New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18 Roster: A Look Back

The 2017-18 season was a significant one for the New Orleans Pelicans. Led by the dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, the team had high hopes of making a deep run in the playoffs. Examining the New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 reveals a mix of established stars, promising young players, and seasoned veterans, all combining to form a team that ultimately exceeded expectations and provided fans with plenty of memorable moments. Let's dive into a detailed look at each player who contributed to that season, exploring their roles, statistics, and overall impact on the team's performance. The New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 was crafted with the intention of maximizing the talents of Davis and Cousins, and the supporting cast played a crucial role in complementing their skills. From sharpshooters to defensive stalwarts, each player brought something unique to the table, creating a balanced and competitive team. One of the key elements of the New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 was its depth. Head coach Alvin Gentry had a variety of options at his disposal, allowing him to make strategic adjustments based on matchups and game situations. This flexibility proved to be invaluable throughout the season, as the Pelicans navigated injuries and other challenges. Furthermore, the chemistry among the players was evident both on and off the court, fostering a positive and cohesive team environment. This camaraderie translated into improved performance and a greater sense of unity, which were essential factors in the team's success. As we delve deeper into the individual players, it's important to remember that the New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 was more than just a collection of talented individuals; it was a well-oiled machine that functioned as a cohesive unit. The coaching staff deserves credit for instilling a system that allowed each player to thrive and contribute to the team's overall goals. Whether it was through scoring, rebounding, defending, or playmaking, every member of the roster played a part in the Pelicans' journey that season.

Star Power: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins

At the heart of the New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 were two of the league's most dominant big men: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Anthony Davis, already an established superstar, continued to elevate his game, showcasing his incredible versatility and athleticism. His ability to score inside and out, rebound, block shots, and handle the ball made him a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. During the 2017-18 season, Davis averaged impressive numbers, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the NBA. His presence alone opened up opportunities for his teammates, drawing double teams and creating space for shooters. Beyond his individual statistics, Davis's leadership and competitive spirit were instrumental in setting the tone for the team. He consistently led by example, pushing himself and his teammates to be their best. DeMarcus Cousins, acquired in a trade the previous season, brought a unique blend of skill and physicality to the frontcourt. A gifted scorer, rebounder, and passer, Cousins formed a formidable partnership with Davis, creating arguably the most dominant frontcourt duo in the league. His ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting added another dimension to the Pelicans' offense, making them even more difficult to defend. However, Cousins's season was unfortunately cut short due to a torn Achilles tendon, a devastating blow to the team's aspirations. Prior to the injury, Cousins was having a stellar year, averaging impressive numbers and showcasing his all-around game. His absence was deeply felt, but the team rallied together to continue their playoff push in his honor. The dynamic between Davis and Cousins was a key storyline throughout the season. Their contrasting personalities and playing styles initially raised questions about how well they would mesh, but they quickly proved their doubters wrong. They developed a strong bond both on and off the court, feeding off each other's strengths and covering each other's weaknesses. Together, they formed a dominant force that wreaked havoc on opposing defenses. The New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 was built around the idea of maximizing the talents of these two superstars, and for a significant portion of the season, it worked wonders. Their ability to control the paint, score at will, and create opportunities for their teammates made the Pelicans a formidable opponent. While Cousins's injury ultimately derailed their championship aspirations, the time they spent together on the court provided a glimpse of what could have been. The impact of Davis and Cousins on the New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 cannot be overstated. They were the driving force behind the team's success, and their presence elevated the play of everyone around them. Their individual brilliance, combined with their ability to complement each other, made them one of the most exciting duos in the NBA.

Supporting Cast: Key Contributors

While Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins garnered most of the attention, the New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 featured a number of key contributors who played crucial roles in the team's success. Jrue Holiday, a versatile guard with exceptional defensive skills, emerged as a vital component of the team. His ability to guard multiple positions, create plays for others, and score when needed made him an invaluable asset. Holiday's defensive prowess was particularly noteworthy, as he consistently shut down opposing guards and disrupted their offensive flow. His leadership and experience were also crucial in guiding the team, especially during challenging moments. Rajon Rondo, a seasoned veteran with a reputation for his exceptional passing and basketball IQ, joined the team and provided a steady hand at the point guard position. His ability to distribute the ball, control the tempo of the game, and make smart decisions made him a perfect fit alongside Davis and Cousins. Rondo's presence also elevated the play of the team's shooters, as he consistently found them in open spots for easy baskets. E'Twaun Moore, a reliable sharpshooter, provided valuable scoring off the bench. His ability to knock down three-pointers at a high percentage stretched the floor and created more space for Davis and Cousins to operate inside. Moore's consistency and professionalism made him a trusted option for head coach Alvin Gentry. Darius Miller, another sharpshooter, also played a significant role in the team's offensive success. His ability to come off the bench and provide instant offense made him a valuable asset. Miller's three-point shooting and overall offensive versatility added another dimension to the Pelicans' attack. Nikola Mirotić arrived mid-season via trade and provided an immediate boost to the team's frontcourt depth after Cousins's injury. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide additional rebounding made him a valuable addition. Mirotić fit seamlessly into the team's offensive system and quickly became a reliable scoring option. These players, along with others on the New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18, formed a cohesive and complementary supporting cast that played a crucial role in the team's success. Their individual skills and contributions, combined with their willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, made the Pelicans a formidable opponent. The coaching staff deserves credit for identifying and developing these players, as well as for creating a system that allowed them to thrive.

Season Highlights and Playoff Run

The 2017-18 season was filled with memorable moments for the New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18. The team showcased its potential early on, stringing together impressive wins and establishing itself as a contender in the Western Conference. The dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins dominated opponents, while the supporting cast provided valuable contributions on both ends of the floor. However, the season took a dramatic turn when Cousins suffered a season-ending injury in January. The loss of such a key player could have derailed the team's aspirations, but the Pelicans rallied together and continued their playoff push. The acquisition of Nikola Mirotić helped to fill the void left by Cousins, and the team continued to play with determination and resilience. Led by Davis, Holiday, and Rondo, the Pelicans finished the regular season with a solid record and secured a playoff berth. Their reward was a first-round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, a team led by Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Many analysts predicted a tough series for the Pelicans, but they surprised everyone by sweeping the Trail Blazers in four games. The New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 played with exceptional intensity and execution, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive firepower. Davis dominated the series, while Holiday and Rondo provided outstanding performances on both ends of the floor. The sweep of the Trail Blazers was a testament to the team's resilience, chemistry, and determination. It also served as a statement to the rest of the league that the Pelicans were a force to be reckoned with. In the second round of the playoffs, the Pelicans faced the Golden State Warriors, the defending NBA champions. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson, were considered the overwhelming favorites. While the Pelicans put up a valiant effort, they ultimately fell short against the Warriors, losing the series in five games. Despite the loss, the New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 had a successful season, exceeding expectations and providing fans with plenty of reasons to be excited about the future. The team's playoff run showcased its potential and highlighted the importance of teamwork, resilience, and leadership.

Final Thoughts

The New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 was a unique blend of talent, experience, and chemistry. Led by the superstar duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, the team had high hopes of contending for a championship. While Cousins's injury derailed those aspirations, the Pelicans still managed to have a successful season, making a memorable playoff run and showcasing their potential. The supporting cast played a crucial role in the team's success, providing valuable contributions on both ends of the floor. Players like Jrue Holiday, Rajon Rondo, E'Twaun Moore, and Nikola Mirotić stepped up and made significant impacts. The coaching staff, led by Alvin Gentry, deserves credit for creating a system that allowed each player to thrive and contribute to the team's overall goals. The 2017-18 season will be remembered as a time of excitement and optimism for Pelicans fans. The team's success on the court, combined with the emergence of young talent and the leadership of veteran players, created a positive and promising atmosphere. While the future is uncertain, the New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 provided a foundation for future success and a glimpse of what could be possible. As we reflect on that season, it's important to appreciate the contributions of each player and the collective effort that made the team so special. The memories and experiences from that season will continue to inspire and motivate the Pelicans organization and its fans for years to come. The New Orleans Pelicans roster 2017-18 will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans, representing a time of hope, excitement, and memorable moments.