Bird Watch | A Pelicans podcast

By Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak

A New Orleans Pelicans podcast powered by NOLA.com. A weekly look at the team that says they'll never bend the knee with hosts Christian Clark and Jeff Nowak.

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On what Pelicans' rotation changes could look like & Zion's brilliance

Bird Watch | A Pelicans podcastFeb 15, 2021

00:00

47:52

What are Pelicans' odds to make playoffs ... and does it matter? Plus Jaxson Hayes' bag of tricks

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

Apr 08, 202147:07

Pelicans NBA trade deadline reactions: Lonzo Ball stays; Redick deal surprises

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

Mar 26, 202138:32

As Pelicans stumble, should they sell on Lonzo Ball? How about on NBA Top Shot?

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

Mar 19, 202144:25

Zion and Pelicans back from All-Star Break, so what's next? With guest Jason Maples

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? Temple of Hoop's 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

Mar 10, 202144:44

Pelicans close first half on low note, so what are the takeaways? Trade targets?

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

Mar 05, 202146:14

Zion Williamson is an All-Star, but does he deserve it? Was Brandon Ingram snubbed?

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 Christian Clark and 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: NOLA.com/sports/Pelicans

Feb 24, 202148:31

On what Pelicans' rotation changes could look like & Zion's brilliance

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

Feb 15, 202147:52

Enjoying the good Pelicans: Zion hits new level, defense surges; trades up next?

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

Feb 04, 202142:37

Pelicans stock watch: Whose value is rising like GameStop and who's dropped after uneven start

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

Jan 29, 202159:44

What's wrong with the Pelicans? Going in on defense, shooting as skid drags on

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.

Jan 22, 202145:51

Looking back on Pelicans-Hawks blockbuster, Trae Young nutmegs, more with Sarah Spencer

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 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.

Jan 12, 202143:19

Pelicans prove they can win ugly ... and it's beautiful; here's why

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.

Dec 28, 202046:21

How Giannis Antetokounmpo's new deal impacts Pelicans; reactions after preseason opener

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.

Dec 16, 202046:46

Reactions (overreactions?) to Pelicans schedule, ESPN player rankings, more

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.

Dec 10, 202042:40

Pelicans first impressions ahead of unusual training camp & some prop bet picks

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.

Dec 04, 202048:50

Catching up on a Pelicans trade bonanza, rebuilt roster and Jrue Holiday's lasting impact

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.

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Check out more daily Pelicans coverage at NOLA.com/sports/pelicans

Nov 24, 202045:50

Pelicans NBA Draft preview: Trades, prospects to watch, more with Shamit Dua

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.

Nov 12, 202054:59

Inside Stan Van Gundy's Pistons run, why it's a 'good fit' with Pelicans, 1 big question

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.

Oct 27, 202045:12

Grading the Stan Van Gundy hire; early takeaways, reactions to Pelicans new head coach

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.

Oct 22, 202035:57

Who's the Pelicans best option for new coach? On home-grown talent, more with Nuggets writer Harrison Wind

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

Sep 30, 202049:25

On Pelicans fans holding a grudge, Nuggets apology tour and more with Will Guillory

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.

Sep 17, 202041:08

On old-school Pelicans, Jrue's snub, MIP Brandon Ingram and more with Jim Eichenhofer

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.

Sep 09, 202048:00

On the NBA strike and 5 things to wonder about for Pelicans headed into offseason

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.

Sep 01, 202057:33

Here are 5 reasons to be optimistic as Pelicans face critical 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
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Aug 25, 202038:46

No draft lottery magic for Pelicans this time. Some deep 3-pointers and way-too-early picks.

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.

Aug 21, 202041:18

Alvin Gentry fired: Quick reactions, Pelicans' options for new coach, more with Rod Walker

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.

Aug 16, 202045:51

What happened to the Pelicans? Diving in with Andrew Lopez after playoff dream disappears

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.

Aug 10, 202041:46

Hitting reset after Pelicans beat Grizzlies & what's next? With guest Keith Parish

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.

Aug 04, 202042:31

Quick reactions to Pelicans-Jazz & Zion's minutes limit? Here's what we know so far.

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,

Aug 01, 202033:21

Pelicans' top scrimmage takeaways; what's next for Zion; 5 things we're watching in NBA bubble

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.

Jul 26, 202058:39

Zion or Jokic? Drafting a Pelicans-Nuggets superteam with Adam Mares

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.

Jul 20, 202053:54

Catching up with former Ole Miss star Marshall Henderson, on DeMarcus Cousins' locker, Zion, more

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.
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Jul 15, 202053:09

Was it a foul? On a no-call, Rudy Gobert, coronavirus & more with Jazz beat writer Sarah Todd

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.

Jul 08, 202047:41

On Chris Paul, Taysom Hill and TGI Friday’s with Thunder beat writer Erik Horne

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.

Jul 02, 202052:56

How Pelicans stack up and who opts out of stir-crazy NBA bubble; Could it have worked in New Orleans?

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).

Jun 26, 202048:53

Pelicans to NBA bubble: What we know/expect for playoffs, return to play and Galaxy Quest

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...

Jun 05, 202043:40

Sports medicine expert 'optimistic' for an NBA return amid coronavirus; Dr. Rand McClain joins Bird Watch

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...

May 04, 202039:52

Breaking down NBA draft field, Pelicans options with guest Brian Schroeder

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...

Apr 30, 202044:37

Picking best Pelicans teammate for a zombie apocalypse and more season superlatives

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...

Apr 15, 202044:37

Inside the mind of ex-LSU & NBA star Pete Maravich with 'Pistol' author Mark Kriegel

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...

Apr 08, 202038:40

Ideas for an NBA return; Zion's impact on sports betting and more with guest John Brennan

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...

Mar 31, 202044:24

How to pass the time with no Pelicans? Plus memories of a Zion debut & coronavirus charity

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...

Mar 17, 202047:54

What's next after Coronavirus suspends Pelicans season; Christian Clark live from Sacramento

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...

Mar 12, 202015:51

On Pelicans, NBA impacts from Coronavirus; big games from Holiday and Ball; more on playoff push

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...

Mar 10, 202044:15

On LeBron's master class that spoiled Zion's monster night; Lonzo Ball's growth with Pelicans

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...

Mar 03, 202041:37

Takeaways from Pelicans loss to Lakers; is Zion the NBA's new-age Shaq?

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...

Feb 28, 202044:25

Zion, Ingram back from hoop-wrecking All-Star Game; setting up Pelicans playoff push

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...

Feb 19, 202042:37

On Pelicans past and present, more Zion and a huge win with WDSU's Fletcher Mackel

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...

Feb 12, 202048:46

Is a Jrue Holiday trade deadline deal realistic? Looking back on Zion vs. Giannis, Pt. 1

NBA trade deadline primer for Pelicans, Jrue Holiday, others; more on Zion vs. Giannis

Feb 05, 202045:16

On memories of Kobe & Zion's big impact; Caroline Gonzalez joins Bird Watch

Memories of Kobe Bryant and the rise of Zion Williamson

Jan 28, 202046:53