November 21, 2025
RISK: Zion Williamson and Derik Queen Look Great, But Pelicans Must NOT Sacrifice FUTURE
Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans PelicansAbout this episode
New Orleans Pelicans risk derailing their future with a premature win-now trade, despite Zion Williamson and Derik Queen's promising chemistry. Can recent flashes from young talents justify sacrificing draft assets for short-term gains? Jake Madison warns that chasing a playoff berth could backfire, given the team’s deficit in the Western Conference standings and uncertainty around Zion’s durability. Key insights focus on James Borrego’s coaching tweaks: increased pace, creative horns sets featuring Queen’s passing, and impactful off-ball movement from Williamson. The analysis spotlights shifts in rotation, including Micah Peavy’s expanded minutes, and the long-term value of sticking with rookie deals. With fan frustration growing and attendance lagging, Madison urges patience and sustainable growth over risky trades. Is it time for the Pelicans to break the perpetual win-now cycle and finally embrace development? 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 https://DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details. DoorDash — In your bag all season long. Quo See why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Rippling Get Rippling FREE for 6 months. Terms and conditions apply. See site for details: https://app.rippling.com/legal/promoterms PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA 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. 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. 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.