New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18 Roster: A Look Back

Let's take a nostalgic trip back to the 2017-18 NBA season and dissect the New Orleans Pelicans roster. This was a season filled with promise and excitement, as the Pelicans aimed to make a significant impact in the competitive Western Conference. Understanding the composition of the team, the key players, and their contributions can give us a better appreciation for the team's journey that year. So, buckle up as we dive deep into the ins and outs of the New Orleans Pelicans squad from 2017-18.

The Dynamic Duo: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins

At the heart of the Pelicans' ambitions were their two towering figures: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Anthony Davis, already an established superstar, was entering his prime and showcasing his incredible versatility on both ends of the court. His ability to score, rebound, block shots, and run the floor made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. During the 2017-18 season, Davis continued to elevate his game, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players.

DeMarcus Cousins, acquired the previous season, brought a unique blend of skill and physicality to the Pelicans' frontcourt. His scoring prowess, rebounding tenacity, and playmaking ability for a center made him a perfect complement to Davis. Together, they formed one of the most dominant and intriguing frontcourt pairings in the NBA. The prospect of containing both Davis and Cousins kept opposing coaches up at night, as they struggled to find effective strategies to limit their impact. Their combined presence created numerous opportunities for the Pelicans' supporting cast, opening up the floor and creating mismatches that the team could exploit.

However, this dynamic duo's time together was unfortunately cut short. In January 2018, Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon, a devastating injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season and beyond. This injury not only impacted the Pelicans' immediate aspirations but also raised questions about the team's long-term plans and the future of the Davis-Cousins partnership. Despite the setback, the Pelicans demonstrated resilience and found ways to adapt, showcasing the depth and character of their roster.

Key Role Players and Their Contributions

Beyond Davis and Cousins, the 2017-18 Pelicans roster featured a collection of valuable role players who played crucial roles in the team's success. Jrue Holiday, Rajon Rondo, E'Twaun Moore, and Nikola Mirotic were among the notable contributors who helped the Pelicans navigate the challenges of the season and ultimately secure a playoff berth.

Jrue Holiday emerged as a vital two-way player, excelling as both a scorer and a defender. His ability to guard multiple positions and create opportunities for his teammates made him an indispensable part of the Pelicans' lineup. Holiday's improved shooting and decision-making further enhanced his impact, making him a reliable option in clutch situations. His defensive tenacity often set the tone for the team, and his offensive contributions provided a consistent scoring threat alongside Davis.

Rajon Rondo, a seasoned veteran known for his exceptional playmaking skills, brought a unique dimension to the Pelicans' offense. His ability to distribute the ball, orchestrate the offense, and make intelligent reads made him a perfect fit alongside Davis and Holiday. Rondo's basketball IQ and court vision were instrumental in creating easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. His leadership and experience also helped to guide the team through challenging moments, providing a calming presence on the court.

E'Twaun Moore provided valuable scoring and perimeter defense, establishing himself as a reliable role player. His ability to knock down open shots and defend multiple positions made him a valuable asset off the bench. Moore's consistency and versatility allowed him to contribute in various ways, making him a key component of the Pelicans' rotation.

Nikola Mirotic, acquired mid-season, added a much-needed scoring punch and floor spacing to the Pelicans' offense. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide a scoring threat in the post made him a valuable addition to the team. Mirotic's presence helped to alleviate some of the offensive burden on Davis and created more space for the other players to operate.

Coaching and Strategy

The New Orleans Pelicans were coached by Alvin Gentry, who brought his offensive expertise and experience to the team. Gentry's coaching philosophy emphasized pace, space, and ball movement, aiming to maximize the team's offensive potential. He encouraged his players to play with freedom and creativity, allowing them to showcase their individual skills within a structured system. Gentry's ability to adapt his strategies based on the strengths of his players and the challenges posed by opponents was crucial to the team's success.

Gentry's coaching staff played a vital role in player development and game preparation. They worked closely with the players to refine their skills, improve their understanding of the game, and prepare them for the challenges of each opponent. The coaching staff's attention to detail and commitment to player development helped to create a positive and supportive environment within the team.

The Pelicans' offensive strategy revolved around utilizing the unique talents of Davis and Cousins, creating mismatches, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. They aimed to push the pace, spread the floor, and generate open looks for their shooters. Defensively, the Pelicans focused on protecting the paint, contesting shots, and forcing turnovers. They emphasized communication, teamwork, and discipline on the defensive end.

Regular Season Performance

The 2017-18 regular season saw the New Orleans Pelicans finish with a record of 48-34, securing the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. This was a significant improvement from the previous season, showcasing the team's growth and potential. The Pelicans demonstrated resilience throughout the season, overcoming injuries and adversity to achieve their goals.

The team's success was built on a combination of factors, including the outstanding performances of Davis and Holiday, the contributions of the role players, and the coaching staff's strategic approach. The Pelicans' ability to play together as a team, support each other, and execute their game plan was crucial to their success. Their home-court advantage also played a significant role, as they boasted a strong record in front of their passionate fans.

Despite the setback of Cousins' injury, the Pelicans rallied together and continued to compete at a high level. They demonstrated their depth and versatility, finding ways to win games even without one of their key players. This resilience and determination were a testament to the team's character and their commitment to achieving their goals.

Playoff Run

In the first round of the playoffs, the Pelicans faced the Portland Trail Blazers, a team led by Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The Pelicans entered the series as underdogs, but they quickly defied expectations, sweeping the Trail Blazers in four games. This dominant performance sent a message to the rest of the league, showcasing the Pelicans' potential to make a deep playoff run.

Anthony Davis led the charge, dominating the series with his scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence. Jrue Holiday also stepped up his game, providing outstanding defense against Lillard and contributing significantly on the offensive end. The Pelicans' role players also played their part, making timely shots and providing valuable contributions on both ends of the court.

In the second round, the Pelicans faced the Golden State Warriors, the defending NBA champions. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson, presented a formidable challenge. The Pelicans fought hard, but ultimately fell short, losing the series in five games. Despite the loss, the Pelicans gained valuable experience and proved that they could compete with the league's best teams.

Final Thoughts

The 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster was a unique blend of talent, experience, and potential. Led by the dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, and supported by a collection of valuable role players, the Pelicans aimed to make a significant impact in the Western Conference. While Cousins' injury derailed some of their plans, the Pelicans demonstrated resilience and achieved a successful season, securing a playoff berth and showcasing their potential.

This season served as a reminder of the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The Pelicans' journey that year was filled with excitement, challenges, and ultimately, a sense of accomplishment. Looking back, the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster will be remembered for its talent, its potential, and its ability to captivate fans with its exciting brand of basketball. Guys, it was a memorable year for the Pelicans, wasn't it? Even though they didn't win the championship, they showed a lot of heart and gave us some unforgettable moments. Here's hoping for even better seasons in the future!