About this episode
The New Orleans Pelicans face a franchise-defining choice: is Derik Queen their long-term center or power forward? Roster construction, defensive identity, and playoff potential hinge on this decision, with past missteps around Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis still echoing through the organization. Jake Madison breaks down the challenges of building around unique big men in today's NBA, comparing Queen’s fit alongside Zion and weighing key on-court combinations. Key discussions include the team’s defensive struggles with Queen at both the 4 and 5, the limitations of non-shooting lineups, and which player archetypes best complement New Orleans’ young core. From possible trades for elite rim protectors to the importance of gathering lineup data over the final stretch of the season, Jake Madison examines what the Pelicans must do to avoid repeating past mistakes and unlock their postseason potential. Can New Orleans finally build a contender around their talented but unconventional frontline? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms? https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More? https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba#NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba. Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelUse your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chan
