New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18 Roster: A Deep Dive

The 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster was a fascinating mix of established stars and promising young talent, all striving to make a significant impact in the competitive Western Conference. This season marked a pivotal moment for the franchise as they looked to build a winning formula around their twin towers, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Diving into the specifics of the roster, the coaching staff, and the overall performance provides a comprehensive understanding of this team's journey.

The Roster Composition

The roster was constructed with the clear intention of maximizing the potential of Davis and Cousins. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:

• Anthony Davis: Arguably the centerpiece of the team, Anthony Davis continued to solidify his status as one of the league's premier talents. His scoring prowess, defensive capabilities, and overall athleticism made him a constant threat on both ends of the floor. During the 2017-18 season, Davis showcased his versatility, averaging impressive stats while consistently drawing double teams and altering opponents' game plans. His ability to stretch the floor with his jump shot, coupled with his dominance in the paint, made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Beyond his individual performance, Davis also took on a leadership role, guiding the younger players and setting the tone for the team's defensive intensity. His commitment to improvement was evident in his increased efficiency and decision-making, making him an indispensable asset for the Pelicans.
• DeMarcus Cousins: Before his unfortunate injury, DeMarcus Cousins formed a formidable frontcourt partnership with Davis. Cousins brought a unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking to the Pelicans, making them a challenging matchup for any team. His ability to score from the post, shoot from beyond the arc, and facilitate the offense made him a versatile threat. Cousins's presence also provided the Pelicans with a much-needed toughness and physicality, helping them control the boards and establish a strong inside presence. His passing skills were particularly valuable, as he often found open teammates for easy scoring opportunities. However, his season was cut short due to a torn Achilles tendon, which significantly impacted the team's dynamics and forced them to adjust their strategies.
• Jrue Holiday: A vital cog in the Pelicans' backcourt, Jrue Holiday provided a steady hand on both offense and defense. His scoring ability, playmaking skills, and defensive tenacity made him an invaluable asset. Holiday's ability to create his own shot, coupled with his excellent court vision, allowed him to control the tempo of the game and make smart decisions in crucial moments. Defensively, he was known for his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opponents' offensive flow. Holiday's leadership and experience were also critical in guiding the younger players and maintaining a sense of composure during challenging games. His consistency and reliability made him a player the Pelicans could always count on, and his contributions were essential to their success.
• Rajon Rondo: Brought in to orchestrate the offense, Rajon Rondo's playmaking and basketball IQ were crucial. Rondo's ability to distribute the ball and find open teammates was a significant boost to the Pelicans' offensive efficiency. While his scoring was not his primary focus, his passing skills and court vision made him a valuable asset in transition and half-court sets. Rondo's experience and leadership were also instrumental in guiding the team, particularly in high-pressure situations. His defensive instincts and ability to anticipate plays often led to crucial steals and turnovers, further enhancing his value to the team. Overall, Rondo's presence provided the Pelicans with a seasoned floor general who could effectively manage the game and make the players around him better.
• E'Twaun Moore: A reliable scorer and defender, E'Twaun Moore provided valuable contributions on both ends of the floor. His ability to knock down open shots and defend multiple positions made him a versatile and dependable player. Moore's consistency and work ethic earned him the trust of the coaching staff, and he often played significant minutes off the bench. His offensive game was characterized by his smooth shooting stroke and ability to create space for himself. Defensively, he was known for his tenacity and willingness to take on challenging assignments. Moore's contributions often went unnoticed, but his steady performance and reliability were essential to the Pelicans' overall success.
• Other Key Contributors: Players like Darius Miller, Ian Clark, and Cheick Diallo provided depth and versatility, each contributing in their own unique ways. Miller's shooting, Clark's scoring bursts, and Diallo's energy were all valuable assets off the bench.

Coaching Staff and Strategy

Alvin Gentry served as the head coach, tasked with integrating the team's star power and developing a cohesive strategy. Gentry's offensive system was designed to maximize the talents of Davis, Cousins, and Holiday, emphasizing pace and space to create scoring opportunities. The coaching staff focused on improving the team's defensive efficiency, implementing schemes to protect the paint and limit opponents' scoring opportunities. They also worked on developing the younger players, providing them with opportunities to grow and contribute to the team's success. Gentry's leadership and ability to adapt to changing circumstances were crucial in navigating the challenges of the season, particularly after Cousins's injury. His emphasis on teamwork and communication helped foster a positive environment, allowing the players to thrive and perform at their best.

Offensive Approach

The Pelicans' offense revolved around creating high-percentage shots for Davis and Cousins while utilizing Holiday's playmaking abilities. The team emphasized ball movement and spacing to open up driving lanes and create opportunities for open shots. They also incorporated elements of the pick-and-roll game to capitalize on the versatility of their big men. The coaching staff encouraged the players to push the pace and attack in transition, taking advantage of their athleticism and speed. They also emphasized the importance of offensive rebounding to generate second-chance points and maintain possession. The overall offensive strategy was designed to be adaptable, allowing the team to exploit different matchups and adjust to opponents' defensive schemes.

Defensive Strategy

Defensively, the Pelicans aimed to protect the paint and limit opponents' scoring opportunities inside. The team employed aggressive pick-and-roll coverage and emphasized help rotations to prevent easy baskets. They also focused on controlling the defensive boards to limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents. The coaching staff stressed the importance of communication and teamwork on the defensive end, encouraging the players to support each other and stay connected. They also implemented different defensive schemes to disrupt opponents' offensive flow and force turnovers. The goal was to create a defensive identity that was both physical and intelligent, making it difficult for opponents to score efficiently.

Season Performance and Key Moments

The 2017-18 season was a roller coaster for the Pelicans, marked by both significant highs and challenging lows. The team showcased flashes of brilliance, demonstrating their potential to compete with the league's elite teams. However, consistency remained a challenge, particularly after DeMarcus Cousins's injury. Despite the setback, the Pelicans managed to rally and secure a playoff berth, showcasing their resilience and determination.

Regular Season Highlights

During the regular season, the Pelicans had several memorable moments, including impressive winning streaks and dominant performances against top-tier opponents. Anthony Davis emerged as a leading MVP candidate, consistently delivering outstanding performances and leading the team to victory. Jrue Holiday also played a crucial role, providing steady scoring and playmaking while excelling on the defensive end. The team's ability to overcome adversity and maintain a positive attitude was a testament to their character and leadership.

Playoff Run

The Pelicans entered the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Western Conference, facing a tough first-round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. In a stunning sweep, the Pelicans dismantled the Blazers, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive firepower. Anthony Davis led the charge, dominating the series with his scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence. The Pelicans' playoff run generated excitement and optimism among fans, as they looked to make a deep run in the postseason.

In the second round, the Pelicans faced the Golden State Warriors, a team widely considered to be the championship favorites. Despite putting up a valiant effort, the Pelicans ultimately fell short, losing the series in five games. The Warriors' superior depth and experience proved to be too much for the Pelicans to overcome. However, the series provided valuable lessons for the young Pelicans team, as they gained experience competing against the league's best.

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

The 2017-18 season provided valuable insights into the Pelicans' strengths and weaknesses, shaping their future direction. The emergence of Anthony Davis as a bona fide superstar was a major positive, solidifying his place as the cornerstone of the franchise. The development of Jrue Holiday into a reliable two-way player was also a significant factor in the team's success. However, the injury to DeMarcus Cousins highlighted the team's need for additional depth and talent.

Looking ahead, the Pelicans faced important decisions regarding their roster and future strategy. The team needed to find ways to surround Davis with the right pieces to maximize their championship potential. This involved identifying and acquiring players who could complement Davis's skills and provide additional scoring, defense, and playmaking. The Pelicans also needed to continue developing their younger players, providing them with opportunities to grow and contribute to the team's success. Ultimately, the Pelicans' future hinged on their ability to build a sustainable winning culture and create a team that could compete at the highest level.

The 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster, while ultimately falling short of a championship, was a compelling study in team building, star power, and strategic adaptation. It laid the groundwork for future iterations of the team and provided valuable lessons for players and management alike.