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.
Pelicans Face Crossroads After Humiliating Defeat
Photo by Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a devastating 119-100 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, a team with only 12 wins this season. As a Pelicans insider, I can’t sugarcoat it – this was one of the worst losses in recent memory. At one point, we were down by 33 points to a team that ranks 26th in defense and 27th in offense. It’s a stark reminder that while losing games might benefit our draft position, the manner in which we’re losing is unacceptable.
The lack of fan attendance at the Smoothie King Center was alarming. The upper bowl was nearly empty, and the lower bowl was far from full. This isn’t just about one bad game; it’s a sign that we’re on the verge of losing our fanbase. The organization needs to take immediate action to show accountability and win back the trust of our supporters.
Addressing the Coaching Situation
It’s time for a difficult conversation about head coach Willie Green. While I don’t believe he’s a bad coach, and he’s certainly dealt with his fair share of injuries to key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, there needs to be accountability. Firing Willie Green might be necessary to show that the current level of performance is not acceptable.
The team’s defense, which was a strength in previous seasons, has fallen off dramatically. We’re allowing easy penetration and struggling to contain opponents, even without elite offensive talent. This regression is particularly concerning given Willie Green’s defensive background.
Looking Ahead
The Pelicans need to prioritize the future for the remainder of this season. With 44 games left, it’s crucial to focus on player development and evaluating our young talent. This might mean reduced minutes for veterans and increased playing time for rookies and second-year players.
Additionally, the organization needs to seriously consider lowering ticket prices for next season. While this alone won’t solve all our problems, it’s a gesture of goodwill to a fanbase that has endured a disappointing season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ current situation, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
• Analyzing the team’s offensive struggles against Portland
• The impact of injuries on the Pelicans’ season
• Potential roster moves to consider before the trade deadline
• Evaluating young talent: Who’s showing promise for the future?
The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.
“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”
As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.
Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).
The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.
Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.
Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)
Must Read NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)
Analysis Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)
Recap The Trail Blazers defeated the Pelicans 119-100 last night. Watch the game recap.
Preview The Pelicans face the Sixers tomorrow at 7 p.m. Check out the game preview.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.
Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
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