New Orleans Pelicans Roster: 2017-18 Season

Hey Pelicans fans! Let's dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans roster from the 2017-18 season. This was a memorable year for the team, marked by exciting performances and a strong push towards the playoffs. Understanding the players, their roles, and the overall team dynamic can really enhance your appreciation for that season. So, let’s get started and explore who made up the Pelicans squad during that time.

The 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster featured a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents, all working together to achieve a common goal: success in the highly competitive Western Conference. At the forefront were the twin towers, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, a formidable duo that presented matchup nightmares for opposing teams. Their combined scoring prowess, rebounding tenacity, and defensive capabilities made them the focal point of the Pelicans' offensive and defensive strategies. Surrounding these superstars were players who complemented their skills and provided valuable contributions in various aspects of the game. Jrue Holiday, a versatile guard with exceptional defensive skills and playmaking abilities, served as the team's primary ball-handler and perimeter defender. His ability to penetrate the defense, create scoring opportunities for his teammates, and lock down opposing guards made him an indispensable part of the Pelicans' success. Rajon Rondo, a seasoned veteran with a wealth of playoff experience, brought his exceptional basketball IQ, court vision, and passing skills to the team. His ability to orchestrate the offense, find open teammates, and control the tempo of the game made him a valuable asset in the Pelicans' quest for playoff contention. In addition to these key contributors, the Pelicans roster also featured a supporting cast of role players who provided valuable depth, energy, and versatility. Players like E'Twaun Moore, Darius Miller, and Ian Clark provided reliable scoring options off the bench, while Solomon Hill and Tony Allen brought their defensive intensity and veteran leadership to the team. Cheick Diallo and Jalen Jones added youthful athleticism and energy to the frontcourt rotation, providing valuable minutes and contributing to the team's overall effort. Together, these players formed a cohesive and competitive unit that embodied the Pelicans' commitment to hard work, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Their collective talent, dedication, and chemistry made them a formidable force in the Western Conference, capable of challenging the league's elite teams and competing for a playoff berth.

Key Players and Their Roles

Okay, let's break down some of the key players from that New Orleans Pelicans roster and what they brought to the table. We’ll go over their main strengths and how they fit into the team's strategy.

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis, without a doubt, was the cornerstone of the Pelicans. As a power forward and center, his incredible athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess made him a dominant force on both ends of the court. Davis was the primary scoring option, often leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocks. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, attack the basket with his dribble, and protect the rim with his shot-blocking made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Defensively, he was a force to be reckoned with, using his length, agility, and timing to disrupt shots, grab rebounds, and defend multiple positions. His presence alone elevated the Pelicans' defense to a top-tier level, and his ability to switch seamlessly between guarding smaller, quicker players and bigger, stronger players made him an invaluable asset in the team's defensive schemes. Off the court, Davis served as a leader and mentor for his younger teammates, setting an example with his work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence. His professionalism and maturity helped to create a positive and supportive team environment, and his willingness to embrace his leadership role made him a respected and influential figure in the locker room. Davis's impact on the Pelicans extended far beyond the box score, as his presence inspired his teammates to raise their own level of play and strive for collective success. His unwavering commitment to the team and his relentless pursuit of victory made him a beloved figure among Pelicans fans and a true icon of the franchise.

DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins, playing center, brought a unique blend of skill and physicality to the Pelicans' frontcourt. Before his unfortunate injury during the season, Cousins was a dominant force, averaging impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and assists. His ability to score inside and out, combined with his exceptional passing skills for a big man, made him a versatile offensive weapon. Cousins's presence in the paint opened up opportunities for his teammates, as defenders were forced to double-team him, creating space for shooters and cutters. His ability to knock down three-pointers from the perimeter stretched the defense and forced opposing teams to adjust their game plans. Defensively, Cousins was a physical presence, using his size and strength to protect the rim, grab rebounds, and challenge opposing players. His ability to guard multiple positions and switch effectively on pick-and-rolls made him a valuable asset in the Pelicans' defensive schemes. Off the court, Cousins was a vocal leader, known for his passion, intensity, and unwavering belief in his teammates. His presence in the locker room helped to create a competitive and supportive environment, and his willingness to speak his mind and hold his teammates accountable made him a respected figure in the Pelicans' organization. Cousins's impact on the Pelicans was undeniable, as his presence elevated the team's performance and made them a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday was the reliable point guard that every team dreams of. His scoring, playmaking, and, most notably, his stellar defense were crucial for the Pelicans. Holiday's ability to penetrate the defense, create scoring opportunities for his teammates, and lock down opposing guards made him an indispensable part of the Pelicans' success. He was often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best offensive player, and his tenacity, quickness, and basketball IQ made him a formidable defender. Holiday's ability to anticipate passing lanes, disrupt dribble drives, and challenge shots made him a nightmare for opposing guards. Offensively, Holiday was a versatile scorer, capable of creating his own shot off the dribble, knocking down three-pointers, and finishing strong at the rim. His ability to control the tempo of the game and make smart decisions with the ball made him a valuable asset in the Pelicans' offensive schemes. Holiday's leadership and composure on the court helped to calm the team in pressure situations and guide them to victory. His unwavering dedication to the team and his willingness to do whatever it takes to win made him a beloved figure among Pelicans fans and a respected leader in the locker room.

Roster Breakdown

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a simplified list of the New Orleans Pelicans roster from that season:

• Guards: Jrue Holiday, Rajon Rondo, E'Twaun Moore, Ian Clark
• Forwards: Anthony Davis, Darius Miller, Solomon Hill, Dante Cunningham
• Centers: DeMarcus Cousins, Cheick Diallo

Note: Rosters can change throughout the season due to trades, injuries, and free agent signings. This reflects the roster for a significant portion of the 2017-18 season.

Season Highlights and Achievements

The 2017-18 season was noteworthy for the Pelicans. Despite the unfortunate injury to DeMarcus Cousins, the team rallied and made a strong push to the playoffs. Anthony Davis stepped up his game even further, solidifying his place among the league's elite. The Pelicans finished the season with a 48-34 record, securing the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. In the first round, they swept the higher-seeded Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing their potential and the strength of their roster. While they eventually fell to the Golden State Warriors in the second round, the season was still considered a success, demonstrating the team's growth and competitiveness.

Impact and Legacy

The 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster left a lasting impact on the franchise and its fans. The combination of star power and complementary pieces created an exciting and competitive team that captured the imagination of the city. The season showcased the potential of Anthony Davis as a franchise player and highlighted the importance of surrounding him with the right talent. While the team ultimately fell short of championship aspirations, the 2017-18 season served as a stepping stone for the Pelicans' future success. The experience gained from competing in the playoffs and the lessons learned from facing adversity helped to shape the team's identity and culture. The legacy of the 2017-18 Pelicans roster extends beyond the court, as the players became role models and ambassadors for the city of New Orleans. Their commitment to community service and their engagement with fans helped to strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters. The memories of that season continue to resonate with Pelicans fans, serving as a reminder of the team's potential and the excitement of competing at the highest level.

Where Are They Now?

It’s always interesting to see where the players from that New Orleans Pelicans roster ended up. Some remained with the Pelicans for subsequent seasons, while others moved on to different teams, continuing their careers in the NBA or overseas. Anthony Davis, of course, was later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won a championship. Jrue Holiday also continued to be a valuable player, eventually finding success with the Milwaukee Bucks. Many other players from the roster have had varied careers, some remaining in the NBA as key role players, while others have transitioned into coaching, broadcasting, or other endeavors within the basketball world. Following the careers of these players provides a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for their contributions to the Pelicans during that memorable 2017-18 season. Their individual journeys and accomplishments serve as a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication to the game.

Hopefully, this breakdown gives you a solid overview of the New Orleans Pelicans roster from the 2017-18 season. It was a season full of excitement, and the players on that roster certainly left their mark! Remember to keep supporting the Pelicans!