NOT GOOD ENOUGH: Pelicans’ Flawed Roster, Bench Fails, and Why Zion Williamson Can’t SAVE This Team
New Orleans Pelicans stumble down the stretch—can they close the widening gap between mediocrity and true contention? Five straight losses, including tough defeats against the Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets, have exposed glaring flaws from weak bench depth to rebounding woes. Jake Madison breaks down defensive lapses, missed shots, and the disappointing impact of rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, raising vital questions about the team’s direction and James Borrego’s approach.
Roster construction comes under scrutiny as veterans like Jordan Poole underperform and the two-timeline strategy falters. With play-in hopes dashed and only six games left, the focus shifts: Will the Pelicans prioritize development for their young core or chase hollow late-season wins? The discussion explores whether a rebuild is overdue, the cost of “good habits” messaging, and how future NBA anti-tanking policies could reshape the franchise’s approach. Don’t miss this critical look at New Orleans’ uncertain future.
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29 Comments
Jordan Poole wears
Prescription glasses off the court. But on the court, no glasses at all. Have anybody noticed this?I think he has diabetes😊
I don't think he just lost his touch.I think he really has trouble seeing now😮
Evdayy
Well. We are sitting good. If they ever face the fact they must lose z
Any chance Hunter Dickinson could see some minutes before the season ends? Would he help solve the deficiencies at center next season?
I'm not liking DQ minutes at all lately🫣 Dribble the air out of ball until 7s on shot clock then drive and get stripped or blocked (maybe fouled). No box out. No 3 point close out. Tech.
Let’s face the facts James Borrengo is not a real coach but he destroyed the career of Willie Green I remember when he came to the pelicans from the Hornets who was a loosing team when he was there coach and is in the playoffs this year we have to face the facts he’s had his chance now it’s time to move on from this dispressing situation now
Do you see any improvement in this team from the time James Borrengo came in as the coach
The only way Dereck Queen improves is with a good coach that he respects and James Borrengo is not that
Time is running out for the Zion Williamson show and he left a lot on the floor as far as I’m concerned but I’m blaming Zion because he had more talent than just a wrecking ball he should’ve been developed just like any other player who comes into this league
Why do you continue to say that Borrengo has won this job as a season ticket holder I’m not buying my new tickets until I see them bring in a real coach
We soo ass with out Trey Murphy bro definitely our best player he got that dog in him & good work ethic trey been getting better every year!
Joe Dumars drafted the Pels future Queen and Fears. Thanks Joe.
I just have no clue for next year. Maybe make some trades for draft picks.
Pelicans
Hi Jake
It’s over the pelicans are getting new coaches and the players don’t matter
Defence is a mindset
To tank or not to tank.
I say never tank becasue on a losing team its not helpful metnally to forefiet games, to game the system to get some players. Building a winning mentality is an every game job, tanking sabotages the winning mentality
It's time. Trade Zion, Herb, Murray, Hawkins, and Poole. Get into this draft and rebuild. Its time to start over. The aforementioned players need to be somewhere else and rediscover themselves and the team needs a fresh start.
When Detroit, Houston, Boston, OKC and many other teams were not good…but you could see the mission and vision, that's what fans want. What we don't want is acting like trying to win a play in is "contending"
All the young players need to get minutes. James B needs to have a straightforward conversation with the GM. This stretch needs to be about seeing what you have, win or lose. It’s time for Poole and looney to go for cap space. Perhaps trade Poole & your garbage 2nd as a salary dump.
Someone will bight. If you trade Poole you have to keep D Murray. Herbert Jones is a great defender, but he’s worth a lot on the market. It may be time to trade him for picks in this draft or a center. Bring in Tim Hardaway JR, Thybulle, & or Marcus Smart. A good hypothetical, Herb, Poole, Missi to bucks for portis, Turner and their 1st. This offseason will be fun to watch.
Zion played 59 games and this season so far and we are one of the worst teams in the league. Not many ways to fix this with his contract on the books.
Real basketball players play defense.
Offense comes and goes, but defense has to be a constant. It's not glamorous, it's not a ticket to a big pay day (unfortunately) and it's glossed over by media 'number's guys'. But real basketball players play defense every time they hit the floor; imposters (and we have had one for seven years) do not. It's a 'WANT TO' skill and we have players (not all) who don't want to.
I've been screaming about our lack of defense since Griff took over and Weaver's Poole and Queen acquisitions has only exacerbated an already intolerable situation.
DEFENSE!!! DEFENSE!!! DEFENSE!!!
@nolajake there is no bigger problem than COACH on the Pelicans, you can upgrade the body(team) but if the head (Coach) don't work…You really need to do an episode about the most blown 10pt leads in NBA this season, the lack of defensive sets and team D. If you truly believe JB can get this team to CHAMPIONSHIP contention and a change is not needed at HC you are delusional!
Pelicans were never considered a playoff team. not even a play- in team.
the Queen hype has worn off as the season progressed.
Every dayer comment
Man that Derick Queen trade looks worse everyday, was stupid at the time and even worse now.
Gotta trade Murphy / Murray to stockpile assets and get some picks
Don’t think anyone takes Zion
If the hornets or someone is dumb enough to do it just do it