New Orleans Pelicans face a critical crossroad—will they commit to a youth movement with rising stars Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears or continue the "win now" push around Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy? Jake Madison spotlights the team's identity crisis after a telling loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, questioning whether the Pelicans’ offense can ever click without a defined leader and a reliable closing strategy.

With the NBA trade deadline looming, Jake Madison unpacks key trade rumors, the value of role players like Saddiq Bey and Jose Alvarado, and what potential moves might shape the franchise's long-term outlook. The episode features sharp takes on Herb Jones' impact, the need for a true centerpiece at center, and the tough decisions facing Joe Dumars on possible Ja Morant talks. Can the Pelicans avoid being stuck in NBA purgatory—or is a rebuild their only path forward?

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The states were about as big as it gets in New Orleans, and Zion Williamson and the Pelicans got a big win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Zion dominated the game for the Pels and Jake Madison explains why that, and this game, is a really big deal. Plus, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were held in check by Herb Jones. And Trey Murphy closed the game over CJ McCollum.

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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)

Are the New Orleans Pelicans the most frustrating team? A loss to the Houston Rockets followed up by a big win has Jake Madison begging for consistency. Plus, he breaks down the adjustments that allowed Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Jonas Valanciunas to all thrive.

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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)

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