New Orleans Pelicans 2016-17: A Season In Review

The 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans season was one filled with high expectations, significant changes, and ultimately, a disappointing finish. Coming off a season where injuries plagued the team, there was hope that a healthy roster and some key additions could propel the Pelicans back into playoff contention in the always-tough Western Conference. However, as often happens in the NBA, the best-laid plans encountered unforeseen challenges, leading to a season of adjustments and what-ifs. Let's dive deep into the different facets of this intriguing season.

Roster Construction and Key Acquisitions

At the forefront of the Pelicans' strategy was building around their superstar, Anthony Davis. The team aimed to surround him with players who could complement his skillset, providing spacing, playmaking, and defensive support. One of the biggest moves of the offseason was acquiring veteran guard Langston Galloway, known for his shooting and defensive hustle. The Pelicans also brought in E'Twaun Moore, hoping he could provide a consistent scoring punch off the bench and improved perimeter defense. These moves were designed to address some of the glaring weaknesses from the previous season, particularly the lack of reliable outside shooting and perimeter defenders who could alleviate pressure on Davis. The team retained key players like Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans, and Omer Asik, banking on their ability to stay healthy and contribute significantly.

However, the Pelicans' vision faced early setbacks as injuries continued to be a persistent issue. Tyreke Evans, who was expected to be a major contributor, remained sidelined due to lingering knee issues. Jrue Holiday also missed a significant portion of the early season as he attended to his wife's health concerns, a situation that understandably took precedence over basketball. These absences forced the Pelicans to rely on younger players and untested lineups, disrupting the team's chemistry and rhythm. Despite these challenges, the coaching staff, led by Alvin Gentry, worked diligently to find solutions and keep the team competitive. They experimented with different rotations and offensive schemes, trying to maximize the available talent and find a winning formula. The early part of the season was a trial by fire, testing the resilience and adaptability of the entire organization. The Pelicans knew they needed to weather the storm and remain patient, hoping that the roster would eventually stabilize and allow them to make a push in the Western Conference standings.

The Anthony Davis Show

Despite the team's struggles, Anthony Davis was a consistent bright spot. He had a monstrous season, showcasing his incredible versatility and dominance on both ends of the court. Davis averaged a staggering 28.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, establishing himself as one of the leading candidates for the MVP award. His ability to score in the post, knock down mid-range jumpers, and even step out to the three-point line made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. Defensively, Davis was equally impactful, using his length, athleticism, and instincts to protect the rim and disrupt opponents' offensive flow. He consistently altered shots, grabbed crucial rebounds, and even generated steals, proving his value as a two-way superstar.

Davis's exceptional performance was not just about individual statistics; it was also about the leadership he provided to the team. Despite being relatively young, he embraced the responsibility of being the Pelicans' franchise player, setting an example with his work ethic and dedication. He constantly communicated with his teammates, offering encouragement and guidance, and he always put the team's success ahead of his personal accolades. Davis understood that he couldn't carry the team alone, and he actively sought to elevate the play of those around him. He worked tirelessly to develop chemistry with his teammates, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and finding ways to complement their skills. His unselfishness and commitment to team success were evident in every game, and it earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates, coaches, and fans. The Pelicans knew they had a special talent in Anthony Davis, and they were determined to build a team around him that could compete for championships.

The Mid-Season Blockbuster: Enter DeMarcus Cousins

In a move that sent shockwaves throughout the league, the Pelicans acquired DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings at the trade deadline. The pairing of Davis and Cousins, two of the most dominant big men in the NBA, instantly created one of the most intriguing frontcourts in the league, and the media dubbed them the "Twin Towers 2.0". The hope was that their combined talent would overwhelm opponents and propel the Pelicans into serious playoff contention. However, integrating Cousins into the team proved to be more challenging than anticipated.

Cousins, known for his exceptional scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities, brought a different dynamic to the Pelicans' offense. He was a dominant post player, capable of drawing double teams and creating opportunities for his teammates. He was also a skilled passer, able to find open cutters and shooters. However, Cousins also came with a reputation for being temperamental and prone to technical fouls, which raised concerns about his fit within the Pelicans' team culture. Integrating Cousins into the offense required a significant adjustment for both Davis and the rest of the team. The Pelicans had to find ways to balance the offensive responsibilities between Davis and Cousins, ensuring that both players received enough touches and opportunities to score. They also had to adjust their spacing and offensive sets to accommodate Cousins's presence in the post. Defensively, the Pelicans faced challenges in figuring out how to best utilize Davis and Cousins together. Both players were capable defenders, but they had different strengths and weaknesses. Davis was a better rim protector and perimeter defender, while Cousins was a stronger post defender and rebounder. The coaching staff experimented with different defensive schemes, trying to find a way to maximize their combined defensive potential. Despite the challenges, the Pelicans remained optimistic about the long-term potential of the Davis-Cousins pairing. They believed that with time and patience, the two superstars could develop a strong chemistry and lead the team to great success. However, the remainder of the 2016-17 season would be a learning experience, as the Pelicans worked to integrate Cousins into the team and build a cohesive unit.

Season Outcome and Key Takeaways

Despite the high expectations and the addition of DeMarcus Cousins, the Pelicans finished the 2016-17 season with a 34-48 record, missing the playoffs. The team struggled to find consistency throughout the season, hampered by injuries, inconsistent play, and the challenges of integrating new players into the rotation. While Anthony Davis had an MVP-caliber season, and the pairing with Cousins showed flashes of potential, it ultimately wasn't enough to overcome the team's deficiencies.

One of the key takeaways from the season was the need for improved depth and perimeter shooting. The Pelicans often struggled to score when Davis was not on the court, and their lack of consistent outside shooting made it difficult to space the floor and create driving lanes. Another area of concern was the team's defense, which ranked near the bottom of the league in several key categories. The Pelicans struggled to defend the perimeter and protect the rim, and they often allowed opponents to score easy baskets. Looking ahead, the Pelicans knew they needed to address these weaknesses in order to compete in the tough Western Conference. They needed to find players who could provide consistent scoring off the bench, knock down three-pointers, and defend at a high level. They also needed to improve their defensive schemes and develop a stronger team identity. The Pelicans remained committed to building around Davis and Cousins, but they understood that they needed to surround them with the right pieces in order to achieve their ultimate goal of winning a championship. The 2016-17 season was a learning experience, and the Pelicans were determined to use it as a foundation for future success. They knew that with hard work, dedication, and the right personnel, they could turn their potential into reality and become a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.

In conclusion, the 2016-17 season was a roller coaster for the New Orleans Pelicans, filled with promise, challenges, and ultimately, disappointment. While the team showcased flashes of brilliance, they were unable to overcome their deficiencies and achieve their playoff aspirations. The season served as a valuable learning experience, highlighting the areas that needed improvement and setting the stage for future growth. The Pelicans entered the offseason with a clear understanding of their priorities and a renewed determination to build a championship-caliber team around Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. The future held both excitement and uncertainty, but the Pelicans remained optimistic about their potential and committed to achieving their ultimate goal of bringing a championship to New Orleans.