New Orleans Pelicans 2017 Season Recap

What's up, hoops fans! Let's take a trip down memory lane and dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans' 2017 season. It was a year that, looking back, had its highs and lows, its moments of brilliance and its undeniable struggles. For anyone who bleeds Pelicans blue and gold, 2017 was a season that tested our patience but also offered glimpses of the potential this franchise holds. We saw the emergence of stars, the challenges of building a cohesive team, and the ever-present drama that makes the NBA so captivating. This wasn't just about wins and losses; it was about the journey, the development, and the unwavering spirit of a team trying to carve its niche in a competitive league. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's break down what made the 2017 Pelicans season a memorable one, for better or for worse. It’s time to revisit those moments that had us on the edge of our seats!

The Core Pieces: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins

Alright guys, when we talk about the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017, one thing immediately springs to mind: the formidable frontcourt of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. This dynamic duo was supposed to be the cornerstone that elevated the Pelicans to contender status. Anthony Davis, already a superstar with his incredible scoring ability and defensive prowess, was expected to lead the charge. And man, did he deliver statistically! He was an absolute beast, putting up MVP-caliber numbers that often carried the team. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, his shot-blocking, and his all-around impact were undeniable. But then there was DeMarcus Cousins. Acquiring Boogie was a massive statement from the Pelicans front office. He brought an unparalleled offensive game from the center position, a bruising inside presence, and a level of physicality that few could match. The idea of AD and Boogie running the floor together was a dream for many fans – a powerful one-two punch that could dominate any opponent. They were the league's most imposing big-man pairing on paper, a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Their chemistry, however, was a work in progress. While they showed flashes of brilliance, meshing two dominant personalities and playing styles isn't always seamless. We saw moments where they looked unstoppable, finding each other for alley-oops and interior scores. But there were also times when their games overlapped, leading to questions about offensive flow and defensive spacing. The sheer talent was evident, but turning that talent into consistent team success was the monumental challenge they faced throughout the 2017 calendar year. The sheer gravity of having two such talented, albeit uniquely-styled, players on the same roster set the stage for high expectations, and the league was certainly watching to see if this gamble would pay off. It was a high-stakes experiment, and the 2017 season was its primary testing ground. The pressure on both AD and Boogie to make it work was immense, and the Pelicans' success hinged heavily on their ability to co-exist and thrive together, making their partnership the central narrative of the season.

Coaching Carousel and Team Dynamics

One of the most significant storylines surrounding the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017 was the constant flux in coaching and the resulting team dynamics. It’s tough for any squad to build consistent chemistry and a winning culture when the leadership from the sidelines is unstable. For much of the 2017 calendar year, the Pelicans were navigating choppy waters under Alvin Gentry. While Gentry is a respected coach with a track record of success, the team's performance often left fans and analysts questioning the direction. The team’s identity seemed to be in a perpetual state of flux. Were they a fast-paced, high-octane offense built around their star bigs? Or were they a more deliberate, defensive-minded unit? The inconsistency in strategic execution was palpable. We saw games where the offense flowed beautifully, showcasing the incredible talent of Davis and Cousins. Then, in other matchups, the ball movement would stagnate, leading to isolation plays and predictable scoring droughts. Defensively, there were stretches of impressive intensity, but also periods where opponents exploited mismatches and ran roughshod over the Pelicans' interior. The coaching staff faced the immense challenge of integrating Cousins mid-season in 2017 and then building around that duo for the subsequent months. This required not only tactical adjustments but also managing personalities and ensuring everyone was bought into a shared vision. The locker room dynamics are always crucial, and with two dominant personalities like Davis and Cousins, effective communication and role definition from the coaching staff were paramount. Did every player understand their role? Were they all playing for each other? These are questions that inevitably arise when a team underperforms relative to its talent. The coaching carousel, or rather the lack of stability on the bench, undeniably played a significant role in the team's inconsistent performances throughout 2017. It created an environment where implementing a consistent game plan and fostering long-term synergy was exceptionally difficult. The players had to adapt to different strategies, and the coaching staff had to constantly tinker with lineups and schemes, often without the luxury of a stable foundation. This constant state of adaptation and adjustment undoubtedly impacted the team's ability to find its rhythm and achieve its full potential during that period, making the coaching situation a critical factor in the Pelicans' narrative that year.

The Supporting Cast and Roster Moves

Beyond the star power of AD and Boogie, the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017 heavily relied on their supporting cast, and frankly, that's where things often got a bit shaky. Building a championship contender isn't just about having two dominant bigs; it requires a strong ensemble of players who complement their stars. In 2017, the Pelicans were constantly trying to find that right mix. We saw players like Jrue Holiday, who is an exceptional two-way guard and a crucial piece for the team's stability and defense, consistently performing at a high level. His leadership and playmaking were invaluable, especially when the offense needed a steady hand. Guards like Tim Frazier and E'Twaun Moore provided valuable minutes and stretches of solid play, offering shooting and ball-handling. However, the depth and consistency of the supporting cast were often a point of concern. Were there enough reliable three-point shooters to space the floor for Davis and Cousins? Did the bench provide enough consistent scoring and defensive stability? These were recurring questions throughout the year. The front office made several moves in and around the 2017 trade deadline and the subsequent offseason to try and address these needs. Some acquisitions brought immediate impact, while others didn't quite pan out as hoped. The challenge for any NBA team, especially one with two max-contract stars, is finding affordable and effective role players who fit the team's system. This requires savvy scouting, smart trades, and shrewd free-agent signings. The Pelicans were actively trying to build that perfect ecosystem around their stars. They needed players who could hit open shots, defend perimeter threats, and provide energy off the bench. The constant shuffling of the roster, trying to find the right pieces to fit the puzzle, meant that team chemistry could be difficult to maintain. It’s a delicate balancing act, trying to acquire talent without sacrificing the chemistry that is so vital for success. The supporting cast is the engine that allows the stars to shine, and in 2017, the Pelicans were still very much in the process of building that reliable engine. Their ability to find and retain the right complementary players was a key factor in their quest to climb the Western Conference standings, and the ongoing search for these missing pieces was a constant subplot of their 2017 campaign.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Every NBA season is a tapestry woven with crucial moments, and the New Orleans Pelicans' 2017 season was no different. While the overall narrative might be one of inconsistency, there were definitely games and stretches that stood out, offering glimmers of what the team could achieve. One of the most significant events, of course, was the acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins in February 2017. This trade sent shockwaves through the league and instantly changed the expectations for the Pelicans. Suddenly, they weren't just a team with a superstar; they were a team with two superstars, boasting arguably the most dominant frontcourt in the NBA. The initial games with Cousins alongside Anthony Davis were electric. We saw flashes of their incredible potential, with both players putting up eye-popping numbers and showcasing their unique talents in tandem. These were the moments that fueled optimism and made fans believe this team could make a serious playoff push. Another key turning point, though perhaps a more somber one, was the realization that integrating two dominant ball-dominant big men into one offense was a complex puzzle. While the individual talent was immense, finding consistent offensive flow and defensive synergy proved challenging. Games where they dominated were interspersed with performances where the offense seemed to stall, and defensive breakdowns occurred. The late-season push, or lack thereof, also became a significant talking point. After the Cousins trade, there was an expectation that the Pelicans would surge into the playoff picture. However, they struggled to string together consistent wins, ultimately missing the postseason. This highlighted the fact that talent alone doesn't guarantee success; cohesive team play, strategic execution, and timely performance are essential. Injuries also played their usual role. While neither Davis nor Cousins suffered season-ending injuries in the latter half of 2017, nagging issues and the general wear and tear of the NBA season impacted their availability and effectiveness at various points. These moments, both the exhilarating highs of the Cousins acquisition and the frustrating lows of missed opportunities, painted a vivid picture of the Pelicans' 2017 journey. They were a team that showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately couldn't quite put all the pieces together in a consistent manner throughout that calendar year, making the 2017 season a critical chapter in their ongoing story.

Looking Back: Lessons Learned

So, what did we learn from the New Orleans Pelicans' 2017 season? It's a question that resonates with any fan who followed the team. Looking back, the biggest takeaway has to be the sheer power and potential of elite talent, but also the immense difficulty in harnessing it effectively. The acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins alongside Anthony Davis was a bold, high-risk, high-reward move. It demonstrated the Pelicans' willingness to go all-in to build a contender. We saw firsthand the incredible individual brilliance both players possessed, and the tantalizing glimpses of what they could achieve together. However, the season also served as a stark reminder that talent needs to be complemented by fit, chemistry, and consistent execution. Building a cohesive unit around two dominant, ball-dominant big men proved to be a far more complex challenge than many anticipated. The struggles with offensive spacing, defensive rotations, and defining clear roles highlighted the intricate nature of team building in the NBA. It taught the Pelicans organization valuable lessons about the importance of roster construction beyond just star power. You need versatile players, solid role players, and a clear offensive and defensive identity that supports your core. The coaching situation and the team's tactical flexibility were also crucial areas of reflection. The ability to adapt strategies and maintain consistency under different circumstances is vital for long-term success. While Alvin Gentry is a respected coach, the team's performance under his guidance throughout that period raised questions about strategic adjustments and team development. Ultimately, the 2017 season was a crucial learning experience for the Pelicans. It provided invaluable insights into the challenges of building a contender in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, the complexities of integrating superstar talent, and the non-negotiable need for team chemistry and consistent performance. These lessons, forged in the crucible of a demanding NBA season, undoubtedly shaped the franchise's approach in the years that followed, making the 2017 campaign a significant, albeit sometimes frustrating, stepping stone in their ongoing quest for sustained success. It was a season that gave us plenty to talk about, and even more to learn from.