New Orleans Pelicans 2016-17 Season Review
Alright guys, let's take a trip down memory lane and dive deep into the 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans season. This was a pivotal year for the squad, filled with ups and downs, key acquisitions, and ultimately, a glimpse of what could have been. The Pelicans were looking to build on previous seasons and cement themselves as a playoff contender in the Western Conference. With Anthony Davis leading the charge, the expectations were certainly there. However, as is often the case in the NBA, injuries and roster instability played a significant role in shaping the narrative of their season. We'll break down the key players, the significant moments, and what made this particular Pelicans season stand out in franchise history. Get ready to relive some of the magic and maybe a bit of the frustration, because the 2016-17 Pelicans campaign was nothing short of a rollercoaster.
Anthony Davis: The Lone Star
When you talk about the 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans, you absolutely have to start with Anthony Davis. This guy was an absolute force of nature that season, carrying the team on his back through thick and thin. Even though the team struggled at times, AD put up ridiculous numbers, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier talents. He averaged an incredible 28.0 points per game, along with 11.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. His efficiency was also off the charts, shooting over 46% from the field and even hitting a career-high 33.7% from three-point range (on relatively low volume, but still!). What was truly remarkable about Davis's performance was his durability; he played in 75 games, which was a significant improvement from some of his earlier injury-plagued seasons. This allowed him to consistently showcase his dominance on both ends of the floor. He was a legitimate MVP candidate for stretches, and his presence alone made the Pelicans a threat on any given night. The offensive schemes often ran through him, whether it was him posting up, facing up and shooting, or even initiating plays from the high post. Defensively, he was an anchor, altering shots and protecting the rim with unparalleled skill. Without AD, this Pelicans team simply wouldn't have been competitive. His unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. He was the unquestioned leader, and his consistent brilliance was the brightest spot for New Orleans during this 2016-17 campaign. It's a testament to his talent that he could produce at such a high level even when the team around him was facing challenges.
Key Acquisitions and Roster Moves
The 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans saw some significant changes in their roster as the team aimed to surround Anthony Davis with more talent and depth. One of the biggest moves, and perhaps the most impactful, was the acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins via a trade with the Sacramento Kings on February 20, 2017. This trade sent shockwaves through the league, as it paired two of the NBA's most dominant big men in Davis and Cousins. The "Twin Towers" pairing, as it was quickly dubbed, promised a level of interior dominance rarely seen. Cousins brought his incredible scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and playmaking skills to the Big Easy. In his 17 games with the Pelicans that season, he averaged 24.4 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. The offensive potential was sky-high, with two elite offensive threats who could score from anywhere on the court. However, integrating two dominant, ball-dominant big men proved to be a challenge. They had to learn to play together, find their rhythm, and adjust their games. The other notable acquisition that season was Jrue Holiday, who was re-signed to a five-year contract extension in the summer of 2017, just before the Cousins trade, though his impact was felt throughout the 2016-17 season. Holiday was a crucial piece for the Pelicans, providing solid point guard play, excellent defense, and clutch scoring. He averaged 15.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. His steady hand at the point guard position was vital for the team's success, especially in managing the offense and creating opportunities for Davis and eventually Cousins. These moves, while exciting, also highlighted the Pelicans' commitment to building a winning team around their superstar, Anthony Davis. The gamble on Cousins, in particular, showed a willingness to go all-in, even if the long-term success of that specific pairing remained to be seen. The roster was certainly more talented, but the question of how all these pieces would fit together remained a central theme throughout the latter half of the season.
The "Twin Towers" Experiment: High Hopes, Mixed Results
When the news broke that the New Orleans Pelicans had acquired DeMarcus Cousins, the excitement in the fan base was palpable. Pairing Cousins with Anthony Davis created what many believed to be an unstoppable frontcourt, the aptly nicknamed "Twin Towers." The potential for offensive firepower and defensive presence was immense. Imagine the nightmares for opposing coaches trying to defend two dominant big men who could score inside, stretch the floor, and rebound at an elite level. In theory, it was a match made in basketball heaven. The initial games with Cousins in the lineup were electric. The Pelicans showcased flashes of brilliance, with Davis and Cousins dominating opponents in the paint, creating mismatches all over the court. They combined for some truly staggering statistical performances, with both players scoring at will and crashing the boards. The offensive potential was undeniable, and the team's scoring efficiency saw a noticeable uptick. However, the reality of integrating two dominant, ball-dominant centers into one system proved more challenging than anticipated. Both players are accustomed to having the ball in their hands to be effective, and finding a balance where both could thrive without the offense becoming stagnant was a constant work in progress. Defensively, while the rim protection was theoretically stronger, the two bigs sometimes struggled to defend the perimeter and close out effectively, especially against teams that spread the floor. The spacing of the offense also became an issue at times, as having two traditional bigs on the floor could clog the paint. Coach Alvin Gentry worked tirelessly to find the right combinations and rotations, but the chemistry and fluidity of the "Twin Towers" pairing never fully reached its peak potential within the remainder of the 2016-17 season. Despite the individual brilliance of both Davis and Cousins, the team struggled to consistently win games and ultimately missed the playoffs. The "Twin Towers" experiment, while bold and exciting, ultimately highlighted the complexities of roster construction and the difficulties in making superstar pairings work seamlessly. It was a fascinating, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, chapter for the Pelicans.
Key Games and Turning Points
The 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans season was dotted with games that defined their campaign, showcasing both their potential and their struggles. One of the most memorable moments, albeit a bittersweet one, was the arrival of DeMarcus Cousins. The game following the trade, against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 21, 2017, was a must-watch. While the Pelicans lost a close one, 75-91, the debut of AD and Boogie together was a spectacle. The sheer offensive firepower on display, even in a losing effort, gave fans a glimpse of the "Twin Towers" potential. This game marked the start of a new era for the team, one filled with immense anticipation. Another significant turning point, though one that ultimately led to disappointment, was the loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 11, 2017. This game, despite being a blowout loss, 101-144, was a stark reminder of the gap between the Pelicans and the league's elite. The Warriors, in their full dominant form, showcased the high-level basketball the Pelicans were striving for. It served as a harsh reality check for the "Twin Towers" experiment and the team's playoff aspirations. On the brighter side, the Pelicans showed resilience in several close contests. A notable victory was against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 20, 2017, where they secured a hard-fought win, 104-101. This game highlighted their ability to win tight matchups when their stars delivered. However, inconsistency plagued the team throughout the season. A crucial stretch of games towards the end of the season saw them falter, unable to string together the wins needed to make a playoff push. Losses against teams they should have beaten, such as a devastating defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on April 4, 2017 (108-112), proved costly. These games were the turning points that ultimately sealed their fate, pushing them out of playoff contention. The 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans season was a tale of what-ifs, punctuated by moments of brilliance and critical stumbles that prevented them from reaching their full potential.
Season Standings and Playoff Drought
The ultimate measure of any NBA season is its standing and whether a team makes the playoffs, and sadly for the 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans, this season did not end in postseason glory. The team finished the regular season with a record of 34 wins and 48 losses. This placed them 10th in the Western Conference standings, narrowly missing out on the eighth and final playoff spot. The Western Conference was particularly brutal that year, with a host of strong teams battling for playoff berths. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers also finished with similar records, making the race for the final spots incredibly tight. The Pelicans' inability to secure a winning record meant they extended their playoff drought, failing to make the postseason for the second consecutive year. This was a significant disappointment, especially given the mid-season acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins, which was intended to catapult them into playoff contention. The "Twin Towers" pairing, while individually talented, couldn't overcome the team's overall inconsistencies and defensive struggles to secure enough wins. The 34-38 record highlighted a team that had moments of brilliance, particularly with Anthony Davis playing at an All-NBA level, but ultimately lacked the depth, consistency, and cohesive team play to compete with the top teams in the West. This outcome led to significant questions about the roster construction, coaching, and the long-term viability of the "Twin Towers" pairing. The failure to make the playoffs, despite the high expectations and significant trade, underscored the challenges the Pelicans faced in building a sustainable winner in a highly competitive conference. It was a frustrating end to a season that had promised so much more, leaving the fan base eager for future improvements and a return to playoff basketball.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
Reflecting on the 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans season, it's clear this was a year of significant ambition and considerable growing pains. The acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins was a bold move, a clear signal that the front office wanted to maximize Anthony Davis's championship window. While the "Twin Towers" experiment didn't yield immediate playoff success, it provided invaluable experience and data for the team. The sheer talent of AD and Boogie was undeniable, but the chemistry and defensive synergy needed more time to develop, time that wasn't available within that single season. The season ultimately highlighted the importance of roster balance and consistent team defense, areas where the Pelicans struggled despite their offensive firepower. The fact that they finished 10th in the West with a 34-48 record is a testament to the challenges they faced. Looking forward from that season, the Pelicans had to make crucial decisions about the future. The Cousins trade, while exciting, came with its own set of risks and ultimately didn't pan out in the long run for New Orleans. However, the lessons learned from the 2016-17 campaign undoubtedly shaped the team's future direction. It reinforced the need for a strong supporting cast around their superstar talent and the importance of building a cohesive unit. The season served as a stepping stone, albeit a bumpy one, towards understanding what it takes to compete at the highest level in the NBA. While the playoffs remained elusive that year, the 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans season was a crucial chapter in the team's ongoing journey to find sustained success and establish themselves as a consistent contender in the league. It was a period of transition and learning that paved the way for future changes and aspirations.
