Anthony Davis's 2017 Team: Where Did He Play?

Hey hoops fans! Ever wondered about Anthony Davis's team in 2017? You know, that super-talented big man who can do it all on the court? Well, let's dive into where AD was making his mark back in 2017. It was a pivotal time in his career, and understanding his team situation that year gives us a better picture of his journey. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get into it!

The Brow in the Big Easy: Pelicans Powerhouse

Alright guys, when we talk about Anthony Davis in 2017, we're talking about his time with the New Orleans Pelicans. That's right, 'The Brow' was rocking the blue and gold down in the Big Easy. He had been drafted by the Pelicans in 2012 as the first overall pick, and by 2017, he was already the undisputed leader and face of the franchise. He wasn't just a rising star anymore; he was a full-blown superstar, dominating opponents with his incredible scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess. The 2016-2017 NBA season saw AD putting up monster numbers, proving time and again why he was considered one of the league's most exciting young talents. He was averaging an incredible 27.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game. Yeah, you read that right. Nearly 28 points and almost 12 boards a night, plus elite defense. It was the kind of season that cemented his status as an unstoppable force in the league. The Pelicans, despite having other talented players around him at various points, heavily relied on AD's consistent brilliance to compete. He was the engine that drove their offense and the anchor of their defense. Every possession felt like it had to go through him, and more often than not, he delivered. His impact wasn't just statistical; it was visceral. You could see the intensity in his eyes, the way he battled every big man in the paint, and the athleticism he displayed on both ends of the floor. He was a walking highlight reel, but more importantly, he was a player who consistently elevated his team, even if the team's overall success didn't always match his individual brilliance during that particular season. The franchise had high hopes that pairing him with other emerging talents would eventually lead to deep playoff runs, but the 2017 season was more about AD proving his individual dominance on a nightly basis. He was the kind of player that opposing teams had to game plan meticulously for, and even then, stopping him was a monumental task. His signature move, the fadeaway jumper, was almost unguardable, and his ability to finish strong at the rim made him a nightmare for defenders. The Pelicans were his team, and in 2017, he was their undisputed king.

A Star-Studded Roster (Sort Of)

While Anthony Davis was the undisputed star, the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017 had a mix of talent around him. The most significant storyline surrounding AD that year was his partnership with DeMarcus Cousins. Yes, guys, you heard that right – two of the most dominant big men in the NBA were on the same team! This 'Twin Towers' experiment, as it was often called, was supposed to be a game-changer for the Pelicans. They acquired Cousins mid-season, in a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the league. Before Cousins' arrival, AD was already carrying a heavy load, often finding himself in situations where he needed more support. The hope was that pairing him with Boogie, another elite scorer and rebounder, would create an unstoppable offensive duo and finally lift the Pelicans into contention. The reality, however, was a bit more complicated. While both players put up incredible numbers individually, integrating two dominant, ball-dominant big men into one system wasn't always seamless. They were both used to being the primary option, and figuring out how to share the spotlight and touches took time and adjustments. Defensively, the idea of having two massive bodies in the paint seemed formidable, but their defensive schemes and overall team defense often left much to be desired. The 2016-2017 season was the beginning of this unique partnership, and while it showed flashes of brilliance, it didn't immediately translate into consistent team success. The Pelicans finished the season with a losing record, missing the playoffs. Despite the challenges, the presence of Cousins alongside Davis created one of the most intriguing frontcourts in the NBA. It was a bold move by the Pelicans' front office, trying to capitalize on AD's prime years and give him the offensive firepower he desperately needed. However, injuries and defensive struggles hampered their ability to truly gel and make a significant impact in the stacked Western Conference. It was a high-risk, high-reward situation, and while the potential was immense, the execution and team chemistry didn't quite reach the heights everyone hoped for during that specific season. Nevertheless, the sheer talent on display with AD and Cousins together was undeniable, offering fans a glimpse of what could have been if everything had clicked perfectly. Other notable players on the roster during that period included Jrue Holiday, who was a solid point guard providing playmaking and defense, and a few other role players who contributed here and there. But make no mistake, the narrative of the 2017 Pelicans was overwhelmingly centered around the twin forces of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins.

Playoff Hopes Dashed

Despite the star power and the exciting addition of DeMarcus Cousins, the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017 ultimately fell short of their playoff aspirations. The 2016-2017 NBA season was a tough one for the team, and injuries played a significant role in derailing their progress. Anthony Davis, despite his superhuman efforts, couldn't carry the team single-handedly into the postseason. The Western Conference was, as always, incredibly competitive, with powerhouse teams like the Warriors, Spurs, and Rockets dominating the landscape. For the Pelicans to even sniff the playoffs, they would have needed everything to go right, and unfortunately, it didn't. Davis himself battled some injuries during the season, which, while not season-ending, certainly impacted his availability and perhaps his peak performance at times. Losing key players or having them play through nagging injuries is never ideal for any team, and the Pelicans were no exception. The Cousins trade, while exciting, also required significant adjustments. Integrating a player of Cousins' caliber mid-season is a complex process, and it takes time for a team to find its rhythm and chemistry, especially when trying to balance the roles of two dominant big men. The defensive lapses that plagued the team throughout the season also contributed to their inability to secure a playoff spot. While the offensive potential with Davis and Cousins was sky-high, their defense often struggled to keep pace with the league's elite offenses. This lack of defensive consistency proved to be a major hurdle. Ultimately, the Pelicans finished the 2016-2017 season with a disappointing record, landing them outside the playoff picture. It was a stark reminder that even with two of the game's most dominant big men, success in the NBA requires more than just individual talent; it demands a cohesive team, consistent defense, and a bit of luck with health. The disappointment of missing the playoffs that year undoubtedly fueled Davis's desire for future success and pushed the Pelicans' front office to re-evaluate their strategy. It was a season that highlighted the immense talent of Anthony Davis but also underscored the challenges of building a championship contender in a loaded conference, especially when key pieces don't quite fit perfectly or stay healthy. The dream of a deep playoff run with AD and Boogie together would have to wait, leaving fans yearning for what could have been.

The Future Looms Large

Looking back at Anthony Davis's team in 2017, the New Orleans Pelicans, it's clear that this period was a crucial stepping stone in his career. While the team didn't achieve the ultimate success of a deep playoff run that season, it showcased AD's individual brilliance and set the stage for future endeavors. The presence of DeMarcus Cousins, though short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful in terms of team wins, provided a unique glimpse into what could have been with a dominant, albeit unconventional, frontcourt. The lessons learned, the experiences gained, and the undeniable talent on display during that time in New Orleans shaped AD's trajectory. It was a period filled with both immense individual achievement and team-wide challenges. The city of New Orleans embraced him as their own, and fans witnessed firsthand the evolution of a generational talent. Even though the Pelicans couldn't quite put all the pieces together in 2017, the foundation was being laid for something more. AD continued to hone his skills, adapt his game, and carry the weight of a franchise on his shoulders. His performances were a constant source of excitement and a testament to his dedication and skill. The eventual trade that moved him to the Los Angeles Lakers later in his career was a testament to his desire to compete for championships, but his time with the Pelicans, including the 2017 season, was an integral chapter in his story. It's where he truly established himself as one of the NBA's elite players, commanding respect from peers and fans alike. The journey from being the top pick to becoming a superstar is rarely a straight line, and the 2017 season with the Pelicans was a vital part of AD's winding, yet brilliant, path in the league. It was a year that fans remember for his incredible stats and the tantalizing, yet unfulfilled, potential of the Cousins-Davis partnership, all under the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans. The legacy of AD in New Orleans is complex, but his impact on the game during his tenure there, especially in 2017, is undeniable. He gave fans countless memorable moments and solidified his status as one of the game's true superstars, ready for whatever the future held.