Noli Me Tangere (The Social Cancer) by RIZAL, José

Trevor and Travis come together after another Pelicans clutch-time loss, this time to the Minnesota Timberwolves on the first leg of a 5-game road trip. Now that the Pelicans are healthy with Elfrid Payton, Niko Mirotic and E’Twuan Moore all back, can this team salvage the rest of the year and somehow make the playoffs? If the Pelicans fall out during the remainder of this road swing, what does that mean for the season as a whole? Is anybody, player or coach, on the move? Trevor says the team is confident, but will that be enough to bring them back? Both hosts try to figure out who the best teams in the west are. Will the Lakers make a move? Will the Sacramento Kings or Dallas Mavericks shock the world? Lastly, the guys hand out midseason awards, including MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Luka of the Year and more! Also: Rodions Kurucs!

The Bird Writes' own Travis Tate and Trevor Ritchie sit down with Pelicans writer Jim Eichenhofer to discuss the ups and downs New Orleans has dealt with to this junction in the 2018-19 NBA season.

EP 20: Guest - Charles La Rocca

Travis and Trevor are here to break down the highs and lows of New Orleans’ start to the NBA season. After a scorching four-game winning streak to open, the Pelicans dropped six in a row, including all five of a Western Conference road trip. Yikes! A defense ranked 26th in the league, hit-or-miss games from Anthony Davis, injuries (Elfrid Payton, Darius Miller and Davis), live-ball turnovers or inconsistency at the small forward position could all be to blame for the slide. We also talk about Davis’ comments on needing to "play perfect" to help the Pelicans win, Jrue’s start to the season and if Wesley Johnson can be a difference. Julius Randle is a mixed bag, providing incredible production off the bench -- he’s a Sixth Man of the Year, maybe Most Improved Player candidate -- but his plus-minus numbers are very bad. What does it all mean? Lastly, Travis and Trevor list their regrets from their own preseason award predictions: both picked Cleveland to make the playoffs (oops…), and they each go over another misfortune they experienced with the crystal ball. Follow The Bird Writes on all social media, and visit our website for consistent Pelicans coverage. Enjoy!

We have reached the doorstep of the 2018-19 NBA season, so Travis Tate and Trevor Ritchie are making season predictions - who’ll win MVP, the scoring title, Rookie of the Year and more! Do any Pelicans win major awards? Who are guys that may not win but will be in the race? The crew also predicts which teams will make the playoffs in each conference and which ones fall short. Will the New Orleans Pelicans make the playoffs for the second straight year? How high could they reach? This won’t be a spoiler, but they also predict the same team to win the NBA title. We don’t have to mention them by name… One last thing: we’re available on iTunes, Google Play and Soundcloud, so make sure to like, share, rate and subscribe to The Bird Writes Podcast. Follow TBW on all social media platforms.

We’ve got basketball! Trevor Ritchie and Travis Tate are back with analysis of New Orleans Pelicans media day, top-100 NBA players rankings from ESPN and Sports Illustrated, Anthony Davis changing representation and the first two preseason games (vs Bulls, Hawks). From media day: the new additions of Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton, the confidence in AD and Jrue and the future of Frank Jackson. We also discuss the team’s potential to lead the league in pace, especially if they play as fast as coach Alvin Gentry wants. Anthony Davis is a top player in the league, but how exactly do we feel about where he stands in the ESPN and SI rankings? Did Jrue Holiday get terribly underrated? How important are the other top 100 guys, Julius Randle and Nikola Mirotic? New Orleans lost its first two preseason games, 128-116 to Chicago and 116-102 to Atlanta. Although losses don’t mean much at this junction of the season, the injuries to Jahlil Okafor, Julius Randle and Frank Jackson revive concerns that are very real – we talk about their status and what we look forward to in the remainder of the preseason before opening night on Oct. 17.

Travis Tate and I recorded a quick offseason update as the 2018-19 NBA schedule was recently released. We talk about the toughest stretches in the schedule, national television games, how the Pelicans might fare in a playoff push late in the year and an idea on the what the Pelicans’ ceiling and floor will be. We also discuss the signing of Jahlil Okafor and where he stands in the training camp competition to come at center. The 22-year-old, 3rd overall pick of 2015 still has time to change his narrative, but will he be able to do it in New Orleans? Lastly, the wing - we talk about which camp body might see the roster and what the true answer at SF might be moving forward. Will E’twaun remain at the 3? Can Solomon Hill surprise us? Mirotic-Randle-AD? This is just a quick offseason update for you guys until we record our next, more in-depth podcast in a week. Don’t forget to like, rate and share the podcast. Subscribe to us on iTunes and enjoy!

Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman joins Travis and Trevor on this week’s podcast to discuss all things Anthony Davis. Dawson has ties to Davis dating back to his days in Kentucky (Courier Journal) as well as his time at The Advocate. From the initial buzz in the high school scene to his first days at Kentucky, Dawson was on Davis’ scent – saying he knew midway into his freshman season that it was clear this was a player that one day might be the greatest player in the world. The TBW crew discusses how Davis has begun to knock on that door, forcing his way into the conversion behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Dawson also compares and contrasts the Thunder and Pelicans in addition to his dealings with both Davis and Russell Westbrook. What does Anthony Davis need to do cement his name at the top of the league? How much does the lack of hardware mean, how soon could Davis change that and what does it mean to him personally? Playoff odds, the MVP race (we know, it’s way too soon) and much more. Don’t forget to comment, rate and subscribe! Go follow SB Nation's The Bird Writes on Facebook and Twitter. Enjoy!

It’s the offseason and so far it's only made the Wild West even stronger. First it was LeBron, now comes the Kawhi deal and a Melo trade to buyout. The TBW crew talks about how San Antonio’s move impacts the Western Conference and what it means for Pop’s future. In the East, Toronto now has its future in the hands of The Claw – either an unlikely return or an inevitable rebuild is on the way. EP 14 questions where Kawhi’s reputation is at now and what he’ll do to worsen or fix it with the Raptors. Carmelo Anthony was also dealt in this week’s Western Conference happenings. Travis and Trevor talk about OKC getting a high-level backup point guard in return and more about what Anthony’s likely new destination means for the Western Conference standings. Don’t fret... the crew ends with a Pelicans update on Trevon Bluiett and the team's playoff chances. As always, continue to follow The Bird Writes on FB and Twitter.

Well, Pelicans fans, we've had a crazy few days surrounding the 4th of July. First the departures: DeMarcus Cousins flew the coop for a 1-year deal with the Golden State Warriors and Trevor Ritchie's favorite, Rajon Rondo, decided to take a chance with the LeBrongeles Lakers. Why did Cousins leave? Did the Pels truly "not make an offer?" Was Cousins' negative behavior in Sacramento still alive and well in Nola? Travis and Trevor dissect DMC and Rondo's departures, and compare those losses to their gains: Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton. Both Trevor and Travis think this team will fly up and down the court and congratulate the Pels front office on their pickups. Thanks to a handful of Pelicans fans who tweeted questions - hear our answers here!

Aaron Yorke of Black Shoe Diaries joins The Bird Writes podcast to talk about Pelicans second round pick Tony Carr out of Penn State. We cover the void left at Penn State after Carr's selection, if that void can be filled and how his game translates to the NBA hardwood. Carr could be one of the most balanced, smoothest players in the 2018 draft class. He checks every box you could ask for offensively. Carr could improve from an efficiency standpoint, but his scoring upside from the perimeter is through the roof. He is a shot-making guard who could instantly provide a spark off the bench — maybe even as the next Instant Grits. Carr’s balanced offensive game should be worth the gamble for New Orleans.

Travis Tate and Trevor Ritchie are back again to kick-off the break with a new podcast for TBW followers. LeBron James has controlled offseason chatter, so the crew starts by discussing the New Orleans campaign, where he'll actually end up and other superstar options the Pelicans may have. With the NBA draft less than a week away, the crew also dives in to potential draft prospects (Tony Carr, Kevin Hervey and Justin Jackson), the desperation this franchise has for a true small forward and the possibility of selling the pick. Add in talk about Head Coach Alvin Gentry's contract extension and of course the looming free agency decision coming for DeMarcus Cousins - now you have T&T's first podcast of the summer. To stay up to date on some of the best New Orleans Pelicans coverage around, remember to follow SB Nation's 'The Bird Writes' any and everywhere you can!

Trevor Ritchie and Travis Tate are back again with a breakdown of the Pelicans second-round playoff series loss to the powerhouse Golden State Warriors. The Dubs were simply too detailed, talented and cohesive for the Anthony Davis-led Pels. Trevor recognizes AD’s talent but never saw that nuclear game most expected, while Travis the struggles of Jrue Holiday and Darius Miller. Trevor and Travis also discuss the future of the team, namely a trio of free agents: DeMarcus Cousins and his achilles/pending free agency combo, Rajon Rondo and his value to this particular squad, and even Ian Clark: what’s he worth? Rookies have stolen the show this year with Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum showing out (while likely Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons mostly stunk it up). The rest of the playoff picture is now complete, with conference finals featuring expected partners. Will the Aron Baynes-led Celtics outlast LeBron in the Eastern Conference Finals? How about Curry and KD versus James Harden and CP3 in the West? Hear our predictions here and check out The Bird Writes on Facebook and Twitter for more content during the playoffs and this summer!

Pelicans.com writer, podcaster and video star Jim Eichenhofer joined Travis Tate and Trevor Ritchie on The Bird Writes Podcast after the Pels’ 4-game sweep against the Portland Trail Blazers. Jim was with the team the last time the Pels (then Hornets) won a playoff series - a 5-game contest against the Dallas Mavericks. How does this team compare to that one? Jim has the history with the organization and offers his thoughts. The city is in a different place - 2008 was a long time ago and before that season, Chris Paul wasn’t yet a star, Peja was on the back-half of his career and Tyson Chandler was basically unproven. The team had played parts of the previous two seasons in Oklahoma City and the city hadn’t experienced any Saints success either! Now, the Pelicans have Anthony Davis destroying the rim, Jrue messing with opponents’ confidence and Rondo calculating his way to open shots. Winds are changing throughout the NBA playoffs with veteran and star-laden teams like Cleveland and Oklahoma City taking unexpected losses while Nola, Philadelphia and Utah win big games - does that mean it’s time for the Pels to rise up and crush their next opponent? Jrue Holiday, MVP-level defender? How will he fare in the next series? Will Steph Curry even be ready?

Travis Tate and Trevor Ritchie are back again to talk the New Orleans Pelicans' first round playoff matchup against the Portland Trailblazers. Predictions, x-factors, individual position battles and an overall outlook on the NBA playoffs are all discussed. If you want to enjoy other consistent Pelicans content, go follow The Bird Writes on both Twitter and Facebook!

Travis Tate and Trevor Ritchie are back again to discuss the New Orleans Pelicans' stretch of three games in three nights - all resulting in wins for the first time in 39 years. Travis brings a new game to the table to tribute this month's March Madness, asking Trevor to seed the Pelicans' potential playoff matchups in reference to the NCAA Tournament. In search of consistent Pelicans coverage? Go follow The Bird Writes!

The Bird Writes' EIC Oleh Kosel joins the crew, co-host Trevor Ritchie raises the red flag on Jrue Holiday and Travis Tate brings us in with the same solemn intros as normal. If you want consistent New Orleans Pelicans coverage, follow The Bird Writes on Twitter and Facebook.

Travis and Trevor are back to talk the Pelicans' seven game win streak, Emeka Okafor's return to the league and the upcoming three-game road trip. If you enjoy TBW Podcast, go follow The Bird Writes on Twitter and Facebook for more New Orleans Pelicans content around!

Travis Tate and Trevor Ritchie of SB Nation's The Bird Writes recap the 2018 All-Star Weekend, breakdown Anthony Davis' interview with Rachel Nichols of "The Jump" and preview Friday night's matchup against the Miami Heat at the Smoothie King Center. For this and much more New Orleans Pelicans content, follow The Bird Writes.

Travis Tate and Trevor Ritchie review the New Orleans Pelicans' trade deadline move, including the addition of Nikola Mirotic and Rashad Vaughn as well as DeAndre Liggins' new deal. As always, the big picture comes in when discussing should Alvin Gentry's job be in question going into the all-star break. For insight on this, and much more surrounding the NBA, join SB Nation's The Bird Writes Podcast.