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

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622/warning-pelicans-risk-missing-playoffs-without-upgrading-their-center-next-to-zion-williamson
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622/warning-pelicans-risk-missing-playoffs-without-upgrading-their-center-next-to-zion-williamson.md
Podcast: [Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622)
Published: 2026-06-05T08:26:20+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/ab893c/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/e668a801-b076-4c42-a18b-514196891965/episodes/5594f303-4f7c-4b88-973d-a0fccd63faf8/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=e668a801-b076-4c42-a18b-514196891965&awEpisodeId=5594f303-4f7c-4b88-973d-a0fccd63faf8&feed=dWDcvyl9
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Duration seconds: 1621

## Resource

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% o…

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