Anthony Davis's 2017 Team: A Deep Dive
Hey guys! Let's rewind the clock to 2017 and talk about the squad Anthony Davis was rocking with. It was a pretty pivotal year for AD, and understanding his team context really helps paint the full picture of his career trajectory. So, what team were we talking about when we say 'Anthony Davis's team 2017'? That would be none other than the New Orleans Pelicans. Yep, the same team that drafted him and had him as their franchise cornerstone. This wasn't just any season for the Pelicans; it was a year filled with expectations, challenges, and some serious talent around AD. We're going to break down who was on that roster, what their season looked like, and why it's a significant point in Anthony Davis's journey. Get ready for some nostalgia and maybe a few surprises!
The Roster: Who Was Playing Alongside AD?
When we talk about Anthony Davis's team in 2017, the New Orleans Pelicans, it's crucial to know who else was on that court, especially since AD was the undisputed star. The 2016-2017 season saw a Pelicans roster that, on paper, had the potential for much more than they ultimately achieved. The biggest storyline surrounding the Pelicans that year, and for much of AD's tenure there, was the constant pursuit of a winning formula and a consistent supporting cast. Alongside Anthony Davis, the player who arguably had the most significant impact and buzz was DeMarcus Cousins. Yes, that's right! The infamous 'Boogie' Cousins joined the Pelicans mid-season, traded from the Sacramento Kings. This move created what many believed was a superstar frontcourt in the league, a duo of dominant big men that could, in theory, dominate any opponent. Imagine the hype, guys! AD and Boogie together – it was a dream scenario for Pelicans fans. Cousins brought his incredible scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and surprisingly adept playmaking skills. His presence was meant to alleviate some of the offensive burden from Davis and provide a formidable presence in the paint. However, the reality of integrating such dominant personalities and skill sets into a cohesive unit was, as we'll see, a complex challenge. Beyond the star power of Davis and Cousins, the team featured a mix of established veterans and developing talent. Jrue Holiday was a key player, serving as the team's primary point guard and a crucial defender. Holiday's steady play, ability to facilitate, and defensive intensity were vital for the Pelicans. He was the stabilizing force that often ran the offense when AD and Cousins were commanding attention. Other notable players included Solomon Hill, who was brought in to add wing defense and versatility, and Terrence Jones, who provided valuable minutes and scoring off the bench. We also saw contributions from players like Langston Galloway, Buddy Hield (who arrived in the Cousins trade), and Donatas Motiejūnas. The roster, while featuring incredible talent in AD and Cousins, was still finding its identity. The coaching situation also played a role, with Alvin Gentry at the helm. The team was clearly built around maximizing the strengths of its star players, but building the necessary depth and role players around them proved to be an ongoing challenge throughout that 2017 season and beyond. It was a season of transition and high hopes, dominated by the acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins and the potential it unlocked.
The 2016-2017 Season: Ups and Downs
Now that we know who was on Anthony Davis's team in 2017, the New Orleans Pelicans, let's dive into how their season actually unfolded. The 2016-2017 NBA season for the Pelicans was, to put it mildly, a rollercoaster. It started with a lot of promise, especially with Anthony Davis healthy and looking like his dominant self. However, the early part of the season was marred by inconsistency and injuries, which is a recurring theme for many teams, but it felt particularly impactful for the Pelicans. They struggled to find their rhythm, and the win-loss record reflected that. It felt like they were always on the cusp of something, but just couldn't quite get over the hump. But then came the game-changer, the trade that had everyone talking: the acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins in February 2017. This trade was massive! Suddenly, the Pelicans went from a team fighting for a playoff spot to one with two of the most dominant big men in the league. The hope was that AD and Boogie could form an unstoppable duo, a force of nature that would propel the Pelicans into the postseason and make them a legitimate threat. The initial results were exciting. The team's offensive output saw a significant boost. The synergy between Davis and Cousins, while still developing, showed flashes of brilliance. They were incredibly difficult to guard, with their size, skill, and scoring ability. However, the reality of integrating two high-usage, dominant big men wasn't always smooth sailing. Defensively, there were questions about how they would complement each other, and in a fast-paced league, fitting two such potent offensive forces into a winning system required significant adjustments. Despite the fanfare and the immediate talent infusion, the Pelicans ultimately fell short of the playoffs in the 2016-2017 season, finishing with a 34-48 record. The trade for Cousins, while exciting and a clear signal of intent, didn't magically solve all their problems in that partial season. It provided a glimpse of what could be, but the challenges of team chemistry, defensive schemes, and overall roster depth remained. It was a season of immense individual talent, particularly from Anthony Davis, who continued to put up stellar numbers, but the team's collective success was a work in progress. The trade, however, set the stage for future aspirations and discussions about the Pelicans' potential with their star duo.
