New Orleans Pelicans: 2016-17 Season Review

Hey Pelicans fans! Let's dive deep into the 2016-17 season for our beloved New Orleans Pelicans. It was a year of high expectations, significant changes, and the emergence of a truly dominant force in Anthony Davis. While the season didn't end with a championship parade, it was filled with moments that showcased both the team's potential and the challenges they faced. Let's break it all down, from the roster composition to the key games and the overall narrative of the year.

Roster and Key Players

The 2016-17 Pelicans roster underwent some notable transformations, especially mid-season. Of course, Anthony Davis was the cornerstone of the team. Fresh off another stellar year, the Brow was expected to carry a significant load on both ends of the court. His ability to score, rebound, block shots, and occasionally bring the ball up made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Surrounding him was a mix of veterans and younger players, all vying for playing time and a chance to contribute to a winning formula.

One of the most significant additions was Langston Galloway. A solid guard known for his scoring ability, Galloway brought some much-needed offensive firepower to the Pelicans' backcourt. His energy and willingness to shoot from anywhere on the court made him a valuable asset, particularly when the team needed a spark off the bench. Jrue Holiday, when healthy, was the primary ball-handler and playmaker. His ability to penetrate the defense, create opportunities for teammates, and score in the midrange made him a vital cog in the Pelicans' offensive machine. However, Holiday's availability was often a concern due to injuries.

Another important player was E'Twaun Moore. Moore's steady presence and reliable shooting provided stability on the wing. His ability to knock down open shots and make smart decisions with the ball made him a valuable role player. Terrence Jones, signed early in the season, provided some athleticism and scoring punch off the bench. His ability to run the floor and finish at the rim gave the Pelicans a different dimension on offense.

Then came the blockbuster trade. The arrival of DeMarcus Cousins in a trade with the Sacramento Kings sent shockwaves through the league. Pairing Cousins with Anthony Davis created what many considered the most dominant frontcourt in the NBA. Boogie's ability to score, rebound, pass, and defend made him a perfect complement to Davis' skill set. However, integrating two such dominant players into the team's existing structure would take time and patience. The Pelicans also added Omri Casspi in the Cousins trade, hoping his shooting and versatility would provide a boost. Unfortunately, Casspi suffered an injury shortly after joining the team and was waived.

Season Highlights and Lowlights

The 2016-17 season was a roller coaster ride for the Pelicans. There were moments of brilliance, particularly when Davis and Cousins showcased their immense talent together. However, inconsistency and injuries plagued the team throughout the year. The Pelicans struggled to find a consistent rhythm, often alternating between impressive wins and disappointing losses.

One of the season's highlights was undoubtedly the arrival of DeMarcus Cousins. The initial excitement surrounding the pairing of Davis and Cousins was palpable, and fans eagerly anticipated seeing the two big men dominate the league. There were flashes of brilliance, games where both players put up monster numbers and led the Pelicans to victory. These games provided a glimpse of what the future could hold if the two stars could develop a strong on-court chemistry.

Another highlight was Anthony Davis' continued dominance. Davis had a career year, averaging impressive numbers and establishing himself as one of the league's premier players. His ability to score, rebound, and defend at an elite level made him a nightly threat, and he consistently carried the Pelicans on his shoulders. Several individual performances stood out, showcasing his incredible talent and athleticism.

However, the season also had its share of lowlights. Injuries to key players, including Jrue Holiday and DeMarcus Cousins (late in the season), hampered the team's progress. The Pelicans struggled to maintain consistency on both ends of the court, often falling victim to slow starts and defensive lapses. Integrating Cousins into the team proved to be more challenging than anticipated, as the Pelicans struggled to find the right balance between feeding both stars and maintaining a cohesive offensive flow.

The team's inability to string together consistent wins ultimately cost them a playoff berth. Despite the presence of Davis and Cousins, the Pelicans struggled to climb into the top eight in the Western Conference. The team's record hovered around .500 for much of the season, and they ultimately fell short of their postseason aspirations.

Key Games and Moments

Several games and moments defined the 2016-17 Pelicans season. Here are a few that stand out:

• The DeMarcus Cousins Trade: The trade that brought Cousins to New Orleans was a franchise-altering moment. The immediate aftermath was filled with excitement and anticipation, as fans eagerly awaited the debut of the Davis-Cousins tandem. However, it also marked the beginning of a challenging integration process.
• Anthony Davis' Monster Games: Throughout the season, Davis had several games where he simply took over. His scoring outbursts, dominant rebounding performances, and rim-protecting prowess were a sight to behold. These games served as a reminder of his immense talent and potential.
• The Struggles to Integrate Cousins: While there were flashes of brilliance, the Pelicans often struggled to find the right balance with Davis and Cousins on the court together. The team's offensive flow sometimes stagnated, and the two stars occasionally struggled to coexist effectively. This highlighted the challenges of integrating two such dominant players into the same lineup.
• Cousins' Late-Season Injury: Just as the Pelicans were beginning to find their rhythm with Davis and Cousins, Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. This was a devastating blow to the team's playoff hopes and cast a shadow over the future of the Davis-Cousins partnership.

Season Statistics and Analysis

Let's crunch some numbers and analyze the 2016-17 Pelicans season from a statistical perspective. Anthony Davis led the team in scoring, rebounding, and blocks, showcasing his all-around dominance. His scoring average was among the league's highest, and he consistently produced double-doubles. DeMarcus Cousins, despite playing only part of the season with the Pelicans, made a significant impact on the team's rebounding and scoring. His presence created more space for Davis and added another dimension to the Pelicans' offense.

The Pelicans' offensive efficiency was middling, as they struggled to find consistency beyond Davis and Cousins. The team's three-point shooting was a particular weakness, as they ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage. This lack of perimeter shooting made it easier for opponents to defend the Pelicans' interior attack.

Defensively, the Pelicans were also inconsistent. While they had moments of brilliance, they often struggled to contain opposing offenses. Their defensive rating was below average, and they allowed opponents to score too easily in the paint. Turnovers were also a problem, as the Pelicans often coughed up the ball and gave opponents easy scoring opportunities.

Overall, the 2016-17 Pelicans season was a mixed bag. While the team had two dominant players in Davis and Cousins, they struggled to find consistency and overcome injuries. The team's offensive and defensive inefficiencies ultimately cost them a playoff berth.

Offseason and Future Outlook

Heading into the offseason, the Pelicans faced several important decisions. With DeMarcus Cousins recovering from his Achilles injury and set to become a free agent, the team needed to decide whether to re-sign him. The Pelicans also needed to address their lack of perimeter shooting and improve their overall depth. The future of the Davis-Cousins partnership was uncertain, and the Pelicans faced the challenge of building a team that could compete for a championship.

Ultimately, the Pelicans decided not to re-sign Cousins, and he joined the Golden State Warriors. The Pelicans then made a series of moves to reshape their roster, including acquiring Rajon Rondo and signing several free agents. These moves were aimed at improving the team's playmaking, shooting, and overall depth.

The 2016-17 season served as a learning experience for the Pelicans. While they fell short of their playoff goals, they gained valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses. The team learned the importance of consistency, depth, and perimeter shooting. They also learned the challenges of integrating two dominant players into the same lineup. As they moved forward, the Pelicans hoped to build upon the lessons learned in 2016-17 and create a team that could compete for a championship in the years to come.