New Orleans Pelicans Roster: 2017-18 Season

The 2017-18 season was a significant one for the New Orleans Pelicans, marking a period of transition and renewed hope for the franchise. As we delve into the New Orleans Pelicans roster from that year, we'll explore the key players, their roles, and the overall dynamics that defined the team. This was a season where the Pelicans aimed to solidify their place in the competitive Western Conference, and the roster composition played a crucial role in their journey. The team's performance and the individual contributions of its players provide valuable insights into the strategies and ambitions of the Pelicans during that time. Understanding the 2017-18 roster is essential for appreciating the team's evolution and its subsequent moves in the seasons that followed. We’ll look at the starters, the bench players, and the coaching staff that guided this team through a season of highs and lows, ultimately shaping the Pelicans' identity. It was a year of building blocks and critical decisions, setting the stage for future success and challenges. The blend of veteran experience and emerging talent made this roster a compelling subject for analysis, offering a glimpse into the intricate world of NBA team-building and player development. This deep dive will give you a comprehensive overview of what made the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster unique and memorable. Let's get started and explore all the players who donned the Pelicans jersey that season, along with their stats and impact.

Key Players and Their Roles

The 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster was headlined by two dominant forces: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Anthony Davis, an established superstar, was the focal point of the team's offense and defense. His ability to score, rebound, and block shots made him a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate. Davis's presence alone elevated the Pelicans into a team that could compete with the league's best. Alongside Davis, DeMarcus Cousins brought a unique blend of size, skill, and intensity to the frontcourt. Cousins's versatility as a scorer, passer, and rebounder made him a perfect complement to Davis. Together, they formed one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in the NBA, capable of overwhelming opponents with their combined talent and physicality. However, the season took an unexpected turn when Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in January. This injury significantly impacted the team's dynamics and forced the Pelicans to adjust their strategy. Despite the setback, the team rallied around Davis and found ways to remain competitive. Jrue Holiday's role cannot be overstated. As the primary ball-handler and defensive anchor in the backcourt, Jrue Holiday demonstrated exceptional leadership and skill. His ability to score, create plays, and defend multiple positions made him an indispensable part of the Pelicans' success. Holiday's contributions often went unnoticed, but his impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable. Rajon Rondo's veteran experience and playmaking abilities brought a different dimension to the team's offense. While his scoring wasn't his primary focus, Rajon Rondo excelled at facilitating the offense, finding open teammates, and controlling the tempo of the game. His basketball IQ and court vision made him a valuable asset, especially in crucial moments of the season.

Starters and Bench Contributions

The starting lineup for the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2017-18 season typically featured Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins (until his injury), Jrue Holiday, E'Twaun Moore, and Rajon Rondo. E'Twaun Moore provided valuable scoring and perimeter defense. His consistent performance and ability to knock down open shots made him a reliable option in the starting lineup. The bench players played a vital role in providing depth and energy. Players like Darius Miller, Ian Clark, and Cheick Diallo contributed valuable minutes and helped the team maintain its competitiveness throughout the season. Darius Miller brought shooting and versatility off the bench. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions made him a valuable asset. Ian Clark provided instant offense with his scoring ability. His knack for getting hot quickly made him a spark plug off the bench. Cheick Diallo brought energy and athleticism to the frontcourt. His rebounding and defensive presence provided a boost whenever he was on the floor. These players helped to balance the team and ensure that the Pelicans could sustain their level of play even when the starters were resting. The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Alvin Gentry, emphasized a fast-paced, offensive style of play that aimed to maximize the talents of Davis and Cousins. Gentry's leadership and strategic adjustments were crucial in navigating the challenges and changes that the team faced throughout the season. His ability to adapt to injuries and maintain a positive team culture helped the Pelicans remain competitive and make a push for the playoffs. The contributions of both the starters and the bench players were essential to the team's overall success, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded and cohesive roster.

Season Highlights and Challenges

The 2017-18 season was a rollercoaster ride for the New Orleans Pelicans, filled with both exhilarating highs and significant challenges. One of the season's highlights was the dominant play of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins together. Their ability to control the paint and score at will made the Pelicans a difficult matchup for any team. The Pelicans also enjoyed several impressive wins against top teams in the league, showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level. These victories boosted the team's confidence and provided valuable momentum as they navigated the season. However, the season was also marked by significant challenges, most notably the season-ending injury to DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins's injury forced the Pelicans to adjust their strategy and rely more heavily on Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. It tested the team's depth and resilience, as they had to find ways to replace Cousins's production and maintain their competitiveness. Despite the setback, the Pelicans showed remarkable resilience and continued to fight for a playoff spot. Jrue Holiday stepped up his game, becoming an even more integral part of the team's offense and defense. The bench players also rose to the occasion, providing valuable contributions and helping the team stay competitive. In the end, the Pelicans finished the season with a record of 48-34, securing the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. This was a significant accomplishment, especially considering the challenges they had faced throughout the season. The team's ability to overcome adversity and maintain its focus on the playoffs was a testament to their character and determination. The Pelicans' playoff run was another highlight of the season. They faced the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round and swept them in four games, showcasing their dominance and potential. Anthony Davis led the way, averaging impressive numbers and asserting himself as one of the league's top players. While the Pelicans were eventually eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the second round, their playoff performance provided a glimpse into the team's future and the potential for sustained success. The 2017-18 season was a pivotal one for the New Orleans Pelicans, marked by both significant achievements and considerable challenges. The team's ability to overcome adversity and make a playoff run demonstrated their resilience and potential, setting the stage for future seasons.

Impact and Legacy of the 2017-18 Pelicans

The 2017-18 season left a lasting impact on the New Orleans Pelicans franchise. The team's performance and the individual contributions of its players helped to shape the team's identity and set the stage for future success. The emergence of Anthony Davis as a true superstar was one of the most significant legacies of the season. Davis's dominant play and leadership established him as the face of the franchise and a player that the team could build around for years to come. The experience gained by Jrue Holiday during the season also proved invaluable. Holiday's growth as a leader and his improved performance on both ends of the floor solidified his place as a key part of the team's future. The season also highlighted the importance of depth and versatility in the NBA. The contributions of players like Darius Miller, Ian Clark, and Cheick Diallo demonstrated the value of having a well-rounded roster that can withstand injuries and adapt to different game situations. The coaching staff, led by Alvin Gentry, played a crucial role in the team's success. Gentry's leadership and strategic adjustments helped the Pelicans navigate the challenges they faced and maximize the talents of their players. The 2017-18 season also had a significant impact on the team's future roster decisions. The team's success with Davis and Holiday led to a focus on building around those two players, prioritizing players who could complement their skills and fit into the team's system. The Pelicans' playoff run also provided valuable experience for the team's younger players, helping them to develop and prepare for future challenges. The team's performance in the playoffs demonstrated their potential to compete at the highest level and gave them a taste of what it takes to succeed in the postseason. Overall, the 2017-18 season was a transformative one for the New Orleans Pelicans. The team's performance, the emergence of key players, and the lessons learned from overcoming adversity helped to shape the team's identity and set the stage for future success. The legacy of the 2017-18 Pelicans will be remembered for their resilience, their dominant play, and their ability to overcome challenges, making it a significant chapter in the franchise's history.