The 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster represented one of the most fascinating experiments in modern NBA history. Built around the dynamic frontcourt pairing of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, the team challenged traditional positional norms by deploying two elite big men simultaneously. While injuries ultimately derailed its highest ambitions, this era established the structural building blocks and competitive grit that shaped the franchise's identity for years to come.
Examining this roster reveals why it remains a pivotal touchpoint for basketball analysts. Rather than relying on a traditional perimeter-heavy lineup, front office leadership doubled down on elite interior dominance and defensive versatility. This retrospective breaks down how the roster was constructed, the tactical identity of the team, the key supporting pieces, and the lasting legacy left behind in Louisiana.
The Twin Towers: Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins
The defining catalyst of the 2017 squad was the blockbuster trade that brought DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans during the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend. Pairing him with Anthony Davis created an unprecedented offensive force. Both players possessed rare combinations of size, shooting touch, and playmaking ability that forced opposing coaches to completely rethink defensive schemes.
Anthony Davis was entering the prime of his athletic powers, anchoring both ends of the floor with relentless rebounding, rim protection, and scoring efficiency. Meanwhile, Cousins brought elite passing from the high post, physical toughness, and floor-spacing capabilities that few centers of that era could match. For another look on this development, check out the latest coverage from Reuters.
- Offensive Synergy: Davis and Cousins combined for over 50 points and nearly 25 rebounds on most nights, creating massive gravity that sucked in opposing defenses.
- Defensive Anchor: Davis patrolled the paint with extraordinary mobility, masking perimeter breakdowns and altering driving lanes consistently.
- Playmaking Hubs: Both big men could initiate the offense from the elbows, allowing head coach Alvin Gentry to run dynamic high-low actions.
The Perimeter Backbone: Jrue Holiday and Supporting Guards
While the frontcourt grabbed national headlines, the success of the roster relied heavily on the stabilizing presence of Jrue Holiday. Operating as a combo guard, Holiday provided elite perimeter defense against opposing star guards while serving as a secondary scorer and primary ball-handler. His capacity to shoulder defensive burdens allowed Davis and Cousins to expend more energy on offensive execution.
Surrounding Holiday were complementary perimeter options designed to spread the floor. E'Twaun Moore provided reliable three-point shooting and steady veteran composure. Meanwhile, mid-season additions and rotational mainstays brought defensive toughness that kept the team competitive in a brutal Western Conference.
- Jrue Holiday: Delivered lockdown perimeter defense and efficient scoring when the offense stalled.
- E'Twaun Moore: Shot over forty percent from deep, offering the necessary spacing for interior drives.
- Rajon Rondo: Added veteran floor generalship, vocal leadership, and high-IQ postseason execution during the subsequent playoff run.
Tactical Evolution and Playing Style
The structural identity of the 2017 team forced a rapid evolution in how frontcourts operated across the league. Traditional centers struggled to defend the perimeter mobility of Davis alongside the bruising strength of Cousins. The coaching staff implemented a fast-paced offensive system that utilized early-clock post-ups, staggered screens, and quick hand-offs to generate mismatches.
This aggressive approach came with inherent trade-offs. Playing two traditional big men required exceptional conditioning and defensive switching to avoid giving up open looks to modern three-point shooting teams. When healthy, the formula overwhelmed opponents. However, maintaining defensive rotations over an eighty-two-game schedule stretched depth to its absolute limits.
Roster Vulnerabilidades and Depth Challenges
Every historic roster carries structural flaws, and the 2017 Pelicans were no exception. The team struggled significantly with overall wing depth and consistent perimeter shooting outside of a few primary contributors. When injuries struck key rotational players, the drop-off in production exposed defensive vulnerabilities on the perimeter.
- Thin Wing Rotation: The front office lacked reliable, two-way small forwards who could guard elite perimeter scorers while maintaining floor spacing.
- Rebounding Drop-off: Despite having elite rebounders in the starting lineup, bench units frequently surrendered second-chance points.
- Durability Risks: Heavy reliance on a top-heavy rotation left little margin for error when minor injuries accumulated.
The Turning Point and Franchise Legacy
The ultimate tragedy of this roster was not a lack of talent, but a cruel twist of fate. In January 2018, just as the team was finding its stride and surging up the standings, DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon. That single injury altered the trajectory of the franchise permanently.
Despite that devastating setback, the remaining roster rallied behind Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday to sweep the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2018 playoffs, proving the grit ingrained in the culture. The building blocks established during this era demonstrated that New Orleans could attract and build around elite talent, laying structural groundwork that influenced future team construction strategies for the organization and the broader NBA.
For further context on team statistics and historical player performance, you can explore the Basketball Reference Pelicans Roster or review season summaries on NBA.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made the Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins pairing unique?
They were two of the premier big men in the NBA playing simultaneously, combining elite interior scoring, high-level passing, and modern floor-spacing capabilities that dismantled traditional defensive schemes.
Why didn't the 2017-2018 roster reach its full potential?
A major Achilles tendon injury suffered by DeMarcus Cousins in January 2018 derailed the team's championship aspirations just as their chemistry was peaking.
Who were the primary contributors alongside the star duo?
Jrue Holiday provided elite two-way guard play and lockdown defense, while E'Twaun Moore and Rajon Rondo delivered vital floor spacing, veteran leadership, and playmaking stability.
How did this roster impact modern NBA team building?
The team proved that elite frontcourt players with diverse skill sets could coexist, influencing how modern front offices evaluate multi-dimensional big men in fast-paced offensive systems.
