New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18 Roster: A Deep Dive

The 2017-18 NBA season was a memorable one for the New Orleans Pelicans. Led by the dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins (before his injury), the team showcased a blend of talent, grit, and exciting basketball. In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at the New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18 roster, diving into each player's contribution and how they fit into the team's overall strategy. We'll explore the starting lineup, key reserves, and the coaching staff that guided this team through a rollercoaster of a season. Whether you're a die-hard Pelicans fan or just a basketball enthusiast, this deep dive will provide valuable insights into a pivotal year for the franchise. So, let's get started and dissect the roster that made the 2017-18 season one to remember!

The Starting Five: Power and Versatility

The starting lineup of the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans was a force to be reckoned with, combining exceptional talent and unique skill sets. Anthony Davis, a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate, anchored the team with his incredible scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive presence. Davis was the undisputed leader, setting the tone for the Pelicans on both ends of the court. Joining him in the frontcourt was DeMarcus Cousins, another All-Star caliber player known for his versatility, scoring touch, and playmaking skills. The twin towers of Davis and Cousins created matchup nightmares for opponents, forcing teams to adjust their defensive schemes. The backcourt featured Jrue Holiday, a dynamic point guard with exceptional ball-handling skills, defensive intensity, and the ability to score in a variety of ways. Holiday's presence provided stability and leadership to the team. Alongside Holiday, E'Twaun Moore brought consistent shooting and solid defense, complementing the team's offensive firepower. Rounding out the starting five was Rajon Rondo, a seasoned veteran known for his exceptional passing skills, basketball IQ, and ability to control the tempo of the game. Rondo's playmaking and leadership were instrumental in orchestrating the Pelicans' offense and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. This starting five was not only incredibly talented but also featured a unique blend of skills that made the Pelicans a formidable opponent.

Key Reserves: Depth and Impact

Beyond the starting lineup, the New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18 roster boasted a collection of key reserves who provided valuable contributions off the bench. Darius Miller emerged as a reliable three-point shooter and versatile defender, providing a spark on both ends of the court. Miller's ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions made him a valuable asset. Ian Clark brought instant offense off the bench with his scoring prowess and ability to create his own shot. Clark's scoring punch provided a much-needed boost when the starters needed a breather. Jordan Crawford, another scoring threat, added another dimension to the Pelicans' offense with his ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities. Cheick Diallo provided energy and athleticism off the bench, contributing with rebounding, defense, and rim protection. Diallo's hustle and intensity made him a fan favorite. Tony Allen, a veteran known for his defensive tenacity, brought a defensive mindset to the team. Allen's experience and defensive prowess were invaluable in closing out games and containing opponents. These key reserves added depth and versatility to the Pelicans' roster, allowing the team to maintain a high level of play even when the starters were on the bench.

The Coaching Staff: Guiding the Ship

The success of the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans was also due to the guidance and leadership of the coaching staff, led by Head Coach Alvin Gentry. Gentry, an experienced coach with a proven track record, implemented an offensive system that emphasized pace, spacing, and ball movement. His ability to empower his players and create a positive team environment was instrumental in the team's success. The assistant coaches, including Darren Erman, Chris Finch, and Kevin Hanson, played crucial roles in player development, game planning, and scouting. Erman focused on the defense, while Finch honed the offense, and Hanson oversaw player development. Their collaborative efforts helped the team improve throughout the season. The coaching staff's emphasis on teamwork, communication, and player development created a cohesive unit that was greater than the sum of its parts. They fostered a culture of accountability and encouraged players to embrace their roles and contribute to the team's success. Their leadership and guidance were essential in navigating the ups and downs of the season and ultimately leading the Pelicans to the playoffs.

Impact of Injuries: Overcoming Adversity

Like any NBA season, the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans faced their share of challenges, including injuries to key players. The most significant injury was to DeMarcus Cousins, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in January. Cousins' injury was a major blow to the team, as he was an integral part of the Pelicans' offense and a key contributor on both ends of the court. His absence forced the team to adjust its strategy and rely more heavily on Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. Other players also missed time due to injuries, including Rajon Rondo and Tony Allen. These injuries tested the team's depth and resilience, forcing other players to step up and fill the void. Despite these setbacks, the Pelicans were able to overcome adversity and maintain a competitive level of play. The coaching staff made adjustments to the rotation and game plan, while the players embraced their new roles and responsibilities. The team's ability to persevere through injuries was a testament to their character and determination.

Regular Season Highlights: A Rollercoaster Ride

The 2017-18 regular season was a rollercoaster ride for the New Orleans Pelicans, filled with highs and lows, thrilling victories, and heartbreaking defeats. The team started the season strong, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins established themselves as one of the most dominant frontcourt duos in the league, terrorizing opponents with their scoring ability and rebounding prowess. However, the season took a turn when Cousins suffered his season-ending injury. The Pelicans responded with resilience, rallying around Davis and Holiday to maintain their playoff push. The team went on several winning streaks, showcasing their ability to compete with the top teams in the league. They also faced some tough losses, but they never lost their focus or determination. The Pelicans ultimately finished the regular season with a 48-34 record, securing the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Their performance was a testament to their talent, coaching, and resilience.

Playoff Run: A Glimpse of the Future

The New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18 roster made a memorable playoff run, providing fans with a glimpse of the team's potential. Facing the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round, the Pelicans showcased their defensive prowess and offensive firepower. Anthony Davis dominated the series, averaging 33.0 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. Jrue Holiday also stepped up, averaging 27.8 points and 6.5 assists per game. The Pelicans swept the Trail Blazers in four games, sending a message to the rest of the league. In the second round, the Pelicans faced the Golden State Warriors, the defending NBA champions. The Warriors proved to be a tough opponent, but the Pelicans fought hard and competed valiantly. Davis continued his dominant play, but the Warriors' depth and experience ultimately proved to be too much. The Pelicans lost the series in five games, but their playoff run was a success. They showed that they could compete with the best teams in the league and provided fans with hope for the future.

Key Stats and Standout Performances

Several players on the New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18 roster had standout performances and put up impressive statistics. Anthony Davis averaged 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, earning him All-NBA First Team honors. Jrue Holiday averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, establishing himself as one of the league's premier two-way guards. DeMarcus Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game before his injury, showcasing his versatility and dominance. Rajon Rondo averaged 8.2 points and 8.2 assists per game, orchestrating the Pelicans' offense and providing valuable leadership. E'Twaun Moore averaged 12.5 points per game, providing consistent shooting and solid defense. These individual performances contributed to the team's overall success and made the 2017-18 season a memorable one for the Pelicans and their fans.

Conclusion: A Season to Remember

The 2017-18 season was a season to remember for the New Orleans Pelicans. Led by the dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins (before his injury), the team showcased a blend of talent, grit, and exciting basketball. The New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18 roster was filled with talented players who contributed to the team's success. The starting lineup was a force to be reckoned with, while the key reserves provided valuable depth and versatility. The coaching staff guided the team through a rollercoaster of a season, fostering a culture of teamwork and player development. Despite facing challenges, including injuries to key players, the Pelicans were able to overcome adversity and make a memorable playoff run. The 2017-18 season provided fans with a glimpse of the team's potential and hope for the future. So, whether you are a long-time Pelicans supporter or a casual basketball observer, the 2017-18 season undoubtedly offered moments of excitement, and the squad's performance showcased a promising direction for the franchise.