New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18: A Season In Review

The New Orleans Pelicans' 2017-18 season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, ultimately culminating in a first-round playoff exit. For fans, it was a season filled with hope, excitement, and ultimately, disappointment. But before we dive into the specifics, let's set the stage and remember the context of this particular year. The Pelicans were a team striving for consistency and playoff contention in a Western Conference dominated by powerhouses. This season marked a significant chapter in the Anthony Davis era, as the team sought to build a winning formula around its superstar. Expectations were cautiously optimistic, and the season certainly delivered plenty to talk about.

Pre-Season Expectations

Heading into the 2017-18 season, the New Orleans Pelicans' expectations were a mixed bag. After several seasons of lottery dwelling and playoff absences, fans were eager to see if the team could finally break through and establish itself as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. The primary source of optimism stemmed from the presence of Anthony Davis, a perennial MVP candidate and one of the league's premier talents. The front office had made significant moves in the offseason, most notably acquiring DeMarcus Cousins via trade the previous season, with the hope that his partnership with Davis would form an unstoppable frontcourt duo. However, questions lingered about the team's depth, perimeter shooting, and overall defensive capabilities. Some analysts predicted a playoff berth, while others remained skeptical, citing the Pelicans' inconsistent performance in previous years. The key to exceeding expectations hinged on the health and performance of Davis and Cousins, as well as the ability of the supporting cast to contribute consistently on both ends of the floor. Ultimately, the pre-season buzz was one of cautious optimism, with fans and analysts alike eager to see if the Pelicans could finally live up to their potential.

Regular Season Highlights

The Pelicans' regular season was a dynamic blend of spectacular performances and frustrating setbacks. Anthony Davis continued to cement his status as a top-tier player, delivering nightly highlight reels with his scoring prowess, rebounding tenacity, and defensive versatility. The twin-tower combination of Davis and DeMarcus Cousins proved to be a formidable force, overwhelming opponents with their size, skill, and sheer dominance in the paint. Jrue Holiday also emerged as a reliable backcourt presence, showcasing his two-way abilities as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. The team enjoyed several impressive winning streaks, demonstrating their potential to compete with the league's elite. Memorable moments included Davis's numerous 40-point performances, Cousins's triple-doubles, and Holiday's clutch shots in crucial games. However, the season was not without its challenges. Injuries to key players, particularly Cousins's devastating Achilles tendon tear, disrupted the team's chemistry and forced them to adjust their strategy mid-season. Despite these setbacks, the Pelicans displayed resilience and determination, fighting their way to a 48-34 record and securing a playoff berth as the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Their ability to overcome adversity and maintain a competitive edge throughout the regular season was a testament to their talent, coaching, and unwavering commitment to success.

Key Players and Their Performances

Let's dive into the key players and their performances that defined the Pelicans' 2017-18 season. First and foremost, we have Anthony Davis, who was an absolute beast. He averaged a staggering 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court was truly remarkable, and he carried the team on many nights. Then there's DeMarcus Cousins, who, before his injury, was playing at an All-Star level. He brought a unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking to the frontcourt, averaging 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His unfortunate Achilles injury was a major blow to the team's aspirations. Jrue Holiday also had a standout season, showcasing his two-way prowess as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. He averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, proving to be a reliable and consistent force in the backcourt. Rajon Rondo, the veteran point guard, brought his exceptional playmaking skills and basketball IQ to the team. His ability to distribute the ball and orchestrate the offense was invaluable, and he played a crucial role in the team's success. Other notable contributors included E'Twaun Moore, who provided valuable scoring and shooting off the bench, and Nikola Mirotić, who was acquired mid-season and added a much-needed boost to the team's frontcourt depth and scoring. Each of these players played a vital role in the Pelicans' success, contributing their unique skills and talents to the team's overall performance.

Mid-Season Trade Acquisition

One of the most impactful moves the Pelicans made mid-season was the acquisition of Nikola Mirotić. With DeMarcus Cousins sidelined due to a season-ending injury, the Pelicans desperately needed to bolster their frontcourt and add another scoring threat to complement Anthony Davis. Mirotić, acquired from the Chicago Bulls, proved to be an excellent fit, seamlessly integrating into the team's offensive system and providing an immediate boost in scoring and floor spacing. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting opened up driving lanes for Davis and Holiday, while his rebounding and interior defense helped solidify the team's frontcourt. Mirotić's arrival not only filled a critical void left by Cousins's injury but also added a new dimension to the Pelicans' offense, making them a more versatile and dangerous team. His impact was evident in the team's improved offensive efficiency and overall performance down the stretch of the regular season.

Playoff Run

The Pelicans' playoff run in 2018 was a brief but memorable one. As the sixth seed in the Western Conference, they faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round. Despite being the lower seed, the Pelicans entered the series with confidence, fueled by their strong regular-season performance and the momentum gained from the addition of Nikola Mirotić. The series turned out to be a resounding success for the Pelicans, as they swept the Trail Blazers in four games, stunning the basketball world. Anthony Davis led the charge with his dominant performances, showcasing his ability to take over games and elevate his play in the postseason. Jrue Holiday also stepped up his game, providing stellar defense on Damian Lillard and contributing significantly on the offensive end. Rajon Rondo's playmaking and leadership were instrumental in orchestrating the offense and keeping the team focused. While the Pelicans' playoff run ultimately ended in the second round against the Golden State Warriors, their first-round sweep of the Trail Blazers was a testament to their talent, resilience, and unwavering determination.

Overall Season Assessment

Looking at the Pelicans' season overall, it's clear that it was a year of significant progress and potential, albeit with some heartbreak mixed in. The team showcased flashes of brilliance, demonstrating their ability to compete with the league's elite. Anthony Davis solidified his status as one of the game's premier players, while Jrue Holiday emerged as a reliable and consistent force on both ends of the court. The mid-season acquisition of Nikola Mirotić provided a much-needed boost to the team's frontcourt and scoring. However, the devastating injury to DeMarcus Cousins undoubtedly altered the trajectory of the season, depriving the team of a key contributor and disrupting their chemistry. Despite this setback, the Pelicans managed to secure a playoff berth and even pull off a first-round sweep, proving their resilience and determination. Ultimately, the 2017-18 season can be viewed as a stepping stone for the Pelicans, providing valuable experience and setting the stage for future success. The team demonstrated its potential to compete at a high level, and with continued development and strategic roster moves, they could become a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. While the season ended with disappointment, it also offered a glimpse of what the Pelicans could achieve with their talented core of players.

Lessons Learned and Future Outlook

So, what lessons did the Pelicans learn from the 2017-18 season, and what does the future hold for this team? One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of depth and versatility. The injury to DeMarcus Cousins exposed the team's lack of frontcourt depth and highlighted the need for reliable contributors off the bench. Moving forward, the Pelicans need to prioritize adding players who can provide scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Another key lesson was the importance of perimeter shooting. While the team had some capable shooters, they often struggled to consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc. Improving their three-point shooting will be crucial for spacing the floor and opening up driving lanes for Davis and Holiday. Looking ahead, the Pelicans have a solid foundation to build upon. Anthony Davis remains the cornerstone of the franchise, and Jrue Holiday has proven to be a valuable running mate. With strategic roster moves and continued development from their young players, the Pelicans can solidify their position as a playoff contender in the Western Conference. The future looks bright for this team, and with the right pieces in place, they could be poised for sustained success in the years to come. It's all about building on the positives from this season and addressing the areas where they need to improve. The Pelicans have the potential to be a force in the league, and it will be exciting to see how they progress in the coming years.