New Orleans Pelicans: The 2017 Season

The 2017 New Orleans Pelicans season marked an interesting chapter in the franchise's history, filled with both promise and challenges. For fans and analysts alike, understanding the nuances of this season provides valuable insights into the team's trajectory and the evolution of its key players. Let's dive deep into what made the 2017 season a noteworthy one for the Pelicans.

Roster and Key Players

The Pelicans' roster in 2017 was headlined by the dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Davis, already an established superstar, continued to showcase his incredible versatility, dominating on both ends of the court with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking prowess. The arrival of Cousins midway through the previous season created immense excitement, as the prospect of pairing two of the league's best big men seemed like a guaranteed recipe for success.

Beyond Davis and Cousins, the team featured a mix of veterans and up-and-coming talents. Jrue Holiday, a seasoned point guard, played a crucial role in orchestrating the offense and providing defensive stability. Players like E'Twaun Moore, Solomon Hill, and Terrence Jones contributed with their scoring, defense, and overall energy. The roster also included young players such as Buddy Hield and Cheick Diallo, who were looking to develop their skills and carve out a niche for themselves in the league. The blend of established stars and developing players created a unique dynamic within the team, as veterans aimed to lead by example while younger players sought to learn and contribute in meaningful ways.

The front office's strategy was clear: build around Davis and Cousins to create a formidable frontcourt that could overpower opponents. The coaching staff, led by Alvin Gentry, focused on maximizing the strengths of this duo while also developing a cohesive team identity that emphasized defense, rebounding, and ball movement. The challenge, however, was to integrate all the pieces effectively and overcome the inevitable hurdles that come with building a contending team. The expectations were high, and the pressure was on for the Pelicans to make a significant leap forward in the competitive Western Conference.

Season Highlights and Lowlights

The 2017 season had its share of exhilarating highs and disappointing lows. The initial excitement surrounding the Davis-Cousins pairing was palpable, and there were moments when the two big men seemed unstoppable. Games where both players dominated the scoring charts, showcasing their unique blend of size, skill, and athleticism, provided glimpses of the team's immense potential. Victories against top-tier opponents fueled optimism and suggested that the Pelicans could compete with the best in the league.

However, consistency proved to be a major challenge. Injuries, inconsistent performances from key players, and difficulties in integrating new additions to the team often hampered the Pelicans' progress. There were stretches of games where the team struggled to find its rhythm, leading to frustrating losses and missed opportunities. The lack of consistent three-point shooting and defensive lapses were recurring issues that the coaching staff worked tirelessly to address. Despite the individual brilliance of Davis and Cousins, the team often struggled to maintain a high level of play for extended periods.

One of the most significant lowlights of the season was the Achilles injury suffered by DeMarcus Cousins in late January. This devastating injury not only ended Cousins' season but also cast a shadow over the team's future. The Pelicans had invested heavily in building around Davis and Cousins, and the sudden loss of one of their key players was a major setback. The team had to quickly adjust its strategy and find ways to compensate for Cousins' absence. Despite the adversity, the Pelicans showed resilience and continued to fight for a playoff spot. The remaining players stepped up their game, and the coaching staff made tactical adjustments to maximize the team's strengths. While the loss of Cousins was undoubtedly a blow, it also presented an opportunity for other players to shine and for the team to develop a new identity.

Team Performance and Statistics

In terms of overall performance, the Pelicans finished the 2016-2017 season with a record of 34 wins and 48 losses. While this was an improvement over the previous season, it was not enough to secure a playoff berth in the highly competitive Western Conference. The team's offensive rating was around the league average, while their defensive rating was slightly below average. The Pelicans struggled with consistency on both ends of the court, often alternating between periods of strong play and stretches of lackluster performance.

Individually, Anthony Davis had another stellar season, averaging around 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. He was a dominant force on both ends of the court and continued to solidify his status as one of the league's premier players. DeMarcus Cousins, before his injury, was also putting up impressive numbers, averaging around 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. His versatility and ability to score, rebound, and pass made him a valuable asset to the team. Jrue Holiday also had a solid season, contributing with his scoring, playmaking, and defense.

However, the Pelicans' overall statistics revealed some areas of concern. The team struggled with three-point shooting, ranking near the bottom of the league in both three-point percentage and three-point attempts. This lack of perimeter shooting made it easier for opposing defenses to pack the paint and focus on containing Davis and Cousins. The Pelicans also needed to improve their rebounding and reduce turnovers. Turnovers often led to easy points for the opposition, while a lack of rebounding allowed opponents to control the boards and extend possessions. Addressing these statistical weaknesses would be crucial for the Pelicans to take the next step and become a true contender.

Impact of Key Injuries

Injuries played a significant role in shaping the Pelicans' 2017 season. The most impactful injury, without a doubt, was the Achilles tear suffered by DeMarcus Cousins. This injury not only sidelined Cousins for the remainder of the season but also had a ripple effect on the team's overall performance and chemistry. Cousins' absence forced the Pelicans to adjust their offensive and defensive strategies, and it also placed a greater burden on Anthony Davis to carry the team.

Other injuries also took their toll on the Pelicans throughout the season. Jrue Holiday missed a significant number of games due to various ailments, which disrupted the team's backcourt rotation and offensive flow. Solomon Hill also suffered an injury that kept him out for an extended period, impacting the team's defensive versatility. These injuries forced the coaching staff to constantly tinker with the lineup and adjust the team's game plan. While the Pelicans showed resilience in the face of adversity, the constant shuffling of players and rotations made it difficult to establish consistency and build momentum.

The impact of these injuries extended beyond the court. The team's morale was affected, and there was a sense of uncertainty about the future. The Pelicans had invested heavily in building a contending team, and the injuries threatened to derail those plans. However, the team remained determined to overcome the challenges and continue to compete at a high level. The remaining players stepped up their game, and the coaching staff worked tirelessly to find ways to compensate for the absences. While the injuries undoubtedly hindered the Pelicans' progress, they also served as a test of the team's character and resilience.

Off-Season Moves and Future Outlook

Following the conclusion of the 2017 season, the Pelicans' front office faced critical decisions regarding the team's future. The injury to DeMarcus Cousins created uncertainty about his long-term fit with the team, and there were questions about whether the Pelicans should re-sign him in the offseason. The team also needed to address its lack of perimeter shooting and improve its overall depth.

In the offseason, the Pelicans made a series of moves aimed at strengthening the roster and improving the team's chances of contending. One of the most significant moves was the acquisition of Rajon Rondo, a veteran point guard known for his playmaking and leadership skills. Rondo's arrival provided the Pelicans with a much-needed floor general who could help orchestrate the offense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. The team also added shooters such as Tony Allen to improve their perimeter attack.

However, the Pelicans ultimately decided not to re-sign DeMarcus Cousins, who signed with the Golden State Warriors in free agency. This decision marked a significant shift in the team's direction, as the Pelicans moved away from the Davis-Cousins pairing and focused on building a more balanced and versatile roster. The team's future outlook remained uncertain, but the Pelicans were determined to continue to compete and strive for playoff contention. The additions of Rondo and other key players provided a boost to the team's overall talent level, and the Pelicans were hopeful that they could make a significant leap forward in the upcoming season.

Conclusion

The 2017 New Orleans Pelicans season was a roller coaster ride filled with both promise and disappointment. The pairing of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins created immense excitement, but injuries and inconsistency ultimately hampered the team's progress. Despite the challenges, the Pelicans showed resilience and continued to compete at a high level. The season provided valuable lessons about the importance of depth, consistency, and team chemistry. As the Pelicans looked ahead to the future, they were determined to build upon the foundation laid in 2017 and strive for greater success. The team's fans remained hopeful that the Pelicans could overcome the obstacles and emerge as a true contender in the competitive Western Conference.