Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans

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 league-wide reputation? Does Yves Missi’s shot-blocking or Dejounte Murray’s return to form give the Pelicans more depth than expected? Jake spotlights the franchise’s history with Peja Stojaković’s legacy, adding context to New Orleans’ quest for a new era of basketball excellence.

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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 for sustainable success. Plus, Jake Madison spotlights David Wesley’s impact on New Orleans NBA history as the countdown of the top 25 players continues. Can the Pelicans capitalize on the new NBA landscape, or is the risk of going "all in" still looming?

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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 wings. Jake Madison highlights Jones’ impact, plus reflects on Rajon Rondo’s dramatic but brief ranking among the franchise’s best—thanks to orchestrating one of just two playoff series wins in team history. Will the Pelicans’ bets pay off as the new NBA season approaches?

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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. 19 in Pelicans history—debating production versus fan connection. Is this the year New Orleans finally unlocks its full potential at center? Find out what it means for Pelicans fans and the upcoming season.

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New Orleans Pelicans’ center Yves Missi dominates FIBA World Cup qualifying with Cameroon—could his breakout performance finally solve the Pelicans’ biggest roster issue at center? Jake Madison breaks down Missi’s eye-popping stats, his surge as a rim protector and rebounder, and why his continued development could be the answer New Orleans desperately needs. Updates on Christian Koloko and Karlo Matković’s international play, plus key insights into the team’s ongoing search for physicality in the paint, spotlight the Pelicans’ offseason priorities.

Bennedict Mathurin’s free agency status shifts as the Clippers withdraw their qualifying offer, paving the way for his $16 million deal with the Pelicans, pending an imminent trade involving Jordan Hawkins. Jake explores the ripple effects on New Orleans’ salary cap and long-term planning, examining future roster moves and potential challenges. The countdown of the top 25 Pelicans players continues, with fan favorite Jose Alvarado earning a spot for his relentless energy and iconic playoff moments.

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New Orleans Pelicans bet on Bennedict Mathurin’s untapped potential rather than instant stardom. Can the 24-year-old wing evolve from a straight-line scorer into a legitimate secondary creator like DeMar DeRozan or Jaylen Brown? Jake Madison examines how Mathurin’s rim pressure, if paired with smarter playmaking, could unlock a deeper offensive arsenal for the Pelicans and reshape their rotation.

Roster pressure mounts as salary cap concerns and luxury tax calculations force difficult decisions on players like Jordan Poole and Jordan Hawkins. Jake Madison unpacks which move makes the most sense and breaks down Jonas Valanciunas’ overlooked legacy as a reliable, productive center whose departure leaves a glaring hole in New Orleans’ frontcourt. Don’t miss key insights into the Pelicans’ evolving strategy, looming roster changes, and what Mathurin’s growth could mean for the franchise’s future.

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New Orleans Pelicans land Bennedict Mathurin on a bargain deal, but where does he fit in the rotation? Can Mathurin’s elite ability to draw fouls ignite the Pelicans’ offense, or will his defensive struggles and shooting limitations cause new headaches?

Jake Madison breaks down the impact of the two-year, $16 million contract for Mathurin, comparing it to past moves like Julius Randle’s prove-it deal. Core topics include Mathurin’s potential as a sixth man, how his ball dominance affects young prospects Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, and the tough roster and cap decisions the front office faces. Plus, get a throwback comparison to Tyreke Evans and a thoughtful analysis of the balance between player development and win-now urgency. Can Joe Dumars’ disciplined approach finally pay off for the Pelicans, or will risky fits hold the team back in the competitive Western Conference?

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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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New Orleans Pelicans weigh a costly Bennedict Mathurin pursuit as roster questions mount. With trade talks centering on Jordan Hawkins and a looming early September deadline, salary cap maneuvering and potential draft pick sacrifices threaten to reshape the team’s future. Can the Pelicans navigate complex sign-and-trade logistics to land Mathurin without crippling their flexibility?

Jake Madison breaks down the price tag of adding Mathurin, the impact of Trendon Watford’s signing, and why Memphis Grizzlies might be the key trade partner. Plus, Jake Madison reacts to The Athletic ranking the Pelicans 28th, questioning whether head coach Jamahl Mosley can transform a 56-loss roster or if deeper change is needed. The episode also spotlights Emeka Okafor’s underrated legacy in New Orleans’ top 25 countdown. Will coaching, internal development, or bold front office moves define the Pelicans’ direction this season?

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New Orleans Pelicans’ relentless rim pressure fuels one of the NBA’s top free throw rates—but can Zion Williamson and company convert those aggressive drives into more three-point opportunities? Jake Madison breaks down how maximizing trips to the line should be central to the Pelicans’ identity, but warns that a lack of outside shooting remains a major roadblock for unlocking the team’s full offensive potential.

Key topics include how Zion’s ability to get into the bonus early changes defenses, the need for wings like Trey Murphy and Saddiq Bey to increase three-point attempts, and why Joe Dumars and Jamahl Mosley must balance physicality with spacing to avoid stagnation. Plus, the episode spotlights Eric Gordon at #24 on the franchise countdown, reliving his injury-plagued run and complicated legacy in New Orleans. Can this Pelicans roster finally blend rim attacks with a modern perimeter arsenal?

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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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New Orleans Pelicans land a harsh ranking from CBS Sports—just 29th out of 30 NBA front offices. Can Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver silence the doubters? Jake Madison breaks down the criticism, spotlighting the lack of clear vision in building around Zion Williamson, rookie Derik Queen, and rising talent Jeremiah Fears. Is running it back with a 26-win formula the right call, or will this prove costly for players like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones?

Rotation questions loom large as Jamal Mosley takes the reins. Should Fears and Queen command major roles, and can their development align with immediate playoff hopes? Key topics include potential Zion-Queen compatibility, pressures of a two-timeline strategy, long-term roster value, and why the Pelicans’ direction remains in question. Plus, Jake Madison kicks off his countdown of New Orleans’ top 25 franchise players—starting with Greivis Vasquez. Will vision finally translate to winning basketball for the Pelicans?

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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.

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)

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