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STEP BACK: New Orleans Pelicans EXPOSE Major Defensive Flaws—Can Zion Williamson and Team RECOVER?



STEP BACK: New Orleans Pelicans EXPOSE Major Defensive Flaws—Can Zion Williamson and Team RECOVER?

New Orleans Pelicans struggle to maintain momentum as defensive lapses and rebounding woes resurface in a 123-111 loss to the Miami Heat. Can Joe Dumars and the front office afford another offseason miss with center and guard upgrades badly needed for playoff contention?

Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans’ recent setbacks, spotlighting the starters’ disappointing performance, the decisive impact of second-chance points, and the consequences of failed gambles like trading Jose Alvarado. Key topics include Jeremiah Fears’ steady bench development, the urgent need for an elite rebounding center, and potential targets like Jarrett Allen. With Trey Murphy’s injury and questions about Bryce McGowens’ impact, roster construction takes center stage. Plus, the show examines how the wrong moves now could cripple New Orleans’ future flexibility. Will the Pelicans finally get it right this offseason—or risk another cycle of mediocrity?

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12 Comments

  1. Jake please talk effort or work ethic.. With as much as pro athletes are getting paid. Why doesn't everyone try as hard as Jose??? Everyone can see the effort..

  2. I thought we addressed the Center Position with two lottery picks. Now DQ needs someone to do what he can't?

    We are 10 years away because Trey, Zion, and Herb are out of here when they become UFA's.

  3. Just for S&G's, GTA was 8 of 13 (all from 3) and 26 points with 3 reb / 4 assists / 5 steals in 18.36 minutes tonight. He was +35.

    SMH!!!

  4. This game proves that, while the Pels aren't the worst team in the league, they're not close to competing against even average teams. Lots of stuff that still needs to be figured out. The problem is, this will be the same team next year, and they have no money.

  5. I didn't get to see the second half, did they ever mention why Missi wasn't playing? He wasn't on the injury report.

  6. They need shooting, but they just traded away shooting for two lousy second-round picks, makes it a bit difficult to give them the benefit of the doubt. Who got fired for the Poole deal? Nobody.

  7. It sounds cliche but the refs handicap the pels they literally can't get physical with a team without the whistle blowing. On the other hand they are physically holding hitting and everything else and no whistle on them. No one calls this out because their scared to lose their job.

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