New Orleans Pelicans 2017 Roster: A Deep Dive

Diving deep into the New Orleans Pelicans 2017 roster reveals a fascinating mix of talent, potential, and what-ifs. This was a team built around the twin towers of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, a pairing that had the league buzzing with excitement and anticipation. However, as we all know, the NBA is a complex puzzle, and putting together a winning formula is never as simple as stacking star power. Let's break down the roster, examine the key players, and reflect on what made this particular Pelicans squad so intriguing.

The Star Power: Davis and Cousins

Let's be real, the main attraction of the 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster was undoubtedly the dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Anthony Davis, already an established superstar, was showcasing his incredible versatility as a scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court made him a perennial MVP candidate and the cornerstone of the Pelicans franchise. DeMarcus Cousins, on the other hand, brought a unique blend of offensive firepower and fiery passion to the team. His skill set as a center who could score inside and out, pass, and even handle the ball made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

The idea of pairing these two dominant big men was tantalizing. On paper, it seemed like an unstoppable force. The potential for pick-and-roll combinations, high-low post action, and sheer overwhelming size was enough to make any opposing coach lose sleep. The question wasn't whether they had the talent, but whether they could effectively mesh their games and coexist on the court. Could they share the spotlight, avoid clashing egos, and elevate the team to championship contention? These were the burning questions surrounding the Pelicans as they entered the 2017 season. Watching them play together was a rollercoaster of highlight-reel plays and frustrating inconsistencies. There were moments of pure brilliance where their combined talent was undeniable, but there were also stretches where the fit seemed awkward and forced. Finding the right balance and chemistry proved to be a challenge that ultimately defined the Pelicans' season.

The Supporting Cast: More Than Just Bit Players

Of course, a successful team needs more than just two star players, and the 2017 Pelicans roster had a supporting cast that, while not always consistent, had its moments of brilliance. Jrue Holiday, a seasoned veteran, brought much-needed stability and playmaking to the backcourt. His ability to score, defend, and run the offense made him a valuable asset alongside Davis and Cousins. E'Twaun Moore provided reliable shooting and scoring off the bench, while players like Rajon Rondo (who joined later) added veteran savvy and playmaking skills.

Don't forget about role players like Darius Miller, who provided outside shooting, and Alexis Ajinca, who contributed size and rebounding off the bench. These guys were essential for providing depth and filling specific roles within the team's system. While they may not have grabbed headlines like Davis and Cousins, their contributions were vital to the team's overall success. A strong supporting cast is the glue that holds a team together. They provide the necessary balance, depth, and versatility to complement the star players and make the team a cohesive unit. The Pelicans' supporting cast had flashes of brilliance, but consistency was often an issue. Finding the right combination of players who could consistently contribute on both ends of the court was an ongoing challenge for the coaching staff. Some nights, they would step up and make key plays, while on other nights, they would struggle to find their rhythm. This inconsistency made it difficult for the Pelicans to establish a consistent winning formula.

Coaching and Strategy: Alvin Gentry's Challenge

The man tasked with making all the pieces fit was head coach Alvin Gentry. He faced the challenge of integrating two dominant big men into a cohesive offensive system while also maximizing the potential of the supporting cast. Gentry's offensive philosophy, known for its pace and space, aimed to create open looks for shooters and exploit mismatches in the paint. However, implementing this system with Davis and Cousins required a delicate balance.

It was about finding ways to get them both involved without sacrificing the flow of the offense. The coaching staff experimented with different lineups, play calls, and strategies in an attempt to unlock the team's full potential. They tried running the offense through Davis in the post, utilizing Cousins as a facilitator from the high post, and incorporating pick-and-roll actions between the two big men. Defensively, Gentry emphasized communication, rotations, and protecting the paint. With Davis and Cousins patrolling the interior, the Pelicans had the potential to be a formidable defensive team. However, consistency and discipline were key, and the team sometimes struggled to maintain focus and intensity on the defensive end. Ultimately, Gentry's challenge was to mold a collection of talented individuals into a cohesive and winning team. He had the star power, the supporting cast, and the offensive system, but he needed to find the right formula to bring it all together. It was a complex puzzle, and Gentry worked tirelessly to solve it. Whether he fully succeeded is a matter of debate, but his efforts to maximize the team's potential were undeniable.

The Season's Highs and Lows

The 2017-2018 season for the New Orleans Pelicans was a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. There were electrifying wins against top contenders, showcasing the team's potential to compete with the best. There were also frustrating losses against lesser opponents, highlighting the team's inconsistency and lack of focus. The Pelicans had moments of brilliance where everything clicked, and they looked like a legitimate threat in the Western Conference. Davis and Cousins dominated the paint, Holiday orchestrated the offense, and the supporting cast chipped in with timely contributions. These were the games that gave fans hope and fueled the belief that the Pelicans could make a deep playoff run. However, there were also times when the team struggled to find its rhythm. Turnovers, missed shots, and defensive lapses plagued the Pelicans, leading to disappointing losses. These were the games that exposed the team's weaknesses and raised questions about its ability to compete at the highest level.

The season took a dramatic turn when DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon in January 2018. This devastating injury not only ended Cousins' season but also shattered the Pelicans' hopes of making a serious playoff push with their twin towers intact. The loss of Cousins was a major blow to the team's offense and defense. His scoring, rebounding, and playmaking were sorely missed, and the Pelicans had to find a way to adjust without their star center. In response to Cousins' injury, the Pelicans made a bold move by acquiring Nikola Mirotic from the Chicago Bulls. Mirotic brought outside shooting and floor spacing to the team, which helped to open up the offense for Davis and Holiday. He quickly integrated into the team and provided a valuable scoring punch off the bench. Despite the adversity, the Pelicans rallied together and finished the season strong, securing a playoff berth as the sixth seed in the Western Conference. They faced the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round, and in a stunning upset, they swept the Blazers in four games. This impressive victory showcased the Pelicans' resilience and determination, and it gave fans a glimpse of what the team could achieve with Davis leading the way.

What Could Have Been?

Looking back at the 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster, it's hard not to wonder what could have been. The potential was there, the talent was undeniable, but circumstances and injuries ultimately derailed their championship aspirations. The brief but exciting pairing of Davis and Cousins left fans dreaming of a dynasty, but fate had other plans. What if Cousins hadn't suffered that devastating injury? Would the Pelicans have made a deeper playoff run? Would they have been able to build a sustainable contender around their two star big men? These are questions that will forever linger in the minds of Pelicans fans.

Despite the unfulfilled potential, the 2017 Pelicans roster remains a fascinating chapter in the team's history. It was a time of excitement, anticipation, and ultimately, disappointment. The team showcased flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency and injuries prevented them from reaching their full potential. The twin towers of Davis and Cousins provided a glimpse of what could have been, but their time together was cut short. Nevertheless, the 2017 Pelicans roster will always be remembered for its star power, its intriguing blend of talent, and its unfulfilled promise.

The Full Roster

To provide a complete picture, here's a list of the players who were part of the New Orleans Pelicans 2017-2018 roster:

• Anthony Davis
• DeMarcus Cousins
• Jrue Holiday
• E'Twaun Moore
• Rajon Rondo
• Darius Miller
• Alexis Ajinca
• Nikola Mirotic
• Ian Clark
• Cheick Diallo
• Frank Jackson
• Jordan Crawford
• Omer Asik
• Quincy Pondexter
• Tony Allen
• Charles Cook

This roster represented a mix of established stars, promising young players, and seasoned veterans, all striving to achieve success together in the Big Easy. While their journey may have been cut short, their story remains a captivating one for fans of the New Orleans Pelicans and basketball enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, remember that the 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster was more than just a collection of names; it was a story of potential, hope, and ultimately, what might have been.