2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans: A Deep Dive Into The Roster

Hey basketball fans! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster. This was a fascinating season for the Pels, marked by the arrival of a superstar and a thrilling playoff run. We're going to break down the key players, their roles, and what made this team so exciting to watch. Get ready to relive some awesome memories, guys!

The Rise of the Twin Towers: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins

Okay, let's start with the big guys, literally! The cornerstone of the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans was undoubtedly their dominant frontcourt duo: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Talk about a dynamic pairing! With AD's incredible versatility, shot-blocking prowess, and smooth offensive game, combined with Boogie's brute strength, scoring ability, and playmaking skills, the Pelicans had a unique advantage over many teams. They were, in essence, the Twin Towers of the modern NBA.

This pairing was a matchup nightmare for opponents. Teams struggled to find a way to contain both players. If you focused on Davis, Cousins would go off. If you doubled Cousins, Davis would torch you. Their combined talent and the sheer size of the frontcourt made them a force to be reckoned with, controlling the paint on both ends of the floor. Offensively, they were a pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop dream. Davis's ability to knock down mid-range jumpers and Cousins's knack for scoring inside made them virtually unstoppable at times. They could also pass, which often opened up scoring opportunities for their teammates. Defensively, their shot-blocking ability was a huge deterrent, and they could both grab rebounds at an elite level.

Unfortunately, their time together was cut short. DeMarcus Cousins suffered a devastating Achilles tendon injury in January 2018, which significantly altered the team's trajectory for the rest of the season. His absence left a massive hole in the Pelicans' offense and rebounding game. While the injury was a crushing blow, it also forced other players to step up and showcase their skills. The team had to adjust its strategy and find new ways to score and defend. The rest of the season tested the team's resilience and their ability to rally around adversity. Despite the heartbreaking loss of Cousins, the team showed tremendous heart and determination, ultimately making the playoffs.

The Supporting Cast: Role Players Who Stepped Up

While Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins were the stars, the success of the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans depended on the contributions of the supporting cast. These were the role players who filled vital roles, brought energy, and often made the difference in close games. Let's take a closer look at some of the key guys.

Jrue Holiday, the steady point guard, was a vital piece of the puzzle. Holiday was a true floor general, providing scoring, assists, and tenacious defense. He was the perfect complement to Davis and Cousins, capable of both creating for others and taking over the scoring load when needed. His ability to guard multiple positions and his clutch shooting made him an invaluable asset.

Then there was E'Twaun Moore, who had a breakout season. Moore was a reliable scorer and a sneaky-good defender. He provided valuable minutes off the bench and often played a crucial role in closing out games. His ability to knock down three-pointers and his willingness to take on tough defensive assignments made him a favorite among the coaching staff and fans.

Nikola Mirotic was another key addition, arriving mid-season in a trade. Mirotic's shooting ability and offensive versatility gave the Pelicans a much-needed boost after Cousins' injury. His ability to stretch the floor and his scoring prowess made the offense more dynamic. He quickly became a key part of the rotation and helped the team maintain its playoff aspirations.

Rajon Rondo had a very important role as well, a veteran point guard with championship experience. Rondo brought his playmaking and court vision to the team, helping the team orchestrate its offense and make smart plays. His leadership was crucial, and his experience in the playoffs was invaluable.

Others like Dante Cunningham provided hustle, grit, and defensive versatility. Solomon Hill offered additional defensive support, and Ian Clark gave the team some scoring punch off the bench.

These players were essential to the team's success. They understood their roles, played their hearts out every night, and contributed to the team's overall chemistry. Their willingness to sacrifice and their ability to step up when needed made the Pelicans a tough team to beat.

The Coaching and Strategy

Coach Alvin Gentry, the head coach of the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans, deserves a lot of credit for the team's performance. He successfully implemented an offensive system that maximized the talents of Davis and Cousins. Gentry’s up-tempo style and emphasis on player movement were essential. He also did a fantastic job of managing the team's rotation, making sure players were in the best positions to succeed. After Cousins' injury, Gentry made necessary adjustments to the game plan to compensate for the loss. He used his creativity and knowledge to keep the team competitive.

The team's strategy revolved around utilizing the strengths of Davis and Cousins. The Pelicans often ran their offense through the post, with Cousins and Davis taking turns dominating the paint. The team also used a lot of pick-and-rolls to create scoring opportunities and exploit mismatches. The team's defensive strategy focused on protecting the paint and rebounding, which was a huge strength with Davis and Cousins anchoring the defense.

After Cousins' injury, the team made adjustments to incorporate new players, like Mirotic, into the system. The team's overall strategy was to emphasize ball movement, three-point shooting, and defensive intensity. The coaching staff and players worked hard to adapt to changes. Despite facing a significant setback, the Pelicans managed to regroup, fight, and secure a playoff spot.

The Playoff Run: Ups and Downs

The 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans earned the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, setting up a first-round matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Pelicans, fueled by the brilliant play of Anthony Davis and the collective effort of the supporting cast, were able to defeat the Blazers in a four-game sweep. This was the first playoff series victory for the Pelicans since the 2010-11 season when they were still the Hornets.

Anthony Davis was dominant during the series, averaging incredible numbers and leading the charge for the Pelicans. He showcased his ability to score from all areas of the court and his defensive presence was game-changing. Holiday also stepped up his game, providing the Pelicans with key scoring and assists. Mirotic, too, contributed greatly with his shooting, giving the Pelicans an advantage on offense.

The series was a testament to the Pelicans' resilience, team spirit, and the leadership of their stars. The Pelicans were able to play their game and outmaneuver the Trail Blazers. This marked a highlight of the season for the team. The Pelicans moved on to the second round to face the Golden State Warriors, the defending champions, in what was expected to be a tough test. Ultimately, the Pelicans lost to the Warriors in five games.

While the playoff run ended with a loss to the Warriors, it was a memorable one. The team's performance showed their potential, determination, and grit. The team's unexpected playoff success was a clear sign of the team's growth, and it gave the fans a lot to cheer about.

Legacy and Impact

The 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans season was a pivotal one in franchise history. Despite the challenges, including the injury to Cousins, the team showed that they could compete at a high level. The rise of Anthony Davis into a top-tier superstar and the emergence of other role players were all major milestones.

The season proved the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and resilience. It also set the stage for the team's future. The playoff success and the development of key players showed the team and the fans that they were capable of achieving great things.

This roster also laid the foundation for future teams. The experience of the playoff run, and the chemistry built, prepared the team for the years to come. The lessons learned during that season would stay with the Pelicans for a long time. It gave the fans a new level of hope. The team's performance helped rebuild excitement around the team and make the Pelicans a relevant team in the league.

Conclusion: A Season to Remember

So there you have it, folks! The 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster was a mix of immense talent, resilience, and a dash of heartbreak. This team created unforgettable memories for fans. Their playoff run, the dynamic duo of Davis and Cousins, and the contributions of the supporting cast made this a season to remember. The Pelicans proved they were capable of greatness. It was a season that showcased the heart and spirit of New Orleans. If you are a basketball fan, then you are sure to have enjoyed this recap of the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans season.

Thanks for joining me on this trip down memory lane. Until next time, keep ballin'!