Welcome into the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast, a podcast dedicated to everything you need to know about the squad here from players, coaches, broadcasters, and those who cover the NBA on a daily basis. The New Orleans Pelicans Podcast starts right now.

Welcome into the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast, a podcast dedicated to everything you need to know about the squad here from players, coaches, broadcasters, and those who cover the NBA on a daily basis. The New Orleans Pelicans Podcast starts right now.

Helen want to welcome to the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast, official podcast of your New Orleans Pelicans. Becuse cat gel Jim, I can offer with you yet again as the Pels play the fourth game of a four game homestand I guess the Cleveland Cavaliers undefeated Cavaliers eight and oh Pelicans, well, they did not get a win since we last chatted with you, as they go down to the Trail Blazers one eighteen to one hundred lost on Sunday to the Hawks won twenty six to eleven, So two straight defeats there. Jim, first and foremost, I think this sound head to coach Julie Green probably explained why the team is on a current two game losing street.

Helen want to welcome to the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast, official podcast of your New Orleans Pelicans. Becuse cat gel Jim, I can offer with you yet again as the Pels play the fourth game of a four game homestand I guess the Cleveland Cavaliers undefeated Cavaliers eight and oh Pelicans, well, they did not get a win since we last chatted with you, as they go down to the Trail Blazers one eighteen to one hundred lost on Sunday to the Hawks won twenty six to eleven, So two straight defeats there. Jim, first and foremost, I think this sound head to coach Julie Green probably explained why the team is on a current two game losing street.

It's difficult to lose a game. It's frustrating for you know, well just being in a moment. But I'll speak for all of us. We're proud of the way our guys have stepped up and they go out and compete, and even through the losses, there's valuable lessons for us that will help us as we move forward and as we get hold. But right now, you know, this is kind of where we are. We kind of ran out of steam last you know, five to seven minutes of the game. There's two games in a row, and you know it happens.

It's difficult to lose a game. It's frustrating for you know, well just being in a moment. But I'll speak for all of us. We're proud of the way our guys have stepped up and they go out and compete, and even through the losses, there's valuable lessons for us that will help us as we move forward and as we get hold. But right now, you know, this is kind of where we are. We kind of ran out of steam last you know, five to seven minutes of the game. There's two games in a row, and you know it happens.

Yeah, I mean, the talent gap over forty eight minutes, I think sometimes becomes evident. I mean, high school basketball, you're playing thirty two minutes, College you're playing forty. I feel like there's kind of an attrition that happens in the NBA just because the game is so long. You're also dealing with the twenty four second shot clock, so there's a million more possessions than there are in other levels of basketball, and I do think that that sometimes can catch up to you. I mean we saw with Portland in Atlanta too, obviously, but Portland in the fourth quarter, guys like Anthony Simon's and Delano Banton comes in after not playing at.

Yeah, I mean, the talent gap over forty eight minutes, I think sometimes becomes evident. I mean, high school basketball, you're playing thirty two minutes, College you're playing forty. I feel like there's kind of an attrition that happens in the NBA just because the game is so long. You're also dealing with the twenty four second shot clock, so there's a million more possessions than there are in other levels of basketball, and I do think that that sometimes can catch up to you. I mean we saw with Portland in Atlanta too, obviously, but Portland in the fourth quarter, guys like Anthony Simon's and Delano Banton comes in after not playing at.

All in the first three quarters and it goes off.

All in the first three quarters and it goes off.

I mean, they just had guys that in the fourth quarter just kind of took over the game and just seized it for them. And so I mean I thought, I mean, the Pelicans are up three going in the fourth quarter, but you know, just like will he use the words ran out of steam, I think or ran out of gas, And it did seem like that was the case as well as in the Atlanta game, where it was like you started seeing some mistakes that you hadn't seen earlier in the game.

I mean, they just had guys that in the fourth quarter just kind of took over the game and just seized it for them. And so I mean I thought, I mean, the Pelicans are up three going in the fourth quarter, but you know, just like will he use the words ran out of steam, I think or ran out of gas, And it did seem like that was the case as well as in the Atlanta game, where it was like you started seeing some mistakes that you hadn't seen earlier in the game.

Of course, it doesn't help that Zion didn't play in those two games that the team has lost here as well. So they went on Friday, doesn't play on Sunday and Monday. Some sworts and look, probably the right thing for the team to do with Jordan Hawkins to rest him. He was gutting through the games on Friday and Saturday on Sunday rather so to your point, hopefully get some healthy bodies here. Look, it does allow for players to get an opportun unity though, And one of the players will be talking to with Wes Johnson. Our guest today is Brandon Boston, and he's taken advantage of his opportunity. Boston with a solid performance the last couple of games fourteen, fourteen and twenty. His three totals there. Brandon Ingram had this to say about the chance that Boston's getting No.

Of course, it doesn't help that Zion didn't play in those two games that the team has lost here as well. So they went on Friday, doesn't play on Sunday and Monday. Some sworts and look, probably the right thing for the team to do with Jordan Hawkins to rest him. He was gutting through the games on Friday and Saturday on Sunday rather so to your point, hopefully get some healthy bodies here. Look, it does allow for players to get an opportun unity though, And one of the players will be talking to with Wes Johnson. Our guest today is Brandon Boston, and he's taken advantage of his opportunity. Boston with a solid performance the last couple of games fourteen, fourteen and twenty. His three totals there. Brandon Ingram had this to say about the chance that Boston's getting No.

Actually, I'll watched him a little bit in high school, a little bit in college, and I just thought he never got the opportunity to play.

Actually, I'll watched him a little bit in high school, a little bit in college, and I just thought he never got the opportunity to play.

And he's a five star guy, so you know, he got some in his back that he's ready for to un leash. And you know he's been doing it the last two games.

And he's a five star guy, so you know, he got some in his back that he's ready for to un leash. And you know he's been doing it the last two games.

Head coach Willie Green.

Head coach Willie Green.

I just see I see his hunger, his hunger to prove to everybody that you know, he belongs in this league. And we're grateful to be able to be the team that can give him an opportunity. We don't like the circumstances is, you know, always with guys being out, but you know there's some good that will come out of this.

I just see I see his hunger, his hunger to prove to everybody that you know, he belongs in this league. And we're grateful to be able to be the team that can give him an opportunity. We don't like the circumstances is, you know, always with guys being out, but you know there's some good that will come out of this.

Yeah, I mean, he's the consistency that he's shown has been great. I mean, obviously these are not ideal set circumstances. We talked about before too that based on the schedule, the practice dates haven't really been there either. So I mean, to be able to just jump into action and play the way he has has been a huge boost and extremely valuable. So you know, by the way too, I think It's always interesting to me to think about sometimes of how small the basketball world is. Because at Saturday's practice, I think the clip that you played of Brandon Ingram might have been the question I asked him about what he's seen from Brandon Boston so far, and when he started talking so knowledgeably about Brandon Boston's high school career and stuff like that, I thought. My first thing that came to mind was like, Okay, so Ingram played in LA and was there some connection there with the Clippers. But then you realize that really it was just the basketball world, especially with the Instagram clips and the viral videos. I think the NBA players now are extremely aware of even like the.

Yeah, I mean, he's the consistency that he's shown has been great. I mean, obviously these are not ideal set circumstances. We talked about before too that based on the schedule, the practice dates haven't really been there either. So I mean, to be able to just jump into action and play the way he has has been a huge boost and extremely valuable. So you know, by the way too, I think It's always interesting to me to think about sometimes of how small the basketball world is. Because at Saturday's practice, I think the clip that you played of Brandon Ingram might have been the question I asked him about what he's seen from Brandon Boston so far, and when he started talking so knowledgeably about Brandon Boston's high school career and stuff like that, I thought. My first thing that came to mind was like, Okay, so Ingram played in LA and was there some connection there with the Clippers. But then you realize that really it was just the basketball world, especially with the Instagram clips and the viral videos. I think the NBA players now are extremely aware of even like the.

Top high school players.

Top high school players.

Even if there are guys that played somewhere that isn't doesn't have anything to do geographically with them. Boston is from the Atlanta area, so there's really no connection other than it seems like somewhere along the way.

Even if there are guys that played somewhere that isn't doesn't have anything to do geographically with them. Boston is from the Atlanta area, so there's really no connection other than it seems like somewhere along the way.

Five star guy and you play in Kentucky, people out exactly, no doubt.

Five star guy and you play in Kentucky, people out exactly, no doubt.

So yeah, that was interesting, all right.

So yeah, that was interesting, all right.

So that leads us to where we are tonight, the Cleveland Cavaliers eight No, Jim give us expert analysis here ready?

So that leads us to where we are tonight, the Cleveland Cavaliers eight No, Jim give us expert analysis here ready?

Why are they undefeated.

Why are they undefeated.

I mean, they've been good in pretty much every aspect of the game. They just had to you know, really close wins. Actually against the Bucks. They you would think, but the way the Milwaukee's played so far that they would have been able to maybe beat them by a bigger margin. But as I always say, there's no pictures in the standings. The only thing that matters is you won or lost the game. And so now they're eight to no after those two consecutive wins against them. A couple notes tonight. For tonight's game, Max Struce and Dean Wade are both out. Dean Wade actually started every game for the Cavs all season until their last game he was out due to illness, so he's been a big part of the start that they've gotten off to. Won't play tonight, neither will Max Druce, and then off the bench, Caris LeVert is questionable with a knee injury. He also is off to a very good start individually and has been pretty instrumental I think in the Calves being undefeated. So not nearly as long of an injury list as what the Pelicans have, but nonetheless there's a few guys for them that a couple guys that are out, and another guy that we'll have to find out closer to tip off if he's going to play tonight.

I mean, they've been good in pretty much every aspect of the game. They just had to you know, really close wins. Actually against the Bucks. They you would think, but the way the Milwaukee's played so far that they would have been able to maybe beat them by a bigger margin. But as I always say, there's no pictures in the standings. The only thing that matters is you won or lost the game. And so now they're eight to no after those two consecutive wins against them. A couple notes tonight. For tonight's game, Max Struce and Dean Wade are both out. Dean Wade actually started every game for the Cavs all season until their last game he was out due to illness, so he's been a big part of the start that they've gotten off to. Won't play tonight, neither will Max Druce, and then off the bench, Caris LeVert is questionable with a knee injury. He also is off to a very good start individually and has been pretty instrumental I think in the Calves being undefeated. So not nearly as long of an injury list as what the Pelicans have, but nonetheless there's a few guys for them that a couple guys that are out, and another guy that we'll have to find out closer to tip off if he's going to play tonight.

Yeah, see what takes place. All right, let's have our conversation with Wes Johnson will talk about that connection that he has with Brandon Boston. Also his thoughts on tonight's game with the Cavaliers coming up. Now, all right, Tom, that to welcome in our guest for today's podcast, mister Wes Johnson, part of the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network. I've gotten so much better. It's saying that, how about you, man, how are you enjoying the TV life?

Yeah, see what takes place. All right, let's have our conversation with Wes Johnson will talk about that connection that he has with Brandon Boston. Also his thoughts on tonight's game with the Cavaliers coming up. Now, all right, Tom, that to welcome in our guest for today's podcast, mister Wes Johnson, part of the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network. I've gotten so much better. It's saying that, how about you, man, how are you enjoying the TV life?

Sir? How are you It's fun. I'm enjoying it.

Sir? How are you It's fun. I'm enjoying it.

I know is new for me, but day by day I am getting used to it, getting comfortable with So. Yeah, everybody asked me, how is it being in front of the camera. I'm like, it's an adjustment, but I think I'm managing it pretty well.

I know is new for me, but day by day I am getting used to it, getting comfortable with So. Yeah, everybody asked me, how is it being in front of the camera. I'm like, it's an adjustment, but I think I'm managing it pretty well.

You know, Wes, I'm an avid watcher of the pregame and postgame show, even though sometimes it's the next day via DVR. I was wondering, what do you have you preferred so far in the pre and post game. Do you prefer being in the studio or do you prefer being in the Smoothieking Center with like three hundred people screaming and yelling behind you?

You know, Wes, I'm an avid watcher of the pregame and postgame show, even though sometimes it's the next day via DVR. I was wondering, what do you have you preferred so far in the pre and post game. Do you prefer being in the studio or do you prefer being in the Smoothieking Center with like three hundred people screaming and yelling behind you?

That is a I don't know, it's like a night and day difference.

That is a I don't know, it's like a night and day difference.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You can go from nobody there and it's absolutely quiet. You can go to pandemonium. So I think it's a i'l tea Teler going back and forth in the mood. So if I'm in a calm mood, I forfer the studio. Yeah, Like the energy wise, you can't match that, So it's fun being in both.

You can go from nobody there and it's absolutely quiet. You can go to pandemonium. So I think it's a i'l tea Teler going back and forth in the mood. So if I'm in a calm mood, I forfer the studio. Yeah, Like the energy wise, you can't match that, So it's fun being in both.

Yeah, it'sund of the same thing. Like I was gonna say, Jim, like when I do a talk show. When I did a talk show and remote or location at a restaurant or bar, we do watch parties, it's just a different vibe, you know, and fans are there, you hear the atmosphere and reaction of the game, and then when we're in here just it's quiet.

Yeah, it'sund of the same thing. Like I was gonna say, Jim, like when I do a talk show. When I did a talk show and remote or location at a restaurant or bar, we do watch parties, it's just a different vibe, you know, and fans are there, you hear the atmosphere and reaction of the game, and then when we're in here just it's quiet.

Right, So.

Right, So.

But yeah, I Look, I think one of the things that's been fun to watch from you and to have your input and look, we're going to ask you specifically today about things from this team's going on that you went through, maybe, whether it's injuries, whether it's adversity early in the season, keeping up hope, or you know, looking at the bigger picture and understand it. At every game you got, I got there and play and other guys are stepping up. There's so much I think that you have already gone through and seen exact that this team is experiencing right now.

But yeah, I Look, I think one of the things that's been fun to watch from you and to have your input and look, we're going to ask you specifically today about things from this team's going on that you went through, maybe, whether it's injuries, whether it's adversity early in the season, keeping up hope, or you know, looking at the bigger picture and understand it. At every game you got, I got there and play and other guys are stepping up. There's so much I think that you have already gone through and seen exact that this team is experiencing right now.

Right just early on in my career, we have to deal with that, deal with injuries, deal with different lineups, players coming from the G League in ten days, and guys just learning how to fly, flying in just to meet us when we were at different locations. So the team going through this right now is familiar for me, and to see them go through this right now, it's one of the things that happens, and you just roll with it and you don't want to lose hope. Like you said, you want to look at the bigger picture, and it is this one of those things. Day by day, game by game, you're able to grow as a player, grow as an individual. So when the guys come back, you've been in those situations. So when you're out there on the floor, it's not foreign to you. You're able to produce and know where to be, know how to play when they're out there. So these times, these minutes and the times that they're getting is valuable. It's invaluable for them to be able to say, Okay, I played against the best I've been out there and then you wanted to be on that stage and now you're able to do it. Unfortunately, it's at the expense of people being injured, but these are the minutes that you can never take back.

Right just early on in my career, we have to deal with that, deal with injuries, deal with different lineups, players coming from the G League in ten days, and guys just learning how to fly, flying in just to meet us when we were at different locations. So the team going through this right now is familiar for me, and to see them go through this right now, it's one of the things that happens, and you just roll with it and you don't want to lose hope. Like you said, you want to look at the bigger picture, and it is this one of those things. Day by day, game by game, you're able to grow as a player, grow as an individual. So when the guys come back, you've been in those situations. So when you're out there on the floor, it's not foreign to you. You're able to produce and know where to be, know how to play when they're out there. So these times, these minutes and the times that they're getting is valuable. It's invaluable for them to be able to say, Okay, I played against the best I've been out there and then you wanted to be on that stage and now you're able to do it. Unfortunately, it's at the expense of people being injured, but these are the minutes that you can never take back.

One of the things that people have asked me, including you know, some of the writers who've been here for maybe a handful of years or going back seven eight years, they asked me like, has this ever happened before to.

One of the things that people have asked me, including you know, some of the writers who've been here for maybe a handful of years or going back seven eight years, they asked me like, has this ever happened before to.

An NBA team?

An NBA team?

Unfortunately, I have seen stuff similar to this in New Orleans going back to the previous decade. But I mean, what are some of the stories that you have from your career that are kind of extreme cases of where you have to deal with stuff that's that you're just not expecting to have happened to a team.

Unfortunately, I have seen stuff similar to this in New Orleans going back to the previous decade. But I mean, what are some of the stories that you have from your career that are kind of extreme cases of where you have to deal with stuff that's that you're just not expecting to have happened to a team.

So right before just mentioning when I was with the Lakers, we actually played Cleveland in Cleveland and injuries everybody, Kobe, Steve Nash Germanlin had that stomach bug and it was going down the list of all the players. So we entered the game with six players nixt six six. So Nick messed his knee up, so we're down five. So this is like second quarter, so we're down five players and I'm looking like okay, it's no subs.

So right before just mentioning when I was with the Lakers, we actually played Cleveland in Cleveland and injuries everybody, Kobe, Steve Nash Germanlin had that stomach bug and it was going down the list of all the players. So we entered the game with six players nixt six six. So Nick messed his knee up, so we're down five. So this is like second quarter, so we're down five players and I'm looking like okay, it's no subs.

So for me and everybody else is like one. He can't take us out, so we can just play how we want to write too.

So for me and everybody else is like one. He can't take us out, so we can just play how we want to write too.

This is going to be a long game. Throughout the game, ROBERTA Chris came in up fouling out. So he's on the bench and it's like you said, it was a mean of him literally laying across the bench because nobody was there. Everybody was in the back end treatment and nobody was on the bench, so he lays across the bench. He ended up getting fine for that.

This is going to be a long game. Throughout the game, ROBERTA Chris came in up fouling out. So he's on the bench and it's like you said, it was a mean of him literally laying across the bench because nobody was there. Everybody was in the back end treatment and nobody was on the bench, so he lays across the bench. He ended up getting fine for that.

By the team, but by the league. Okay, yeah, yeah, and huh.

By the team, but by the league. Okay, yeah, yeah, and huh.

Then Robert sack right in up fouling out, and so we have four players, so they were like, okay, we can't play a game five on four. So they allowed him to play, and they said that every time he foils, regardless of non shooting or not it's gonna be a tech. So they made a rule up. They had to call in and get a rule made just because like, hello, like what.

Then Robert sack right in up fouling out, and so we have four players, so they were like, okay, we can't play a game five on four. So they allowed him to play, and they said that every time he foils, regardless of non shooting or not it's gonna be a tech. So they made a rule up. They had to call in and get a rule made just because like, hello, like what.

Are we gonna do?

Are we gonna do?

Yeah, yeah, that's incredible.

Yeah, yeah, that's incredible.

So it's been, it's been. I've been a part of that. Some weird instance with players being out.

So it's been, it's been. I've been a part of that. Some weird instance with players being out.

We're the How did the Cavs react to that?

We're the How did the Cavs react to that?

Were they saying like, let's run it run every time we have the ball and wear these guys out because they don't have any subs.

Were they saying like, let's run it run every time we have the ball and wear these guys out because they don't have any subs.

Or like winning the game?

Or like winning the game?

Did you really?

Did you really?

Oh?

Oh?

Wow? I mean one the game with four players? Yeah, we won the game.

Wow? I mean one the game with four players? Yeah, we won the game.

Wow, Yes, incredibly, that's it.

Wow, Yes, incredibly, that's it.

You should go You need to walk over there across the parking lot and be like, guys, doing this can happen.

You should go You need to walk over there across the parking lot and be like, guys, doing this can happen.

We can do this. So that's great. That's a great story. That's tremendous.

We can do this. So that's great. That's a great story. That's tremendous.

You know.

You know.

One of the reasons of the timing that we wanted to bring you in today too, was that you have a background with Brandon Boston, that you were actually his player development coach with the Clippers. I mean, what was kind of your focus with him? You had him, I mean this is his fourth year I think in the NBA you had him really early while you were there. What were some of the things that you kind of focused on with him that you wanted to, you know, him to work on.

One of the reasons of the timing that we wanted to bring you in today too, was that you have a background with Brandon Boston, that you were actually his player development coach with the Clippers. I mean, what was kind of your focus with him? You had him, I mean this is his fourth year I think in the NBA you had him really early while you were there. What were some of the things that you kind of focused on with him that you wanted to, you know, him to work on.

One, being decisive, that was the main thing. Being decisive, get the ball, make a quick decision just with the team that we had space and was key catching and shooting, just to get him to stick on the floor by doing that. On the defensive end, his full work angles how to close out, knowing his personnel, like paying attention to the schemes that the teams a run. Just trying to get him to be a complete basketball player without his offensive gifts that he already has, just trying to add more to him to be a professional. So year by year you saw it growing. But like I was always telling them, you need the opportunity, so that will grow with time. When you were able to get out there, So him being able to be here and able to get reps, like quality reps out there now it's like, Okay, that's like I'm saying, it's invaluable for a young player to be able to play like you can do all the reps you want in post practice, pre practice, but when you're out there live, it's that's when.

One, being decisive, that was the main thing. Being decisive, get the ball, make a quick decision just with the team that we had space and was key catching and shooting, just to get him to stick on the floor by doing that. On the defensive end, his full work angles how to close out, knowing his personnel, like paying attention to the schemes that the teams a run. Just trying to get him to be a complete basketball player without his offensive gifts that he already has, just trying to add more to him to be a professional. So year by year you saw it growing. But like I was always telling them, you need the opportunity, so that will grow with time. When you were able to get out there, So him being able to be here and able to get reps, like quality reps out there now it's like, Okay, that's like I'm saying, it's invaluable for a young player to be able to play like you can do all the reps you want in post practice, pre practice, but when you're out there live, it's that's when.

You actually be able to grow.

You actually be able to grow.

So seeing him developed from early on nineteen years old to now, I can see like, okay, he's going on the reps right path.

So seeing him developed from early on nineteen years old to now, I can see like, okay, he's going on the reps right path.

When you mentioned you know, him being decisive, was it a matter of like just catching the ball, making a quick decision kind of thing, like not holding it, not pounding it, Like, yeah, what did you mean by this?

When you mentioned you know, him being decisive, was it a matter of like just catching the ball, making a quick decision kind of thing, like not holding it, not pounding it, Like, yeah, what did you mean by this?

When you get the ball, catch the ball. Like a lot of players in the training they overdribble. I mean it's natural, like the training they do that. So when you're catching the balls, depending on like the read and react, it happens fast. You're getting the best players in the world running at you, running off the line. So if you don't catch and shoot it or drive to close out and make the right read after it, it's like, okay, why are you out here? What are you doing when you're out here? So him being very decisive on catching the ball, shooting, catching the ball, driving and catching the ball passing, that is like if a skill in itself, because a lot of people can't think that fast to make the right reads. So if you're making the right reads off a close out and being able to space the floor, get the space and give those guys like to be odds and the zion's the space to operate and knowing that I'm space ready to shoot or drive it like Coach Green is going to be like, okay, we can have him out here now.

When you get the ball, catch the ball. Like a lot of players in the training they overdribble. I mean it's natural, like the training they do that. So when you're catching the balls, depending on like the read and react, it happens fast. You're getting the best players in the world running at you, running off the line. So if you don't catch and shoot it or drive to close out and make the right read after it, it's like, okay, why are you out here? What are you doing when you're out here? So him being very decisive on catching the ball, shooting, catching the ball, driving and catching the ball passing, that is like if a skill in itself, because a lot of people can't think that fast to make the right reads. So if you're making the right reads off a close out and being able to space the floor, get the space and give those guys like to be odds and the zion's the space to operate and knowing that I'm space ready to shoot or drive it like Coach Green is going to be like, okay, we can have him out here now.

To your point, one thing that's really stood out to me was Brandon Ingram and his start.

To your point, one thing that's really stood out to me was Brandon Ingram and his start.

I'm gonna ask you about.

I'm gonna ask you about.

To start here in the second, but what you just mentioned there, he spoke about specifically the bag that this kid has or the confidence that he has. When you have a player of that caliber with the start that he's having and trusting and then you're helping him, you're going back and forth.

To start here in the second, but what you just mentioned there, he spoke about specifically the bag that this kid has or the confidence that he has. When you have a player of that caliber with the start that he's having and trusting and then you're helping him, you're going back and forth.

That's something that that's.

That's something that that's.

Not only on video, but other players see, coaches see opportunity can arise from something like that.

Not only on video, but other players see, coaches see opportunity can arise from something like that.

Right.

Right.

It's one thing to come out there and get some minutes, knock down a three or two, to another be able to work with a player of that caliber. Does that open up a little bit more eyes on other teams that go, hey, man, this guy can work with star caliber players and other players. There's a home for a guy like that.

It's one thing to come out there and get some minutes, knock down a three or two, to another be able to work with a player of that caliber. Does that open up a little bit more eyes on other teams that go, hey, man, this guy can work with star caliber players and other players. There's a home for a guy like that.

For sure, because if you have a player like caliber or Brandon Nigrom actually saying that about you Zion saying he was a certified bucket, giving you these names that let you know that they see it, and the Clippers saw it when he was there, they just didn't have the opportunity or the space or the minaced form. So him being able to put in the work and continue to be in a gym as kudos to him to having their work ethic.

For sure, because if you have a player like caliber or Brandon Nigrom actually saying that about you Zion saying he was a certified bucket, giving you these names that let you know that they see it, and the Clippers saw it when he was there, they just didn't have the opportunity or the space or the minaced form. So him being able to put in the work and continue to be in a gym as kudos to him to having their work ethic.

He could have went south and been like, you know what, like, am I really that good?

He could have went south and been like, you know what, like, am I really that good?

Do I belong But it never was a question in his mind, never came out of his mouth saying that do I belong here?

Do I belong But it never was a question in his mind, never came out of his mouth saying that do I belong here?

He always thought that.

He always thought that.

So seeing him being out here and they see the confidence in him, it's letting you know that I should be here and I'm here to stay. So like I'm proud to see it, Like I'm happy for him because nights after Knights who have been there all night, shooting all night working talking him off the ledge, like just stay with it. It doesn't matter where it is, how it happens, your number's gonna be called, but you have to make the best of it.

So seeing him being out here and they see the confidence in him, it's letting you know that I should be here and I'm here to stay. So like I'm proud to see it, Like I'm happy for him because nights after Knights who have been there all night, shooting all night working talking him off the ledge, like just stay with it. It doesn't matter where it is, how it happens, your number's gonna be called, but you have to make the best of it.

I think one of the biggest cases for him as far as this guy should be on an NBA roster somewhere is that. You know, you mentioned that his opportunities in with the Clippers were pretty sporadic, but when he did get a chance to play, he had like a twenty seven point game against Boston. He had a couple other opportunities where he got on the floor and produced. You know, it wasn't like it seemed like he sees the chances to play and did well. But I mean, when you look back at his situ situation with the Clippers, was it a matter of I feel like this happens to a lot of guys where you know, they might be a late first round pick or second round pick, but they go to the wrong team in terms of there's so many guys ahead of them right, and they're also he went to a team that was in championship mode. He didn't go to a team where it was like, you know, we can kind of ease our way into the season, we can develop a bunch of guys. It was like, not only did they have their starters probably set, especially at the wing position, but they also had veteran guys coming off the bench that needed to.

I think one of the biggest cases for him as far as this guy should be on an NBA roster somewhere is that. You know, you mentioned that his opportunities in with the Clippers were pretty sporadic, but when he did get a chance to play, he had like a twenty seven point game against Boston. He had a couple other opportunities where he got on the floor and produced. You know, it wasn't like it seemed like he sees the chances to play and did well. But I mean, when you look back at his situ situation with the Clippers, was it a matter of I feel like this happens to a lot of guys where you know, they might be a late first round pick or second round pick, but they go to the wrong team in terms of there's so many guys ahead of them right, and they're also he went to a team that was in championship mode. He didn't go to a team where it was like, you know, we can kind of ease our way into the season, we can develop a bunch of guys. It was like, not only did they have their starters probably set, especially at the wing position, but they also had veteran guys coming off the bench that needed to.

Play as well.

Play as well.

So I mean, was that really just what it boiled down to As far as his time with the Clippers was it almost seemed like no matter what he did, he was going to have a hard time get getting in the rotation.

So I mean, was that really just what it boiled down to As far as his time with the Clippers was it almost seemed like no matter what he did, he was going to have a hard time get getting in the rotation.

It was our things as always to Wes Johnson of the Golf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network, You'll get to see him with Andreel Lopez here tonight and Homan in on a road when the Pels take on Orlando on Friday. He will be in studio with Aaron Summers. All right, Jim, it is Wednesday, which means.

It was our things as always to Wes Johnson of the Golf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network, You'll get to see him with Andreel Lopez here tonight and Homan in on a road when the Pels take on Orlando on Friday. He will be in studio with Aaron Summers. All right, Jim, it is Wednesday, which means.

All right, y'all's time for Western Conference. Wednesday. Mister Eichenhoffer will tell.

All right, y'all's time for Western Conference. Wednesday. Mister Eichenhoffer will tell.

Us whose stock is up and whose stock is down.

Us whose stock is up and whose stock is down.

So let's get started, Jim, what is our team to keep an eye on for this week?

So let's get started, Jim, what is our team to keep an eye on for this week?

You know what's funny, Gus, I didn't know who that voice was the last couple of times that you played it after postgame, and now I just figure out who that voice is. So that cracks me up. You know, yes, I do know who that is so funny to me.

You know what's funny, Gus, I didn't know who that voice was the last couple of times that you played it after postgame, and now I just figure out who that voice is. So that cracks me up. You know, yes, I do know who that is so funny to me.

You didn't even know I was playing that.

You didn't even know I was playing that.

It also makes sense why she asked me about Western Conference Wednesday, and I was like, why are you asking me about this?

It also makes sense why she asked me about Western Conference Wednesday, and I was like, why are you asking me about this?

I have no idea I didn't even know. But anyways, I digress.

I have no idea I didn't even know. But anyways, I digress.

The team to watch this week over the next seven days is actually going to be the Golden State Warriors, and you're not going to believe the schedule that the league has put together for them over the next you know, seven nights. Tonight they're at Boston on ESPN, not exactly an easy game. Friday they're at Cleveland, which hopefully Cleveland won't be still undefeated on Friday, but that's another story. Sunday they're at Oklahoma City, and then Tuesday they host Dallas on TNT, which is going to be the Klay Thompson Return to Chase Center game. So Boston, Cleveland, Thunder Mavericks. That's their next four games. So that's why I put them as the team to watch because I can't imagine a more brutal stretch of games to put together. You know, we complain sometimes about the Pelicans schedule, but man, that is something else.

The team to watch this week over the next seven days is actually going to be the Golden State Warriors, and you're not going to believe the schedule that the league has put together for them over the next you know, seven nights. Tonight they're at Boston on ESPN, not exactly an easy game. Friday they're at Cleveland, which hopefully Cleveland won't be still undefeated on Friday, but that's another story. Sunday they're at Oklahoma City, and then Tuesday they host Dallas on TNT, which is going to be the Klay Thompson Return to Chase Center game. So Boston, Cleveland, Thunder Mavericks. That's their next four games. So that's why I put them as the team to watch because I can't imagine a more brutal stretch of games to put together. You know, we complain sometimes about the Pelicans schedule, but man, that is something else.

And by the way, the team to watch for last week was the Spurs.

And by the way, the team to watch for last week was the Spurs.

They went two and two, and so I'm going to give them a B plus on the week that they had because they lost at Oklahoma City, they lost at the Clippers, they had wins at Utah. Their best performance by far was they beat the Timberwolves on the weekend, so they went to and two. Not bad considering the opposition that they had. They're three and four now overall, which is a half game ahead of the Pelicans. But they were able to, you know, kind of tread water with the schedule that they had going for them.

They went two and two, and so I'm going to give them a B plus on the week that they had because they lost at Oklahoma City, they lost at the Clippers, they had wins at Utah. Their best performance by far was they beat the Timberwolves on the weekend, so they went to and two. Not bad considering the opposition that they had. They're three and four now overall, which is a half game ahead of the Pelicans. But they were able to, you know, kind of tread water with the schedule that they had going for them.

So I did quick matt there.

So I did quick matt there.

Okay, going into tonight's action, Cleveland eight oh, Boston seven and one. Okay, see seven and oh, and Dallas is four and three. That's a combined win loss record of twenty six and four.

Okay, going into tonight's action, Cleveland eight oh, Boston seven and one. Okay, see seven and oh, and Dallas is four and three. That's a combined win loss record of twenty six and four.

That's crazy.

That's crazy.

The next couple of games. That's so in Goldan State currently six and one. And I asked you this, I think this week if they were one of your surprises so far this season, right, I mean, we came into this season, no, Clay Thompson is.

The next couple of games. That's so in Goldan State currently six and one. And I asked you this, I think this week if they were one of your surprises so far this season, right, I mean, we came into this season, no, Clay Thompson is.

Straymond still you know good?

Straymond still you know good?

I mean, Steph puts so much effort into the Olympics.

I mean, Steph puts so much effort into the Olympics.

Why is he?

Why is he?

Yeah, for the regular season, and they're six and one.

Yeah, for the regular season, and they're six and one.

Man and Curry missed three of those games as well, which is even more interesting and eye opening. I mean, right now, if you look at the top of the West. Okay, see seven and oh, Phoenix and Golden State are both six and one. I think every every one thought Oklahoma City was going to be really good this year, and people picked them to be the one seed. No one's surprised that Phoenix is six and one. So among that group, I mean you have to say Golden State is the team that stands out the most. And speaking of the Warriors, my stock up this week is also the Warriors based on you know, the week that they just had where they had a bunch of really good wins and a couple of them were Curry Lists victories as well. Last Wednesday they beat the Pelicans by fifteen, Saturday they won at Houston in overtime by six, and then they won at Washington on Monday by thirteen. So I mean they went from they had a good start where it was like, Okay, this is encouraging to now they're near the top of the West standings. So had to go with them for stock up for stock down and you know, Gus, this just pains me to say, but the stock down is the Los Angeles.

Man and Curry missed three of those games as well, which is even more interesting and eye opening. I mean, right now, if you look at the top of the West. Okay, see seven and oh, Phoenix and Golden State are both six and one. I think every every one thought Oklahoma City was going to be really good this year, and people picked them to be the one seed. No one's surprised that Phoenix is six and one. So among that group, I mean you have to say Golden State is the team that stands out the most. And speaking of the Warriors, my stock up this week is also the Warriors based on you know, the week that they just had where they had a bunch of really good wins and a couple of them were Curry Lists victories as well. Last Wednesday they beat the Pelicans by fifteen, Saturday they won at Houston in overtime by six, and then they won at Washington on Monday by thirteen. So I mean they went from they had a good start where it was like, Okay, this is encouraging to now they're near the top of the West standings. So had to go with them for stock up for stock down and you know, Gus, this just pains me to say, but the stock down is the Los Angeles.

Oh no, yep, how are you ever going to get through the day?

Oh no, yep, how are you ever going to get through the day?

Yeah, it really breaks out they last Wednesday by twenty four at Cleveland in a game that Brownie got to play in front of his hometown crowd.

Yeah, it really breaks out they last Wednesday by twenty four at Cleveland in a game that Brownie got to play in front of his hometown crowd.

But he did score. He did score. He did score. Then Friday, they they won at Toronto.

But he did score. He did score. He did score. Then Friday, they they won at Toronto.

They want to They squeaked out a six point win against a team that obviously is not off to a great start. And then they lost by twelve at Detroit on Monday. So al right, well, that Piston team is really good.

They want to They squeaked out a six point win against a team that obviously is not off to a great start. And then they lost by twelve at Detroit on Monday. So al right, well, that Piston team is really good.

Yes, the uh they're better than people. I will say they're better than people think, but have more wins already.

Yes, the uh they're better than people. I will say they're better than people think, but have more wins already.

Early on in the season, I would when did you get to win three last year?

Early on in the season, I would when did you get to win three last year?

Yeah? I think they were two and twenty nine, So yeah that what was that like January? Maybe they got their third win.

Yeah? I think they were two and twenty nine, So yeah that what was that like January? Maybe they got their third win.

But yeah, stockdown Lakers because after the bandwagon was starting to fill up when they started out three and oh, they lost. They also lost a game to the Suns that was last week. But yeah, they're four and three now, which is a game and a half ahead of the Pelicans. After they started out three and oh, and everybody was starting to mark the championship parade for them.

But yeah, stockdown Lakers because after the bandwagon was starting to fill up when they started out three and oh, they lost. They also lost a game to the Suns that was last week. But yeah, they're four and three now, which is a game and a half ahead of the Pelicans. After they started out three and oh, and everybody was starting to mark the championship parade for them.

So that's my Western Conference Wednesday wrap up.

So that's my Western Conference Wednesday wrap up.

Looking forward to more weeks of this and enjoying that we have a new narrator for this segment as well.

Looking forward to more weeks of this and enjoying that we have a new narrator for this segment as well.

Yeah, well there's more to come.

Yeah, well there's more to come.

Oh okay, now we're talking not this Saturday.

Oh okay, now we're talking not this Saturday.

Okay, next Saturday, Next Saturday.

Okay, next Saturday, Next Saturday.

All right, Lakers at the bells.

All right, Lakers at the bells.

Oh all right, right around the corner. I will definitely be there for that.

Oh all right, right around the corner. I will definitely be there for that.

By the way, the day before that, the Denver Nuggets, Thank you, NBA.

By the way, the day before that, the Denver Nuggets, Thank you, NBA.

We appreciate that.

We appreciate that.

Yeah, it's really nice.

Yeah, it's really nice.

At least it's a home back to back, but it's it's really nice to give us the Nuggets followed by the Lakers.

At least it's a home back to back, but it's it's really nice to give us the Nuggets followed by the Lakers.

There we go.

There we go.

I'm exempting.

I'm exempting.

I'm never gonna pick the Pelicans for this Western Conference Wednesday, but it sounds like maybe there'll be a team to watch that week when they play that schedule.

I'm never gonna pick the Pelicans for this Western Conference Wednesday, but it sounds like maybe there'll be a team to watch that week when they play that schedule.

It'll be And look, we were talking about it with West John says, we wrap up here about that.

It'll be And look, we were talking about it with West John says, we wrap up here about that.

You have not played big teams.

You have not played big teams.

Yeah, per Se, I know everybody's bring the NBA, but you know what I'm talking about. Out Joki is coming, Anthony Davis is coming, Lebron's command.

Yeah, per Se, I know everybody's bring the NBA, but you know what I'm talking about. Out Joki is coming, Anthony Davis is coming, Lebron's command.

It's a big These are some big players tonight.

It's a big These are some big players tonight.

You're gonna play a handful of league players Mobilian Allen with the Cavaliers. So okay, see next week on Wednesday. That's a big player. Now you're not gonna have Van Caro on Friday with Orlando. He's out with an injury.

You're gonna play a handful of league players Mobilian Allen with the Cavaliers. So okay, see next week on Wednesday. That's a big player. Now you're not gonna have Van Caro on Friday with Orlando. He's out with an injury.

But right they're still pretty big though.

But right they're still pretty big though.

They're starting a stretch here where they're gonna face a lot of bigs. And it's one thing to keep an eye on Jim because we.

They're starting a stretch here where they're gonna face a lot of bigs. And it's one thing to keep an eye on Jim because we.

Have watched teams attack.

Have watched teams attack.

The paint against the Pelicans. So that's the storyline going into the next couple of game.

The paint against the Pelicans. So that's the storyline going into the next couple of game.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I mean they have to be more competitive game in and game out in points in the paint, and they also have to stay competitive rebounding wise, which I think in the rebounding category they have done a pretty good job so far, especially given the circumstances of some of the guys that are out, especially Jim.

I mean they have to be more competitive game in and game out in points in the paint, and they also have to stay competitive rebounding wise, which I think in the rebounding category they have done a pretty good job so far, especially given the circumstances of some of the guys that are out, especially Jim.

I can offer Jim underscore, I can offer as the way to give a follow and plus each at every home game. You will be with us at Pelicans ot to give us his three things. Jim, Thank you, Sarah, see you soon. Thanks Gus. Yeah, for sure, and we will see you again on Friday on the New Orleans Pelicans podcast.

I can offer Jim underscore, I can offer as the way to give a follow and plus each at every home game. You will be with us at Pelicans ot to give us his three things. Jim, Thank you, Sarah, see you soon. Thanks Gus. Yeah, for sure, and we will see you again on Friday on the New Orleans Pelicans podcast.

Thanks for listening to the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast. Join us three times per week on pelicans dot com, the Pelicans mobile app, or you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. We'll see you next time right here on the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast

Thanks for listening to the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast. Join us three times per week on pelicans dot com, the Pelicans mobile app, or you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. We'll see you next time right here on the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast