don’t forget to use our code LOCKEDONNBA so they know we sent you. Rugiet — stop making excuses and start making moves. Rocket Money Take control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money. Go to https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON today. Wayfair Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

New Orleans Pelicans shine as Jeremiah Fears dominates his Chicago homecoming, powering the team to a 114-104 victory over the Bulls. Did the rookie just prove he’s ready to be a franchise cornerstone? With 20 points—including a clutch 10 in the fourth quarter—and defensive grit, Fears sparks questions about the team’s future ceiling. Jake Madison spotlights Zion Williamson’s unique bench role, Karlo Matkovic's surprising impact, and James Borrego’s evolving game management strategy. The analysis highlights improvements in pace, defensive rebounding, and the team’s developing on-court identity amid injuries and roster changes. Trade season heats up, leaving fans to wonder: will the Pelicans shake things up or build around their promising rookie core? Don’t miss insights on New Orleans’ competitive edge and what these performances mean for next season. Join the Locked On Pelicans Insiders: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonpelicans Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOPelicans?sid=YouTube Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA #NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! SKIMS Shop SKIMS Men’s now at https://SKIMS.com. When you place your order, choose “podcast” in the post-purchase survey and select our show from the dropdown to let them know we sent you. The SKIMS Holiday Shop is open — so if you’re looking for the perfect gift this season, SKIMS has you covered. Gusto Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/lockedonNBA and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Rugiet Visit https://rugiet.com/lockedonnba to get 15% off your first order. And don’t forget to use our code LOCKEDONNBA so they know we sent you. Rugiet — stop making excuses and start making moves. Rocket Money Take control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money. Go to https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON today. Wayfair Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

New Orleans Pelicans break their seven-game losing streak with a statement 143-120 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, powered by Jordan Poole’s lively return and a record-setting 88 points in the paint. Bryce McGowans shines with a career night against his former squad, while Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears continue to validate the front office’s strong talent evaluation. The episode breaks down how the Pelicans’ young core and improved floor spacing spark optimism amid lingering injuries and trade rumors. With a fast-paced matchup against the struggling Chicago Bulls on deck, can New Orleans capitalize on newfound momentum and push toward playoff contention?

Are the New Orleans Pelicans primed to follow the Denver Nuggets’ championship model, building around Derik Queen’s versatile playmaking? This episode spotlights Queen’s impact as a central hub for the Pelicans’ offense and compares his development to Nikola Jokic’s, exploring how Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Jeremiah Fears fit into a winning roster. Timely injury news on Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole adds intrigue ahead of a critical game versus the Portland Trail Blazers, while defensive improvements and lineup strategy become key discussion points. Can New Orleans seize momentum and establish a pathway to long-term NBA success?

Derik Queen gives New Orleans Pelicans fans a reason to smile, delivering dominant performances—including a recent 33-point triple-double—that position him as the franchise’s future centerpiece. With Zion Williamson’s injuries casting uncertainty, the focus shifts to whether the Pelicans should reshape their roster around Queen and his dynamic partnership with Trey Murphy. The discussion covers building effective lineups, Jeremiah Fears’ fit at point guard, optimal guard rotations as Jordan Poole nears his return, and how Bryce McGowans is emerging as a valuable bench piece. Hot topics also include potential trades involving Trey Murphy or Dejounte Murray, and whether the Pelicans should move past the Zion era altogether. This analysis breaks down why committing to Derik Queen could be the key to reigniting New Orleans’ playoff ambitions.