New Orleans Pelicans 2017 Roster: A Deep Dive

The 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster was a fascinating mix of talent, potential, and ultimately, a team striving to find its identity in a competitive Western Conference. This deep dive will explore the players, the key storylines, and the overall impact of that season's team. We'll break down each player's contribution, analyze the team's strengths and weaknesses, and reflect on the season's highs and lows. Whether you're a die-hard Pelicans fan or just a basketball enthusiast, this comprehensive look back at the 2017 roster will provide valuable insights and a fresh perspective.

The Star Power: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins

At the heart of the 2017 Pelicans roster was the dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. The arrival of Cousins mid-season created a buzz around the league, as the Pelicans now boasted two of the most dominant big men in the NBA. Anthony Davis, already an established superstar, was showcasing his incredible athleticism, scoring prowess, and defensive capabilities. He was a force to be reckoned with, capable of taking over games with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. Davis's versatility made him a nightmare matchup for opposing teams, and his presence alone elevated the Pelicans' ceiling.

DeMarcus Cousins, known for his fiery personality and exceptional talent, brought a unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking to the Pelicans. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, coupled with his physicality in the paint, made him a perfect complement to Davis. The pairing of Davis and Cousins was expected to create a dominant frontcourt that would terrorize opponents and lead the Pelicans to new heights. The question was whether they could coexist effectively and translate their individual brilliance into team success. The initial signs were promising, with flashes of brilliance showcasing the potential of this twin-tower combination. However, injuries and chemistry issues would ultimately hinder their progress.

Together, Davis and Cousins represented the Pelicans' best chance at contending in the Western Conference. Their combined talent was undeniable, and the hope was that they could unlock a new level of success for the franchise. The Pelicans' faithful eagerly anticipated witnessing the dominance of this frontcourt duo, dreaming of playoff victories and a potential championship run. However, the NBA is a complex landscape, and even the most talented duos face challenges in achieving sustained success. The 2017 season would be a crucial test for Davis and Cousins, as they sought to establish themselves as one of the league's premier pairings and lead the Pelicans to a brighter future. Their individual brilliance was evident, but the ultimate success of the team hinged on their ability to synergize and elevate the performance of those around them.

The Supporting Cast: Key Role Players

Beyond Davis and Cousins, the 2017 Pelicans roster featured a supporting cast of players who played crucial roles in the team's overall performance. Jrue Holiday, a seasoned veteran, provided a steady presence at the point guard position. His ability to score, distribute, and defend made him an invaluable asset to the team. Holiday's leadership and experience were essential in guiding the Pelicans' offense and providing a calming influence on the court. His contributions often went unnoticed, but his impact on the team's success was undeniable.

Players like E'Twaun Moore, Solomon Hill, and Dante Cunningham provided valuable contributions on the wing. Moore's shooting ability and offensive versatility made him a reliable scoring option, while Hill and Cunningham brought defensive toughness and rebounding prowess to the team. These role players were essential in providing balance and depth to the Pelicans' roster. Their ability to knock down open shots, defend multiple positions, and contribute on the boards helped to complement the star power of Davis and Cousins.

Furthermore, the Pelicans also had young and promising players like Buddy Hield (who was later traded) and Cheick Diallo, who showed flashes of potential. Hield, a sharpshooting guard, was expected to provide instant offense off the bench, while Diallo's athleticism and energy made him a valuable asset in the frontcourt. These young players represented the future of the Pelicans franchise, and their development was closely monitored by the coaching staff and fans alike. While their roles were limited, their contributions were still important in providing depth and adding a spark to the team.

The success of the Pelicans' supporting cast was crucial in determining the team's overall performance. Their ability to complement the star power of Davis and Cousins, provide consistent contributions on both ends of the floor, and step up in key moments was essential in helping the Pelicans compete in the tough Western Conference. While the spotlight often shined on the team's star players, the contributions of these role players were equally important in shaping the Pelicans' identity and determining their success.

Season Storylines and Challenges

The 2017 Pelicans season was filled with intriguing storylines and significant challenges. The acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins mid-season was undoubtedly the biggest headline, as it created high expectations and a sense of optimism among fans. However, integrating Cousins into the team proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Chemistry issues and a lack of consistent offensive flow plagued the Pelicans, as they struggled to find the right balance between feeding Davis and Cousins and involving the rest of the team.

Injuries also played a significant role in shaping the Pelicans' season. Key players like Jrue Holiday, Solomon Hill, and even Anthony Davis missed time due to injuries, disrupting the team's chemistry and hindering their ability to build momentum. The Pelicans' depth was tested, as role players were forced to step into larger roles and the team had to adjust its game plan on a regular basis. These injuries took a toll on the team's performance, as they struggled to maintain consistency and compete against the top teams in the league.

Despite the challenges, the Pelicans showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season. There were memorable victories against elite opponents, showcasing the team's potential and the talent of its star players. However, inconsistency and a lack of defensive cohesion ultimately prevented the Pelicans from reaching their full potential. The team struggled to close out games, often faltering in crucial moments and allowing opponents to steal victories.

The 2017 season served as a learning experience for the Pelicans, as they navigated the challenges of integrating a new star player, dealing with injuries, and finding their identity as a team. While the results may not have met the lofty expectations set at the beginning of the season, the Pelicans gained valuable insights and experience that would help them grow and improve in the future. The season highlighted the importance of chemistry, health, and defensive consistency in achieving sustained success in the NBA. The Pelicans would need to address these areas in order to take the next step and become a true contender in the Western Conference.

Impact and Legacy of the 2017 Pelicans Roster

The 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster, despite its challenges and shortcomings, left a lasting impact on the franchise. The pairing of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, while ultimately short-lived, represented a bold attempt to build a championship contender. It demonstrated the Pelicans' willingness to take risks and pursue star power in their quest for success. While the experiment didn't fully materialize, it created excitement and hope among fans, and it set the stage for future roster moves.

Furthermore, the 2017 season provided valuable experience for the Pelicans' young players. Guys like Cheick Diallo and others had the opportunity to develop their skills and gain valuable playing time alongside established veterans. This experience would prove beneficial in their future careers, as they learned the nuances of the NBA game and gained confidence in their abilities. The development of these young players was crucial for the Pelicans' long-term success, as they represented the future of the franchise.

The 2017 Pelicans roster also served as a reminder of the importance of team chemistry and cohesion. Despite boasting two of the league's most talented big men, the Pelicans struggled to consistently play as a unit. This highlighted the importance of building a team with players who complement each other's skills and are willing to sacrifice for the greater good. The Pelicans would need to prioritize chemistry and cohesion in their future roster construction in order to achieve sustained success.

In conclusion, the 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster was a complex and intriguing mix of talent, potential, and challenges. While the team didn't achieve its ultimate goals, it left a lasting impact on the franchise. The pairing of Davis and Cousins created excitement and hope, while the development of young players and the lessons learned about team chemistry would help shape the Pelicans' future. The 2017 season serves as a reminder of the importance of building a well-rounded team with a strong supporting cast and a cohesive identity. The Pelicans would continue to strive for success, learning from the past and building towards a brighter future.