Jake Madison here, the host of the daily Locked On Pelicans podcast, with your daily Locked On Pelicans newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pelicans and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Zion Williamson’s Turbulent Times: What’s Next for the Pelicans?
Photo by David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Pelicans are in the spotlight, and not for the reasons fans would hope. Zion Williamson, the team’s star player, is at the center of a whirlwind of events that have left many questioning his future with the team. From changing agents to missing injury timelines and viral videos, the situation is complex and exhausting for both the team and its supporters.
Zion Williamson’s Agency Change and Injury Concerns
Zion Williamson’s recent decision to change his agency has sparked speculation about his intentions. While some might jump to conclusions about potential trades or dissatisfaction, it’s important to note that players often change representation for various reasons. This move doesn’t necessarily indicate a desire to leave New Orleans. However, it does raise questions about his decision-making process and how it might affect his career trajectory.
The viral video showing Williamson in less-than-ideal shape has added fuel to the fire. Although the video is reportedly old, it highlights ongoing concerns about his fitness and commitment. The Pelicans need a healthy and focused Williamson to build a sustainable winning team. His injury history is a significant factor, and the lack of a clear timeline for his return only adds to the uncertainty.
The Impact on the Pelicans’ Season
The Pelicans’ recent game against the Golden State Warriors was overshadowed by the drama surrounding Williamson. Despite a competitive performance, the focus remains on the off-court issues. This distraction is not conducive to building a cohesive and successful team. The Pelicans must navigate these challenges while maintaining their focus on the court.
The question of whether the Pelicans should consider trading Williamson is a difficult one. His potential is undeniable, but the ongoing issues make it hard to build a team around him. The Pelicans are in a tough spot, needing to balance the hope of Williamson’s return to form with the reality of his current situation.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Zion Williamson’s situation, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
- Analysis of the Pelicans’ performance against the Golden State Warriors
- Discussion on Brandon Ingram’s role in the team’s strategy
- Potential trade scenarios and their implications for the Pelicans
- Injury updates and their impact on the team’s season
- Fan reactions and expectations for the Pelicans moving forward
It was the three second violation heard round the world. Kidding, but it was strange enough that you looked to confirmation of what you were seeing to those around you, and/or rewatched the replay of it several times.
Posted up under the Raptors basket, Rudy Gobert had Scottie Barnes on his back in a mismatch and was calling to Julius Randle for the ball. Beyond the arc. Randle dribbled the ball, unhurried, as the shot clock ticked down. He’s eyeing the lane, would clearly prefer to drive, and even plants a foot to take off from when the whistle finally comes for Gobert, strolling out of the key nonchalantly, with all the urgency you’d approach a dental appointment.
Still frustrated, Gobert then needlessly hip-checked Barnes at the other end, sending him to the line and sending the Raptors up in the match and in momentum. Toronto won 110-105.
You can take your pick for what’s more worrisome, because the perspective shifts depending on the root of a few problems the Wolves face.
That Gobert opted to showboat his frustration is definitely the most obvious, in terms of visibility. It isn’t the first time he’s let his petulant side out on the floor. That Randle saw Gobert — impossible not to with his long arm up and waving — and chose to ignore him, dribbling the ball into oblivion instead, is another concern. The biggest question around the Randle and Karl-Anthony Towns trade was fit — for playing style and chemistry. A slight detail that nearly gets lost in the sequence is that Jaden McDaniels hustled for a really long rebound, swung it to Randle, and the urgency of that move was immediately sapped by what transpired.
Taken individually, these would be wrinkles for a working team to smooth by the next match. And yes, both Randle and Gobert addressed the sequence, with Randle prompting media to “name a perfect family” and Gobert saying “people think great teams are the teams where the sky is always blue”. Normally, I’d enjoy an athlete beginning with a euphemism, in this case, it feels like aversion.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Injury CJ McCollum is hopeful to return to the court on Monday after recovering from his recent injury. His return could significantly boost the Pelicans’ performance. McCollum’s return is eagerly anticipated by fans. (NOLA)
Analysis An intriguing contract clause could significantly influence Zion Williamson’s future with the Pelicans. Zion’s contract has notable implications for the team’s strategy. (Pelican Debrief)
Preview The New Orleans Pelicans will play against the Indiana Pacers at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Legacy Nikola Jokic continues to redefine basketball creativity with his full-court swat attempt against the Lakers, nearly achieving an incredible buzzer-beater despite the constraints of the Trent Tucker rule. (CBS Sports)
Biz NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill discusses his investment in women’s sports and managing Team USA, highlighting his active retirement and commitment to sports development. (The Ringer NBA Show)
Rumor Western Conference coaches and executives are reportedly frustrated with the East’s playoff picture, suggesting a shift to a 1-16 seeding format to enhance fairness and competition. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Ja Morant Is Set To Return And Impact Fantasy Basketball Leagues
Nov 17, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) takes videos with his phone after the game against the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
As we wrap up another thrilling week in the NBA, it’s time to reflect on the standout performances and crucial player updates that could impact your fantasy basketball strategy. With six games on the slate this past Sunday, there was no shortage of action and intrigue.
Player Updates and Injury News
One of the most significant updates this week involves Ja Morant, who has been upgraded to questionable. The Memphis Grizzlies have a consistent pattern of moving players from doubtful to questionable before they return to play, so Morant’s return seems imminent. Marcus Smart is also off the injury report, ready to make his comeback. However, the Grizzlies are still without Vince Williams Jr., who is sidelined for weeks, and Zach Edey.
In New Orleans, the return of key players is on the horizon. While Herb Jones remains out, Jordan Hawkins is back, and CJ McCollum is expected to play soon. Dejounte Murray has been upgraded to doubtful, indicating he might return later this week. These returns will undoubtedly shake up the rotations and fantasy implications for players like BJ Boston and ElfridPayton.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been idle since Wednesday, and Alex Caruso, who aggravated a hip injury, is out again. This extended absence is concerning for fantasy managers holding Caruso. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dieng’s fractured finger will keep him out for three to four weeks, opening up reserve minutes for Dillon Jones until Jaylin Williams returns.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
New Orleans Pelicans’ injury struggles: A season-defining challenge Can the New Orleans Pelicans Overcome Their Injury Woes? The New Orleans Pelicans face a challenging season with significant injury struggles, missing key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. How will these setbacks impact their NBA journey?
Antonio Reeves has BREAKOUT game for New Orleans Pelicans Rookie sensation Antonio Reeves lit up the court with a stunning 34-point performance, proving his potential as a key shooter for the New Orleans Pelicans. With the team missing their top eight players, including a staggering $160 million in salary, the Pelicans faced significant challenges.
New Orleans Pelicans’ big loss: What went wrong against Luka Doncic and Dallas Mavericks? The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a staggering 132-91 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, a blow that significantly impacts their NBA Cup point differential. With star player Brandon Ingram constantly double-teamed, the Pelicans struggled to find offensive support.
