New Orleans Pelicans 2017: A Season In Review
Let's dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans 2016-2017 season. For those of you who've been following the NBA for a while, you'll remember this year as one of transition and hope for the Pelicans. With a mix of established stars and emerging talent, the team aimed to make a splash in the competitive Western Conference. However, as we'll explore, the road wasn't always smooth, and the season was filled with both exciting highs and frustrating lows. We'll break down the key players, pivotal moments, and overall performance of the Pelicans, offering a comprehensive look back at their journey during the 2016-2017 NBA season. This was a year where the Pelicans were trying to find their identity and build a foundation for future success. So, buckle up, basketball fans, as we explore what made the New Orleans Pelicans' 2016-2017 season one to remember.
The Pelicans entered the 2016-2017 season with high expectations, largely centered around their superstar forward, Anthony Davis. Davis was coming off several impressive seasons, and the team hoped he could elevate his game even further and lead them to the playoffs. The front office made moves to bolster the roster around him, seeking to create a more balanced and competitive team.
One of the significant additions was the acquisition of veteran guard Jrue Holiday. Holiday, known for his two-way ability, was expected to provide a steady presence on both offense and defense. His ability to create opportunities for himself and others was seen as a perfect complement to Davis's dominant inside game. The Pelicans also looked to build on the development of young players like Buddy Hield, who was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. Hield, a prolific scorer in college, was expected to bring much-needed shooting and offensive firepower to the team.
However, the season started with challenges. Injuries plagued the roster, and the team struggled to find consistency. The early part of the season saw the Pelicans experimenting with different lineups and rotations, trying to find the right combinations that would click. Despite Davis's outstanding individual performances, the team struggled to win games consistently. The lack of a reliable second scorer and defensive lapses were significant issues that the coaching staff tried to address.
Key Players and Their Performances
Let's break down the key players that defined the Pelicans' 2016-2017 season. Of course, Anthony Davis was the undisputed leader and focal point of the team. His individual stats were nothing short of spectacular, averaging around 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. Davis showcased his incredible athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess, solidifying his status as one of the league's top players. However, even his dominant performances weren't always enough to carry the team to victory. He needed more consistent support from his teammates to elevate the Pelicans into a true playoff contender. Davis had the ability to take over games with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. His presence alone made the Pelicans a threat on any given night.
Jrue Holiday played a crucial role as the team's primary ball-handler and facilitator. After missing the first few weeks of the season due to personal reasons, Holiday returned to the lineup and provided a steadying influence. He averaged around 15 points and 7 assists per game, showcasing his ability to score and create for others. Holiday's defensive intensity and leadership were also valuable assets for the Pelicans. He was often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player, and his ability to disrupt offenses was a key part of the Pelicans' defensive strategy. His leadership on and off the court was essential in guiding the team through its ups and downs.
Buddy Hield, the rookie guard, had an up-and-down season. While he showed flashes of his potential as a scorer, he struggled with consistency and adapting to the NBA game. The Pelicans eventually traded Hield mid-season as part of a blockbuster deal, but his time with the team provided glimpses of what he could become. Hield's shooting ability was his biggest asset, and there were games where he caught fire and provided a significant boost to the Pelicans' offense. However, his defensive limitations and struggles with turnovers ultimately led to his departure.
Other notable players included Terrence Jones, who provided some scoring punch off the bench, and E'Twaun Moore, who was a reliable role player. Jones, signed as a free agent, brought energy and athleticism to the Pelicans' frontcourt. His ability to score in the paint and from the perimeter made him a valuable offensive weapon. Moore was a consistent presence on the wing, providing solid defense and timely shooting. His ability to knock down open shots and make smart decisions with the ball made him a reliable contributor.
Mid-Season Trade and Its Impact
A significant turning point in the Pelicans' season came with a blockbuster mid-season trade. The Pelicans traded Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and a 2017 first-round pick to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi. This trade signaled the Pelicans' all-in approach to building a contender around Anthony Davis. DeMarcus Cousins, a dominant center with a versatile skill set, was expected to form a formidable frontcourt duo with Davis. His ability to score, rebound, and pass made him one of the most unique players in the league. The Pelicans hoped that the pairing of Davis and Cousins would create matchup nightmares for opposing teams and elevate their offense to new heights.
However, the integration of Cousins into the team wasn't seamless. It took time for the two stars to develop chemistry and learn to play together effectively. There were moments of brilliance, where Davis and Cousins showcased their combined talent, but there were also periods of inconsistency and frustration. The Pelicans struggled to find the right balance on offense, and there were times when the team's spacing and ball movement suffered. Defensively, the Pelicans also faced challenges, as Cousins's defensive effort and awareness were sometimes lacking.
Omri Casspi's addition was expected to provide some wing depth and shooting, but his time with the team was cut short due to injury. Despite the challenges, the acquisition of Cousins demonstrated the Pelicans' commitment to winning and their willingness to take risks to improve the team. The front office believed that the potential upside of the Davis-Cousins pairing was worth the growing pains. The trade injected excitement and optimism into the Pelicans' fan base, who eagerly anticipated the opportunity to see the two superstars play together.
Season Standings and Overall Performance
Alright, let's look at the season standings and overall performance. The New Orleans Pelicans finished the 2016-2017 season with a record of 34-48. This record placed them outside the playoff picture in the Western Conference. While the team showed flashes of potential, they struggled with consistency and were unable to string together enough wins to climb into the top eight. The Pelicans' struggles were due to a combination of factors, including injuries, inconsistent play, and the challenges of integrating new players into the lineup. Despite Davis's stellar individual performances, the team's overall performance fell short of expectations.
The Pelicans' offense ranked in the middle of the league in terms of scoring, but they often struggled with efficiency and ball movement. The team relied heavily on Davis and, after the trade, Cousins to carry the offensive load. However, the lack of consistent outside shooting and playmaking from other players made it difficult for the Pelicans to sustain offensive momentum. Defensively, the Pelicans were also inconsistent. While they had moments of strong defensive play, they often struggled to contain opposing teams' top scorers and protect the paint. The team's defensive rebounding was also an area of concern, as they often allowed opponents too many second-chance opportunities.
Despite the disappointing record, there were some positive takeaways from the season. The emergence of Davis as a true superstar was a significant development for the Pelicans. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court provided a foundation for the team's future. The acquisition of Cousins, despite the challenges, also offered hope that the Pelicans could build a contender around the Davis-Cousins duo. The team's willingness to make bold moves and invest in talent signaled their commitment to winning.
Key Moments and Games
Let's highlight some key moments and games that defined the Pelicans' 2016-2017 season. One memorable game was a late-season matchup against the Denver Nuggets, where Anthony Davis scored a career-high 50 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. This performance showcased Davis's incredible talent and his ability to take over games. Another notable game was the first game after the DeMarcus Cousins trade, where Pelicans fans got their first glimpse of the Davis-Cousins duo in action. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, and the excitement surrounding the team was palpable.
However, there were also some disappointing moments, such as a stretch of losses in the middle of the season that derailed the Pelicans' playoff hopes. These losses highlighted the team's inconsistency and their inability to close out games. One particularly frustrating loss came against a division rival, where the Pelicans blew a late lead and allowed their opponent to steal a victory. These moments served as a reminder of the challenges that the Pelicans faced and the areas where they needed to improve.
Throughout the season, there were also individual moments of brilliance from other players. Jrue Holiday had several games where he showcased his scoring and playmaking ability, while E'Twaun Moore provided consistent contributions on both ends of the court. These moments demonstrated the depth and potential of the Pelicans' roster.
Off-Season Outlook and Future Expectations
Looking ahead, what was the off-season outlook and future expectations? The Pelicans faced several important decisions in the off-season following the 2016-2017 season. One of the top priorities was to re-sign Jrue Holiday, who was set to become a free agent. Holiday's steady play and leadership were crucial to the team's success, and the Pelicans were determined to keep him in New Orleans. The Pelicans also needed to address their depth and find ways to improve their outside shooting and perimeter defense. The team explored various options in free agency and the draft to bolster their roster.
The future expectations for the Pelicans were high, with the team hoping to build a contender around the Davis-Cousins duo. The Pelicans believed that with a full season of Davis and Cousins playing together, they could make a significant jump in the Western Conference standings. However, there were also concerns about the long-term fit of the two stars and the team's ability to surround them with the right supporting cast. The Pelicans needed to find a coach who could maximize the potential of the roster and create a winning culture.
Ultimately, the New Orleans Pelicans' 2016-2017 season was a year of transition and hope. While the team fell short of their playoff aspirations, they laid the foundation for future success with the acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins and the continued development of Anthony Davis. The Pelicans faced challenges along the way, but they demonstrated a willingness to take risks and invest in talent. The off-season presented an opportunity for the team to address their weaknesses and build a roster that could compete for a championship in the years to come. The Pelicans' journey was far from over, and their fans eagerly anticipated what the future held.
