New Orleans Finally Looks COMPETITIVE But Still Far From Contention | What Should Pelicans Do Next?

New Orleans Pelicans lose to San Antonio Spurs 126-119, but the last three games finally reveal what this team actually is: competitive, scrappy, and nowhere near contending. After an 0-6 start that made them look like the league's worst team, the Pelicans have shown their true ceiling as a play-in hopeful at best. Jake Madison breaks down the critical depth issues plaguing New Orleans, with bench players like Jordan Hawkins and Micah Peavey struggling while rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen show genuine promise for the future. The discussion covers Trey Murphy's explosive 41-point performance and growing concerns about player motivation under Willie Green's coaching, Zion Williamson's continued absence and diminishing trade value, and why the front office should focus on development rather than win-now moves. Key analysis includes the team's failure to capitalize when Victor Wembanyama sat, roster construction mistakes, and whether a coaching change could unlock consistent elite performance. Tune in for an honest assessment of where the Pelicans stand and what direction they should take for the remainder of the 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 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Next time someone goes off for 50, use promo code NBA50 the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass — plus your shot at the Bag Drop. DashPass members only. 50% off up to $10 the day after a 50-point game with promo code. Terms apply. No Purchase Necessary. Ends April 13th. Open to U.S. residents 21 or older. Visit DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details. DoorDash — In your bag all season long. BILT Turn your rent into rewards and start earning points around your neighborhood by going to https://joinbilt.com/lockedonnba. DripDrop Stock up now before the heat hits hard — and keep your body and mind performing at their best with DripDrop. Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to dripdrop.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNBA. Wayfair Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals. Head to Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday sale for up to 70% off. Mint Mobile Ready to say yes to saying no? Make the switch at https://MintMobile.com/LOCKEDONNBA Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo). Limited-time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes and fees extra. See Mint Mobile for details. 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 Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get started 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.