05 June 2026

Warning: Pelicans RISK Missing Playoffs Without Upgrading Their Center Next to Zion Williamson

Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans

About

New Orleans Pelicans face a pivotal offseason as their lack of a true starting center threatens their playoff ambitions. Can Derik Queen or another internal candidate step up, or must the team pursue a trade for names like Myles Turner, Goga Bitadze, or Jared Allen to solidify their frontcourt? Jake Madison unpacks the Pelicans’ ongoing struggle to find the right fit next to Zion Williamson, tracing the team’s revolving door at the center position and exploring how league trends toward size raise the stakes for New Orleans.

Key topics include potential trade targets, the tricky fit of Queen alongside Zion, and how choices at center could shape the futures of Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and the entire rotation. Will internal development or a bold move define the Pelicans’ competitive edge in an ever-tougher Western Conference? Jake Madison breaks down all the possibilities and implications for New Orleans’ playoff push.

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!

5-Hour ENERGY

Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com.

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today'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.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

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)New Orleans Pelicans face a pivotal offseason as their lack of a true starting center threatens their playoff ambitions. Can Derik Queen or another internal candidate step up, or must the team pursue a trade for names like Myles Turner, Goga Bitadze, or Jared Allen to solidify their frontcourt? Jake Madison unpacks the Pelicans’ ongoing struggle to find the right fit next to Zion Williamson, tracing the team’s revolving door at the center position and exploring how league trends toward size raise the stakes for New Orleans.