New Orleans Pelicans 2016-17 Season Review

Hey Pelicans fans, let's take a deep dive into the 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans season. It was a year that, looking back, had its fair share of ups and downs, but also showcased some really exciting moments and individual brilliance. For anyone trying to understand the narrative of this team, or perhaps looking for some nostalgic highlights, this review is for you guys. We'll be dissecting the roster, key games, standout performances, and the overall trajectory of the team during that specific NBA campaign. It wasn't a championship year, by any stretch, but the 2016-17 season laid groundwork and provided valuable lessons for the franchise. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's relive the 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans season!

Roster Breakdown and Key Players

When we talk about the 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans, the conversation inevitably starts and ends with Anthony Davis. This season, AD was an absolute force, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier talents. He put up phenomenal numbers, averaging 28 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor was crucial for the Pelicans, and he was undoubtedly the team's undisputed leader. It's guys like him that make watching basketball so special, and the Pelicans were lucky to have him leading the charge. Beyond Davis, the team saw contributions from a mix of veterans and developing players. Jrue Holiday, acquired in a trade before the season, proved to be an excellent addition, providing steady point guard play, strong defense, and timely scoring. His impact on the court often went beyond the box score, bringing a veteran presence and leadership that was much needed. He was a guy you could rely on, game in and game out. Other key contributors included Terrence Jones, who had flashes of brilliance as a versatile forward, and veterans like Solomon Hill and E'Twaun Moore, who provided valuable depth and role-playing. Tyreke Evans also had moments, though his season was hampered by injuries. The development of players like Buddy Hield, who joined the team mid-season via the DeMarcus Cousins trade (which happened after the 2016-17 season, but is worth noting in context of team building), also began to show promise. The supporting cast around Davis was crucial, and while it fluctuated, the collective effort aimed to maximize AD's dominance. The coaching staff, led by Alvin Gentry, worked to integrate new pieces and build a cohesive unit. The goal was always to get the most out of the talent available, and the 2016-17 roster, despite its imperfections, was tasked with doing just that. It was a year of trying to find the right combinations and build chemistry, especially with Holiday coming into the fold and adjusting to a new system. The depth, while not always spectacular, was present, and each player had a role to play in the team's success. Ultimately, the success of the 2016-17 Pelicans hinged on the health and performance of Anthony Davis, supported by a group of players striving to make their mark.

Season Performance and Key Moments

The 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans season was a testament to resilience, albeit with a final record that didn't quite reflect their potential. Finishing with a 34-48 record, they narrowly missed out on the playoffs. However, looking beyond the win-loss column reveals a team that fought hard and had some memorable victories. One of the defining characteristics of this Pelicans team was their ability to compete, especially at home in the Smoothie King Center. They weren't an easy out, and many opponents had to play their best to secure a win against them. The season was marked by periods of strong play interspersed with frustrating losses. A significant turning point, though it occurred after the 2016-17 season concluded, was the blockbuster trade that brought DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans. This trade signaled a clear intent from the front office to pair two dominant big men, creating a potentially unstoppable frontcourt. While the full impact of this trade wouldn't be felt until the following season, the anticipation and speculation surrounding it were palpable during the latter half of the 2016-17 campaign. Internally, the team focused on developing chemistry and finding consistency. They had stretches where their offense flowed, with Davis leading the charge and Holiday orchestrating. Games against strong Western Conference opponents often provided the biggest tests. Victories against teams like the San Antonio Spurs or the Golden State Warriors, even if they were rare, would have been massive morale boosters and demonstrated their capability when clicking. Conversely, losses to teams they should have beaten often highlighted their shortcomings, particularly in closing out games or maintaining defensive intensity. The coaching staff, under Alvin Gentry, emphasized an up-tempo style of play, aiming to leverage the athleticism of players like Davis. The season was a grind, as is typical in the NBA, with long road trips and back-to-back games testing the team's depth and endurance. Ultimately, the 2016-17 season was about more than just the final record; it was about the journey, the individual growth, and the ambitious moves that hinted at a brighter future. The team showed flashes of what they could become, especially when Davis was healthy and performing at his MVP level, and the addition of Jrue Holiday certainly brought a new dynamic to the squad.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Relevance

While the 2016-17 New Orleans Pelicans season didn't result in championship glory, it served as a crucial stepping stone towards building a more competitive franchise. The lessons learned, the player development, and the strategic moves made during and around this period all contributed to shaping the team's future. The biggest takeaway for the Pelicans was the undeniable talent of Anthony Davis. His continued growth and leadership were paramount. The acquisition of Jrue Holiday proved to be a masterstroke, providing the team with a reliable second option and a defensive anchor. This partnership between Davis and Holiday became the bedrock of the team for years to come. Furthermore, the trade that brought DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans, although it occurred just after the 2016-17 season concluded, was a direct consequence of the team's efforts to maximize their competitive window with Davis. This move, while ultimately short-lived, demonstrated the franchise's willingness to take risks and pursue elite talent. The experience gained by younger players during the 2016-17 season, such as Buddy Hield, was invaluable. They learned to navigate the rigors of an NBA season, facing tough competition and developing their skills. The coaching staff also continued to refine their strategies, aiming to build a system that could consistently compete. The ultimate goal for the Pelicans was, and always is, to contend for championships. The 2016-17 season, in hindsight, was a period of transition and evolution. It was about finding the right pieces, building chemistry, and laying the foundation for sustained success. While the path forward wouldn't always be smooth, the team's commitment to improving and the presence of bona fide superstars like Davis and Holiday gave fans reasons to be optimistic. The journey of the 2016-17 Pelicans highlights the dynamic nature of the NBA, where even seasons that don't end in parades can be pivotal in the long-term vision of a franchise. It was a season that, while not reaching its highest potential, undeniably moved the needle for the New Orleans Pelicans organization, setting the stage for future aspirations and solidifying their place in the league as a team to watch.