In February 2017, the New Orleans Pelicans shook up the NBA landscape by trading for DeMarcus Cousins, pairing him with Anthony Davis to form one of the most terrifying frontcourts in modern basketball history. This move defined a franchise caught between aggressive win-now aspirations and the grind of a Western Conference playoff race. Yet, historical discussions about this era often get tangled in myths, such as phantom mentions of DeMar DeRozan or Brook Lopez ever suiting up for New Orleans during that stretch. Let's set the record straight and examine what the 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster actually looked like, how the front office constructed it, and why that specific season altered the trajectory of the franchise.
The primary keyword target for this topic is the 2017 Pelicans roster, which represents a fascinating case study in mid-season team building. When general manager Dell Demps pulled off the blockbuster deal during All-Star weekend, he didn't just add a star center; he completely changed the identity of a team that had spent years searching for a reliable co-star for Davis. Instead of a slow, multi-year teardown, the front office pivoted toward immediate high-stakes contention, trading away young assets and future draft capital to accelerate their timeline.
The Twin Towers: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins
Before the trade, Anthony Davis carried a heavy burden on both ends of the floor, often surrounded by insufficient offensive creation. The acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings changed everything. Cousins arrived averaging over twenty-seven points and eleven rebounds per game, giving New Orleans an elite offensive hub who could post up, shoot from beyond the arc, and pass out of double teams.
Playing alongside Davis, Cousins gave head coach Alvin Gentry unprecedented tactical flexibility. Defenses couldn't double-team both big men without leaving shooters open on the perimeter.
- Scoring Load: Davis and Cousins combined for over fifty points per night following the trade.
- Playmaking: Cousins unlocked new passing lanes from the high post, easing the ball-handling pressure on point guards.
- Rebounding Dominance: The Pelicans instantly became one of the toughest teams to box out in the paint.
However, blending two dominant centers required an offensive overhaul. Spacing the floor became an immediate priority, and the team had to stagger minutes to ensure at least one elite big man remained on the floor at all times. While the duo showed immense promise, chemistry built on the fly during a playoff push is difficult to master. The team finished the rest of the season with a 34-48 record, missing the postseason cut as they adjusted to the new system, but the blueprint for the following year was set.
Backcourt Anchors: Jrue Holiday and the Supporting Cast
While the frontcourt headlines grabbed national attention, the stability of the 2017 Pelicans roster rested heavily on the backcourt. Jrue Holiday served as the defensive anchor and primary perimeter playmaker. Holiday's ability to lock down opposing guards while orchestrating the offense kept the team competitive through numerous injuries and roster churn.
- Jrue Holiday: Averaged over fifteen points and seven assists, setting the tone with elite perimeter defense.
- E'Twaun Moore: Provided steady, efficient shooting and reliable wing defense off the bench or in the starting lineup.
- Solomon Hill: Tasked with guarding the opponent's toughest small forward every single night.
- Tim Frazier: Handled backup point guard duties with energy and smart ball-movement.
The cost of acquiring Cousins meant parting ways with fan favorites like Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, and Langston Galloway. Hield, in particular, was viewed as a cornerstone of the future after being drafted sixth overall just months prior. Dealing him proved how desperate the front office was to maximize Davis's prime. To learn more about how front offices manage marquee assets and luxury taxes, you can review guidelines from NBA.com.
Decoding the Myths: DeRozan, Lopez, and Internet Confusion
Why do casual searches or poorly generated articles sometimes link players like DeMar DeRozan or Brook Lopez to the 2017 New Orleans roster? The confusion usually stems from overlapping trade rumors, historical simulation leagues, or AI-generated hallucinations that cross-contaminate player timelines.
- DeMar DeRozan: Spent the entire 2016-17 season playing for the Toronto Raptors, where he earned an All-NBA nod and averaged over twenty-seven points per game. He never played for the Pelicans.
- Brook Lopez: Spent that season anchoring the center position for the Brooklyn Nets, famous for expanding his range to the three-point line that year. He was never traded to New Orleans during this window.
Recognizing these distinctions helps fans evaluate actual historical performance rather than fictional trade machine scenarios. The Pelicans relied strictly on their own mix of homegrown talent, veteran free agents, and the seismic Cousins trade to shape their identity.
Common Mistakes in Analyzing the 2017 Season
When analysts look back at this iteration of the Pelicans, several recurring mistakes skew the narrative. Avoiding these pitfalls gives a much clearer picture of what happened on the court.
- Mistake 1: Assuming instant playoff success. Fans often remember the talent on paper and assume the team went deep into the postseason immediately. In reality, the trade happened late in February, leaving little time to build chemistry before the playoffs slipped away.
- Mistake 2: Overlooking the loss of depth. Trading multiple rotation players for one superstar left the bench dangerously thin, forcing veterans on minimum contracts to play heavy minutes.
- Mistake 3: Ignoring health variables. Injuries plagued the supporting cast all year, making it difficult for Gentry to establish consistent rotation patterns.
For official historical team stats and game logs, check the Basketball Reference Database.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the trade for DeMarcus Cousins in 2017?
The Pelicans needed to surround Anthony Davis with immediate star power to prove the franchise could build a winner. Sacramento was looking to reset its roster and acquire draft assets, making the deal mutually appealing on paper.
How long did the Davis-Cousins pairing last?
The duo played less than a full calendar season together. While they dominated statistically at the start of the 2017-18 season, Cousins suffered a torn Achilles in January 2018, effectively ending their partnership.
Who did the Pelicans trade to get DeMarcus Cousins?
New Orleans sent Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, a 2017 first-round pick, and a 2017 second-round pick to the Sacramento Kings.
Did the 2017 Pelicans make the playoffs?
No. Despite adding Cousins in February, the team had too much ground to make up in the competitive Western Conference and finished the season outside the playoff picture.
