CONFUSION: New Orleans Pelicans Two-Timeline Gamble Raises BIG Questions After Bennedict Mathurin Deal

September 10, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

"Two timeline stuff just never works." That blunt assessment from the Locked On NBA Game Night hosts lands like a diagnosis as they try to make sense of the New Orleans Pelicans' offseason. The episode zeroes in on the Pelicans' confusing roster construction after acquiring Bennedict Mathurin, then widens to examine Phil Jackson's forthcoming statue and which current coaches might earn one, before closing with a look at this summer's six coaching changes across the league.

The Pelicans' Identity Crisis

The core problem with New Orleans, the hosts argue, is that no one—not even plugged-in insiders—can determine what the franchise is trying to do. The Pelicans have assembled a roster that straddles two timelines without committing to either. Their starting five could feature Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, and Sadiq Bey—a group built to compete now. Yet they've also drafted young players like Yves Missi and Dereck Queen, whom they've declared unavailable in trade talks. The result is a team that might win 41 games, develop some young talent, but accomplish nothing definitive.

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What you'll learn

1 NBA Game Night: Pelicans Confusion, Phil Jackson Statue, and Coaching Carousel
2 (01:41) **Show Open & Phil Jackson Statue Tease** - Hosts Tony East and Andy Kamenetsky introduce the episode's three main topics: Pelicans roster confusion, Phil Jackson's upcoming statue, and the offseason coaching changes
3 (02:12) **Pelicans' Two-Timeline Confusion** - The hosts break down why New Orleans' roster construction is impossible to decipher
4 (04:44) **The Roster Makes No Sense** - Tony explains why the Pelicans can't simultaneously win now and develop young players
5 (06:01) **DeAndre Jordan's Deal and Deeper Confusion** - Andy points to the two-year veteran's minimum for DeAndre Jordan as emblematic of the Pelicans' lack of direction
6 (07:42) **Why Two-Timeline Strategies Fail** - The hosts explain why New Orleans' approach is doomed based on NBA history
7 (09:36) **Pick a Direction** - The segment concludes with a clear call for organizational clarity

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

New Orleans Pelicans face an identity crisis as they juggle “win-now” ambitions with a roster packed with young talent. Bennedict Mathurin joins the team, Taj Gibson is waived for cap flexibility, and Jamahl Mosley takes over as head coach—but what exactly defines success for this unpredictable squad? Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi’s trade rumors, the ongoing Zion Williamson saga, and confusing two-timeline strategies fuel uncertainty about the Pelicans future.

Tony East and Andy Kamenetzky spotlight Phil Jackson’s statue honor at Crypto.com Arena, debating which active NBA coaches—like Steve Kerr, Erik Spoelstra, Mark Daigneault, and Joe Mazzulla—might earn similar recognition. The hosts also break down the league’s six newest coaching hires, including Dusty May in Dallas and Taylor Jenkins in Milwaukee, questioning which moves will shape the upcoming NBA season. Are these teams on the right track, or headed for more confusion?

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