Bird Watch

Despite how it might feel after an unfiltered beatdown at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets, the Pelicans still stand well within reach of the NBA's play-in tournament, but what are the odds they can actually get there? Or better yet, does it actually matter? Bird Watch co-hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak dive into that and more from another rollercoaster stretch of Pelicans basketball. Also: Jaxson Hayes' bag of tricks has all the dunks ... but did he just pull a jumpshot out of there? DAILY PELS COVERAGE: NOLA.com/sports/pelicans

The NBA trade deadline came and the NBA trade deadline went, but despite all the noise surrounding a potential Pelicans trade of Lonzo Ball -- that turned out to be all it way. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak go over their early reactions to the deals that didn't take place, and also the surprise deal that did just under the wire to send JJ Redick and Nicolo Melli to the Dallas Mavericks. DAILY PELICANS COVERAGE: nola.com/sports/pelicans

The Pelicans rollercoaster continues, but where does the buy/sell needle land after a pair of demoralizing losses to the Blazers as the NBA trade deadline approaches? Should Lonzo Ball be on the market? What if you own a Lonzo Ball moment? Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak dive in on those topics (and yes, a rapidly devaluing Pelicans Top Shot collection) in this week's episode. MORE DAILY COVERAGE: NOLA.com/sports/pelicans

As the Pelicans and the rest of the NBA get back from their All-Star Break hiatus, one thing we already knew but enjoyed re-learning anyway: Damian Lillard gets buckets ... even from halfcourt. But what's the deal with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and the Pelicans as they embark on a crammed second-half schedule? What's the disappointment level? Can this team make the playoffs? https://t.co/Afsp1Z26OM?amp=1 (Temple of Hoop)'s https://twitter.com/JJMaples55_MST (Jason Maples) joins Bird Watch host Christian Clark to talk all that and more in this week's episode of Bird Watch. MORE DAILY PELICANS COVERAGE: NOLA.com/sports/pelicans

The first half of the Pelicans' 2020-'21 season ended the same way it started, confidence-inspiring wins followed by crushing losses. So where do the Pelicans go from here with a week off to take stock? Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak break down some takeaways from the first 36 games, and where some popular Pelicans trade targets stand in the buy/sell debate. MORE DAILY COVERAGE: nola.com/sports/pelicans

A sentence that was more about "when" than "if": Zion Williamson is an All-Star. But did he deserve the spot over NBA stars like Devin Booker, DeMar Derozan and others? Bird Watch hosts https://my.captivate.fm/twitter.com/cclark3000 (Christian Clark) and https://my.captivate.fm/twitter.com/jeff_nowak (Jeff Nowak) dive in after the announcement of the All-Star reserves to hit on that topic, whether Brandon Ingram deserved another All-Star bid, reliving a franchise-record comeback against the Celtics and more in this week's episode. MORE DAILY PELICANS COVERAGE: https://my.captivate.fm/NOLA.com/sports/Pelicans (NOLA.com/sports/Pelicans)

The Pelicans are on the road again, so you know what that means: A lot of bad. After coach Stan Van Gundy hinted that rotation changes could be coming, Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak dive in for some possible answers there, as well as what's behind the insanely hot shooting by Pels opponents, and just how good Zion Williamson has been over the last few weeks. MORE DAILY PELICANS COVERAGE: nola.com/sports/pelicans

It's been a rough start to the season, but the Pelicans have shown signs of a team turning the corner in recent weeks. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak react to a pair of big wins over the Bucks and Suns that sandwiched deflating losses to the Kings and Rockets. Can the defense last? Can Zion Williamson continue to climb? Will the trade fairy come for a visit soon? Let's break down what we saw. MORE DAILY PELICANS COVERAGE: nola.com/sports/pelicans

The Pelicans haven't been investing, but they've played a lot like the stock market this season: A lot of ups and downs. So with that in mind, Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak go down the line with Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball and others to track who's value has risen through the beginning of the 2020-'21 season, who's holding steady, and who's fallen off a cliff. MORE DAILY PELICANS COVERAGE: NOLA.com/sports/pelicans

The Pelicans are hard to watch right now ... and everyone knows it. After the Pelicans dropped another dud on national television, the frustration continues to mount. But what's the culprit for a 1-7 stretch after a 4-2 start? Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak dive in to break down some of the biggest issues plaguing the Pelicans on their road trip of woe. DAILY COVERAGE: NOLA.com/sports/pelicans

How are things shaping up for the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans two seasons after that 2019 NBA Draft blockbuster trade? Hawks beat writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution https://twitter.com/sarah_k_spence (Sarah Spencer) joins Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak to take stock of how things in Atlanta have developed since that trade, their own superstar in Trae Young -- plus a nutmeg counter -- and more as the 2020-'21 NBA season rolls on amid the coronavirus pandemic. LATEST PELICANS COVERAGE: NOLA.com/sports/Pelicans

It hasn't always been pretty as the Pelicans gritted their way to a 2-1 start, and that's a good thing. Over the first three games of the 2020-'21 season, the new-look roster has ridden strong performances by Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and others, while turning up the defensive intensity that was lacking in recent seasons. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak break down the early takeaways, why the ability to win ugly is an important thing for this pandemic-altered season, what the in-game atmosphere has been like, and more. Also: Steven Adams = the guy you'd want with you in the zombie apocalypse. MORE DAILY PELICANS COVERAGE: NOLA.com/sports/pelicans

It's official: Giannis Antetokounmpo ain't leaving Milwaukee anytime soon, so how does that impact the Pelicans following the blockbuster trade of Jrue Holiday earlier this season? Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak break it down. Plus: Reactions (and pumping the brakes) after New Orleans' preseason opener ... and preseason dominance ... this week. Next up: Jrue Holiday returns. MORE DAILY PELICANS COVERAGE: nola.com/sports/Pelicans

Is Zion Williamson the 19th-best player in the NBA? What type of hamburger is he, really? Does any of this matter? Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak offer some early reactions the Pelicans' schedule, the annual ESPN player rankings and more as the Pelicans near their preseason opener. MORE DAILY PELICANS COVERAGE: NOLA.com/sports/Pelicans

Are you ready for Pelicans basketball? Do you even know who's on the team? Have you ever heard Steven Adams' accent? Ready or not, a coronavirus-adjusted training camp is kicking off and the first preseason matchup is less than two weeks away. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak go through some first impressions of what to expect for this year's team from offense to defense, grit and New Zealand trivia tidbits. Also: Some picks for Pelicans prop bets, like Eric Bledsoe's assists, who leads New Orleans in scoring and more. MORE DAILY PELICANS COVERAGE: NOLA.com/sports/Pelicans

Dizzy yet? The Pelicans didn't make any splash signings in free agency, but they were at the center of one of the more complicated mega-trades in NBA history. In the end it sent Jrue Holiday out of town, and welcomes longtime Thunder center Steven Adams and former Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe to New Orleans. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak break down the fallout from that trade, size up the Pelicans' reshaped roster -- including the No. 13 pick in Kira Lewis Jr. -- and offer some parting takes for Holiday's impactful era in New Orleans as he heads to Milwaukee with a prime chance to fight for his first NBA title with the Bucks. Remember to rate/review/subscribe! Check out more daily Pelicans coverage here: NOLA.com/sports/pelicans

Who will the Pelicans draft when they get on the clock for the 2020 NBA Draft next week? Will it be at 13 or somewhere else after a trade? Will Jrue Holiday still be on New Orleans roster? Shamit Dua of Bourbon Street Shots joins Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak to break down what to expect from the Stan Van Gundy-era Pelicans and several of the top prospects in this year’s class.

With the Pelicans' new coaching era set to kick off in New Orleans, what should you expect from Stan Van Gundy in New Orleans? A good place to start is his most recent coaching run. Pistons beat writer for The Athletic, James Edwards III, joins this episode of Bird Watch to talk about SVG's final year in Detroit, his impressions of the Pelicans' new coach and more.

The Pelicans have found their coach, and his name is a familiar one: Stan Van Gundy. What to think of the hire? Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak go through some key points, what we expect and hand the hire a way-too-early grade as another season of question marks approaches in New Orleans.

Can an NBA team win a title with home-grown talent? Small-market teams have to try. Denver Nuggets beat writer Harrison Wind joins this episode of Bird Watch to talk about that topic and more in This week's episode of Bird Watch with co-hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak. Also: If the Pelicans got their top pick, who would be the best option? Is it Doc Rivers? Ty Lue? Kenny Atkinson? A wild card? Check out this week's episode and more Pelicans content at NOLA.com/sports/pelicans

Who do Pelicans fans despise most? Some might say it's Anthony Davis, but our vote still goes to Eric Gordon. Will Guillory of The Athletic joins Bird Watch host Christian Clark in this week's episode to hit a variety of topics, including the "I was wrong about the Nuggets" apology tour.

Jim Eichenhofer has covered the Pelicans since the beginning of time. Well, not really ... it just feels that way. The longtime Pelicans reporter joins this week's episode of Bird Watch with hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak to share some stories about the early days of basketball in New Orleans -- and the aforementioned Chris Paul and JR Smith lineup, plus some takeaways from the newly-minted Most Improved Player Brandon Ingram, Jrue Holiday being left off the All-Defensive team and more.

As the NBA gets back going following a three-day strike as players weighed canceling the season altogether, we dive a bit into what it was all about and the messages sent around the league over the 72-hour stoppage.  Also: Breaking down 5 areas of concern for the Pelicans headed into the offseason. 

It was a season of more downs than ups, but don't fret Pelicans fans, it's not all bad -- in fact far from it. In this week's episode (after loving Luka Doncic a bit) hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak hit on five key points of optimism as the Pelicans head into a coaching search and an offseason that will likely shape the next decade for a franchise built to rise. NEXT WEEK: 5 reasons to be worried REMEMBER: Rate/review/subscribe Ring the bell on our Pelicans YouTube channel! Want more coverage? Here ya go...

If you won the lottery every time you played, well, it wouldn't be a lottery at all. The Pelicans stayed at No. 13 for the upcoming draft, so that means we get to make some under-informed picks for who New Orleans might land (or trade for) in October.  Also: We like deep 3s and we cannot lie. 

Alvin Gentry has been fired. It is official. So ... what's next? NOLA.com columnist Rod Walker joins Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak to share quick reactions to the firing of the Pelicans' coach, throw down names for the next potential hire and more in this week's episode.

Welp ... that's now how you draw it up. The Pelicans came into the NBA bubble with sky-high expectations, but with two games left to play the team's playoff hopes are officially underground. ESPN's Andrew Lopez joins Bird Watch host Christian Clark to discuss the Pelicans' most recent loss to the Spurs, what went wrong in the seeding games and what to look for going forward into next season.

The Pelicans and Grizzlies met again with a familiar result, but what does it all mean? Fastbreak Breakfast host Keith Parish joins Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak in this week's episode to see if we can make heads or tails of the bubble playoff race, and reset some key scenarios. Spoiler: He's not hitting the panic button yet on Memphis, and New Orleans suddenly has new life in Orlando.

Remember when Zion Williamson's mask photo was the biggest Pelicans storyline? Well things have changed quickly with an opening loss to the Jazz in the NBA's restart and a lot of confusion over the young star's minutes limit. Here are the quick takeaways from the game, what we know about his restrictions (and the reasoning behind them) from EVP David Griffin's comments today,

The games don't count, so what exactly is there to take away from the Pelicans' first two NBA bubble scrimmages? Health, for one, but Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak break down a few more key elements of some REAL, anticlimactic basketball action in Orlando. Plus the latest on Zion's quarantine and return, some stumbling blocks, Lou Williams at Magic City and more as the Pelicans restart opener vs. the Jazz looms.

Before the NBA hits the bubble, an important question: In a fantasy draft between Pelicans and Nuggets players, who would you take No. 1 overall? ... well maybe it’s not that important, but DNVR VP of Creative Production Adam Mares joins Bird Watch host Christian Clark in this week’s episode to do just that as we ready for real-life basketball to return.

Marshall Henderson isn't flexing at Vanderbilt fans anymore -- at least not on the court -- but the former Ole Miss star is still close to the game of basketball. The high-passion former SEC guard -- now a coach with the Thomas University Night Hawks of the NAIA -- joins Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak to talk college memories, trash talk, playing overseas, that time he had to move into DeMarcus Cousins' extra locker, a vacuum cleaner prize and more on this week's episode.  Oh, and we got a new logo! Like it? Leave us a review/rating and subscribe today!

Was it a foul? The refs said no. The NBA said yes. But what does Sarah Todd think? The Utah Jazz beat writer for the Deseret News joins Pelicans beat writer Christian Clark to talk about the questionable call, the night that sent the NBA on pause due to coronavirus, the relationship between Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell and a lot more in this week's episode of Bird Watch | A New Orleans Pelicans podcast powered by NOLA.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It seems like a lifetime ago Chris Paul was an NBA star in New Orleans, which is what makes his current stop in Oklahoma City all the more intriguing to watch. Erik Horne, The Athletic's OKC Thunder beat writer, joins Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak to talk CP3, and a lot more.  Trigger warning: If you love Taysom Hill, you may not like the hot takes expressed in this podcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The NBA's "bubble" playoff scenario is drawing closer, but more positive coronavirus tests will certainly hit before the basketball does. Bird Watch returns with hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak to talk about the prospect of Pelicans players that might opt out, how the setup looks with players potentially sequestered in Orlando for up to three months ... and whether that plan could've actually worked in New Orleans (because yes, they did try). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Yes, Pelicans fans, it's really happening: Zion Williamson and Co. will be headed to the Disney World bubble after all. The NBA made it official on Thursday that the league would resume games with 22 teams in Orlando, Florida -- a field that includes New Orleans and a play-in option for the 9 seed. NOLA.com's Pelicans beat writer Christian Clark and digital producer Jeff Nowak return for a new episode of Bird Watch after a short hiatus to talk plans, what we expect, potential coronavirus and player concerns and more. Oh, and a certain Tim Allen space movie.

Is a return to NBA action feasible? Yes, with a few caveats. Dr. Rand McClain, the Chief Medical Officer for Los Angeles-based LCR Health, joins Bird Watch host Jeff Nowak to talk about the NBA's plans for a return and other coronavirus topics as they relate to the Pelicans and the NBA at large. McClain specializes in sports and regenerative medicine, often working with high-level athletes, including NBA players.

If the regular season is over, the Pelicans will have a lottery pick. NBA draft expert Brian Schroeder (AKA @Cosmis) joined Bird Watch host and NOLA.com Pelicans beat writer Christian Clark to chat about players who could be available where the Pelicans will likely pick. We got Brian’s thoughts on Tyrese Maxey, Devin Vassell and Aaron Nesmith and the biggest question: Who goes No. 1 overall?

There may be no basketball going on these days other than grainy, left-handed layups in Trae Young's backyards, but we still managed to track down Pelicans columnist Scott Kushner as he pushed his son in a stroller around Broadmoor. Scott and Bird Watch host Christian Clark hand out some superlatives from the Pelicans season, including the best moment, the worst moment, and which player you'd trust most when the zombies arrive.

Pete Maravich's basketball skills were the result of thousands of hours in the gym. Under his father Press’ tutelage, Pete became perhaps the greatest showman on the hardwood ever. This week’s Bird Watch takes a closer look at that complicated father-son relationship, Pete’s time with the New Orleans Jazz and how he finally found happiness after years of discontent. Host Christian Clark spoke to Mark Kriegel, the author of “Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich,” about a basketball family that found itself ahead of its time, what they'd think of the game today -- a bit on Zion Williamson, of course -- and more.-EPISODE RECORDED WITH SQUADCAST, referral link (7 day free trial): squadcast.fm/?ref=birdwatch

How does the NBA come back from its coronavirus hiatus? What does that look like? What are people gambling on without sports? Bird Watch host Jeff Nowak is joined by longtime business journalist John Brennan, who has spent more than three decades as a journalist, including eight seasons covering the Brooklyn Nets. He now covers the growth of the U.S. Betting industry for U.S. Bets and other publications. -EPISODE RECORDED WITH SQUADCAST, referral link (7 day free trial): squadcast.fm/?ref=birdwatch

If it seems like we're going a bit stir-crazy ... that's because we are. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak are joined by NOLA.com Pelicans columnist Scott Kushner to catch up after a week without NBA action but with a whole lot of social distancing. We talk about the weirdest things we've done to stay busy, what to expect as the NBA appears on pause for possibly three months before diving into memories of Zion Williamson's debut before what would've been the first matchup with the Spurs since that 3-point barrage. We also talk charity (and how charity shaming ain't cool). SQUADCAST SHOW LINK: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=birdwatch

The Coronavirus crisis hit hard this week, with some of the biggest shockwaves showing with the cancellation of many sporting events and even the suspension of the NBA's season. Bird Watch host Christian Clark calls in from Sacramento, where he was on scene to cover the Pelicans-Kings matchup before it was called last minutes. He chats Bird Watch co-host Jeff Nowak on how it all unfolded on Wednesday, and what to expect going forward as the situation unfolds.

Despite a rough week the Pelicans' playoff push is still alive, but there'll be a lot to consider before the postseason rolls around. Concern over the spread of Coronavirus spurred some shifts for player access by the media. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak discuss what that could foreshadow -- such as games closed to fans -- and what that might look like. Plus: More on Lonzo Ball's sweet shooting stroke (who didn't see this coming?) a Jrue Holiday game to remember and setting up the playoff push for the Pelicans with 18 games remaining. INSTACART SHOW LINK: http://instacart.oloiyb.net/birdwatchInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

There was no Anthony Davis this time around, but LeBron James showed the Pelicans that, even at 35, he's just as dominant as ever -- even when facing a Herculean effort from Zion Williamson. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak are joined by NOLA.com deputy sports editor Reina Kempt to chat about what happened in the second Pels loss to the Lakers in a week and another career high for Zion Williamson. Also: A ticket stub comparison (think Glen Davis); some bruises for Kyle Kuzma and growth for Lonzo Ball.INSTACART SHOW LINK: http://instacart.oloiyb.net/birdwatchInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Yes, the Lakers beat the Pelicans ... again. But what are the real takeaways from what could be a Round 1 playoff series if New Orleans can get all the way up the mountain in the Western Conference? Hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak talk Jrue on LeBron, Peanut Butter Melli time and more. And after the break: Zion Williamson, or is it just mini-Shaq? The difference is about half a foot, but they have at least one big thing in common. INSTACART SHOW LINK: http://instacart.oloiyb.net/birdwatch

The All-Star Game is officially in the past, but Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram both hit the stage for some big moments. Host Christian Clark recaps the scene from frigid Chicago, where the Pelicans rookie met Barack Obama and then broke the hoop (sort of), joined by teammates in the Rising Stars game before Ingram took the floor for the main event. Then he and co-host Jeff Nowak set the table for the Pelicans' final 27 games and what to look for as New Orleans pushes for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoff field.INSTACART SHOW LINK: http://instacart.oloiyb.net/birdwatch

Another day, another big Pelicans win and another monster performance from Zion Williamson. WDSU sports anchor/reporter Fletcher Mackel joins Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak this week to talk about that a blowout win over the Trail Blazers, plus a stroll down memory lane from the early days of New Orleans pro basketball, Chris Paul, David West, home games in Oklahoma City and a lot more (and at least one host thinks the playoffs are coming for New Orleans THIS season).

With NBA trade buzz swirling around Jrue Holiday, Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak take a dive into what's realistic and what's not realistic for the Pelicans guard and several other players a day ahead of the trading deadline. We also take a look back on the clash of Zion Williamson and Giannis Antetokounmpo in last night's Pelicans-Bucks matchup, a few highlights to remember, some takeaways and how to approach the final 31 games of New Orleans' season.

Looking back at a somber day across the NBA as the Pelicans took the national stage for a game and paid tribute to the iconic Kobe Bryant, who died suddenly earlier in the day. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak are joined by Saints and Pelicans broadcast coordinator Caroline Gonzalez to break down her role with the teams, talk more about those tributes, and the trio's memories of Kobe. In the second half of the episode it's all Zion Williamson, who earned his first double-double and NBA win as the Pelicans rolled over the depleted Celtics. On more minutes, big effort and more as the No. 1 overall pick enters his second week back after his recovery from knee surgery.

Zion Williamson's debut was ho-hum through three quarters, but a four-minute avalanche changed everything. That is ... until the minutes ran out. Bird Watch hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak go back through the No. 1 overall picks stunning debut at the Smoothie King Center that even featured an "MVP" chant, then another chant that rubbed one host the wrong way as a new Pelicans era finally took flight in New Orleans.