The 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans roster remains one of the most fascinating case studies in modern basketball history. Built around the terrifying frontcourt duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, the team navigated turbulent waters, brilliant playmaking masterclasses, and an unexpected playoff surge. While fans often mix up eras or misremember short-term free-agent flirtations like Dwyane Wade's brief stint elsewhere that same season, the true story of this Pelicans squad belongs to floor generals like Rajon Rondo and a culture forged under immense pressure.
Unpacking this campaign requires looking past simple win-loss records to examine how a flawed, injury-riddled roster transformed into a postseason menace. From high-stakes roster construction choices to tactical masterclasses on the hardwood, this season defined an entire era for basketball in New Orleans.
Building the Foundation: The Davis and Cousins Dynamic
Entering the 2017-18 season, the front office faced a massive mandate: maximize the prime years of Anthony Davis. The trade for DeMarcus Cousins midway through the previous campaign created the league's most imposing twin-towers lineup. Opposing defenses simply had no clean answers for two elite big men who could score from the post, drive past defenders, and stretch the floor.
Yet, assembling a balanced supporting cast around two high-usage stars proved challenging under salary cap constraints. The front office had to unearth bargains and high-IQ veterans who could accept complementary roles.
- Anthony Davis: Operating at an MVP level, averaging 28.1 pixels—pardon me, points—and 11.1 rebounds per game while anchoring the defense.
- DeMarcus Cousins: Provided elite playmaking and scoring from the center position before a devastating Achilles injury altered the franchise's trajectory in January.
- Jrue Holiday: Shifted primarily to shooting guard, unlocking a career-best two-way season where he harassed opposing guards and shouldered heavy scoring loads.
The Rajon Rondo Experiment and Playoff IQ
When the Pelicans signed Rajon Rondo in the summer of 2017, skeptics questioned whether a veteran point guard with a volatile history could mesh with a fast-paced system. That doubt vanished by spring. Rondo brought an unmatched mental edge, holding teammates accountable and turning the film room into a classroom.
His masterpiece arrived during the first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers. Rondo orchestrated the offense with surgical precision, handing out assists with impunity and completely neutralizing Damian Lillard alongside Jrue Holiday. His leadership transformed a disjointed group into a cohesive unit that swept a higher-seeded opponent.
Regular Season Trials and Rotation Adjustments
The path to the postseason wasn't smooth. Early season chemistry issues forced head coach Alvin Gentry to tinker constantly with rotations. Without a traditional, elite small forward stopper, the team relied heavily on wing contributors like Darius Miller and E'Twaun Moore to hit corner triples and defend multiple positions.
When Cousins went down in late January against the Houston Rockets, the entire external media wrote off New Orleans. Conventional wisdom suggested the season was over. Instead, the team sped up its pace, deployed Nikola Mirotic after a trade-deadline acquisition, and went on a blistering run to secure the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
Key Factors That Defined the Campaign
- The Mirotic Trade: Acquiring Nikola Mirotic injected floor-spacing that salvaged the frontcourt rotation after Cousins' injury.
- Jrue Holiday Ascension: Stepping up during clutch moments, proving he was severely underpaid relative to his elite two-way production.
- Coaching Adaptability: Alvin Gentry pivoting away from slow, plodding sets to a modern, positionless small-ball approach when forced by injuries.
Common Misconceptions About the 2017-18 Pelicans
Basketball historians often conflate this era with various rumors involving veteran guards like Dwyane Wade, who briefly played for the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers that same year before returning to Miami. The Pelicans never seriously contended for Wade's services; their focus remained fixed on backcourt defense and bargain playmakers.
Another misconception is that the team completely fell apart after Cousins got hurt. While the emotional blow was immense, the roster actually streamlined its identity, playing faster and relying more heavily on the defensive chemistry of Holiday, Rondo, and Anthony Davis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far did the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans go in the playoffs?
They swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round before falling to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in five games during the Western Conference Semifinals.
What were Rajon Rondo's standout performances that year?
Rondo set a franchise record with 25 assists in a single game against the Brooklyn Nets on December 27, 2017, showcasing his elite floor vision.
How did the team adapt after DeMarcus Cousins' injury?
The front office traded for Nikola Mirotic, and coach Alvin Gentry shifted Anthony Davis to center full-time while accelerating the team's offensive tempo.
Who led the team in scoring during this season?
Anthony Davis led the team convincingly, establishing himself as a perennial first-team All-NBA selection and defensive anchor.
