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The Pelicans' 2024-25 schedule has arrived, and hosts Raphael and Garrick Rattler dig into what might be the NBA's toughest slate of games this season. With brutal honesty and sharp analysis, they break down how New Orleans cleverly embraced their challenging circumstances by while signaling their determination to control their own destiny.

The conversation centers on the murderer's row of opponents the Pelicans face in their first ten games, including matchups against Memphis, Wembanyama's Spurs, the champion Celtics, Denver, the Clippers, and OKC. 

Only two nationally televised games all season reflects how the NBA views the Pelicans' relevance, but this could serve as powerful motivation for a roster featuring Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, and newcomers Jordan Poole and Sadiq Bey. The brothers highlight key schedule stretches, including emotional homecomings when Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum return to New Orleans in March.

The discussion underscores a critical message for the Pelicans' success: start strong and establish position early rather than relying on late-season heroics. With 15 back-to-backs and constant questions about Zion's availability, this team's playoff hopes hinge on consistent health and performance from the opening tip. 

Make sure you're locked in with us. Follow us on Twitter/X, IG, and TikTok at NO_basketball (no E). Like the episode below and if you're not already, subscribe to the channel.

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In this episode, we break down a ranked look at which Pelicans players need to grow the most heading into the 2025 NBA season. From Zion Williamson’s leadership and health to Trey Murphy’s shot at becoming a two-way star, we explore which individual leaps will matter most if New Orleans wants to shake the league’s current narrative.

🔍 Topics include:

• Can Trey Murphy take a defensive leap?
• What growth is expected from Herb Jones & Jordan Hawkins?
• How important are Yves Missi & Karlo Matkovic’s physical development?
• What version of Jordan Poole shows up this season?
• Why Willie Green’s rotation decisions will define the year

Whether you’re a Pelicans die-hard or an NBA fan tracking young cores, this episode offers smart insight on what must go right in New Orleans.

🟢 Follow, rate, and share if you enjoy Pelicans coverage and NBA deep dives!

#NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #TreyMurphy #NBA2025 #NBApodcast #PelicansPodcast #NBAYoungCores #PlayerDevelopment #BasketballBreakdown

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If the season tipped off today, what would the New Orleans Pelicans’ lineup look like? In this episode, we dive into the projected starting five, bench rotation, and the lineup combinations that could define the season.

🔹 Is Zion the real point guard? Can Herb Jones shooting return?

🔹 Will Jordan Poole defend well enoughs?

Then we break down the biggest bench battles

— Backup PG: Jeremiah Fears vs. Jose Alvarado

— Can Derik Queen be a true offensive hub off the bench?

— What role do Jordan Hawkins, Saddiq Bey, and Karlo Matkovic play?

— How does Kevon Looney fit into the rotation?

We also look at lineup versatility, defense, rebounding concerns, and how this roster fits together—on paper and in real time.

Subscribe for more Pelicans analysis, NBA roster breakdowns, and weekly coverage heading into the 2025 season.

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In this episode, we dive into key takeaways from Summer League and how Derik Queen’s wrist injury changes the outlook for the Pelicans heading into training camp.

🔹 What Queen’s absence means for the Pelicans frontcourt

Then we zoom out to the big picture:

• Can the Pelicans shake the narrative that they’ve “bombed” the offseason?

• What has to go right for this new-look roster to work?

• Zion, Trey Murphy, and Jordan Poole must lead on both ends

• Can Jeremiah Fears carve out a role? Is Jose Alvarado his perfect camp mentor?

We break down the roster overhaul, rotation questions, and what the Pelicans need to reclaim their defensive identity and prove the doubters wrong.

Subscribe for weekly Pelicans breakdowns, rookie evaluations, and all the latest Pelicans offseason coverage.

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Herb Jones signs a 3-year extension, locking in a 5-year, $97M deal with the Pelicans. We break down why it’s another steal for New Orleans and why trading Herb never made sense.

Then we dive into early Summer League reactions:

• Jeremiah Fears flashes elite speed, toughness & lob chemistry—can he balance scoring and playmaking?

• Derik Queen looks like a future NBA 4 with a polished bag and elite court vision

• Micah Peavy proves he belongs—defends, hustles, and plays like a vet

• Yves Missi looks physically ready and mentally tougher

From contract talk to rookie analysis, this episode has everything Pelicans fans need right now.

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In this episode, we break down what each prospect must show in NBA Summer League and training camp to earn playing time in the regular season.

• Can Jeremiah Fears overcome his college shooting efficiency and size concerns?

• Will Derik Queen’s scoring, rebounding, and footwork translate as New Orleans searches for frontcourt depth?

• Is Micah Peavy’s improved shooting for real—and can he defend at an NBA level?

Plus, we look at the Pelicans’ Summer League vets like Yves Missi and what fans should watch for in Las Vegas.

Whether you’re following the Pelicans’ rookie development, tracking Summer League standouts, or wondering how the rotation shakes out behind Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy, this is your must-listen pod.

👉 Subscribe now for deep Pelicans draft analysis, player development insights, and Summer League reactions.

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In this episode, we break down a busy week for the New Orleans Pelicans:

• Kevon Looney signs a 2-year, $16M deal — veteran presence or overpay?
• Mike Brown is hired by the Knicks, but the Pelicans block James Borrego from leaving to join him. What does this say about Willie Green’s job security?
• Antonio Reeves is waived, and contracts for Elfrid Payton & Brandon Boston are declined. Will any return?
• We examine the updated 15-man roster — only 4 players weren’t drafted by the Pelicans. Is this new core ready to contend in the West?

We also talk positional depth, 3&D wings, offensive creators, and whether the team still needs one more big-bodied wing.

💬 Is this the most well-rounded Pelicans roster we’ve seen in years?

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you listen.

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#Pelicans #NBAOffseason #KevonLooney #WillieGreen #JamesBorrego #JeremiahFears #DerikQueen #ZionWilliamson #PelicansPodcast #NBADraft #NewOrleansPelicans

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📌 Key Topics:
Pelicans Draft Jeremiah Fears at #7
Pelicans Trade for Derik Queen – Smart or Risky?
Micah Peavy Scouting Report – Sleeper Pick?
New Look Pelicans Roster Breakdown
 Is This Team Ready to Contend in the West?
Joe Dumars’ Vision & Strategy Shift


👍 If you enjoyed this breakdown, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more Pelicans news, analysis, and draft coverage!

#Pelicans #JeremiahFears #NBA2025Draft #DerikQueen #MicahPeavy #ZionWilliamson #JoeDumars #WillieGreen #NewOrleansPelicans #NBADraft #NBAProspects #PelicansDraft

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Joe Dumars & Troy Weaver are on fire ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, executing two major trades to reshape the New Orleans Pelicans. With bold moves and clear intent, the front office is wasting no time turning the page.

👀 What Jordan Poole Brings to the Pelicans:

🛡 What Saddiq Bey Adds:

📆 Draft Day Implications

• Did the Pelicans win the Poole/CJ trade?
• Should they trade up for a big tomorrow?
• What grade would you give Joe Dumars so far?

#Pelicans #NBATrades #JordanPoole #SaddiqBey #JoeDumars #NBADraft2025 #CJMcCollum #NBARumors #NewOrleansPelicans #NBAOffseason #ZionWilliamson #PelicansTradeNews #NBABreakingNews

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⛹️‍♂️ Topics Covered:

🔥 Pacers vs Thunder - Defense Wins Championships
 • Why Joe Dumars & Willie Green may double down on defensive identity
 • How the Pelicans can learn from OKC & Indiana’s team-building models

⚠️ Zion Williamson Legal Allegation
 • What the non-criminal abuse accusation means for Zion’s trade value
 • Will the Pelicans stay committed to Zion as their franchise player?
 • Could this finally lead to a trade or will New Orleans hold firm?

🧩 Pelicans Wings & Bigs – What’s Missing?
 • Trey Murphy & Herb Jones as foundational wings
 • Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic’s development paths
 • Stretch bigs, rim protection, and scoring depth — what the Pels need to target

🏀 Big Draft Targets Breakdown
 • Derik Queen (Maryland) – Sabonis-like scoring hub
 • Khaman Maluach (Duke) – Towering rim protector with upside