NBA: Ranking Every Team’s Starting Backcourt Heading Into 2016-17

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Oct 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) talks with guard Tyreke Evans (1) and guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the second half of a preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Thunder 120-86. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) talks with guard Tyreke Evans (1) and guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the second half of a preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Thunder 120-86. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

16. New Orleans Pelicans

Starting Backcourt: Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans

For all the slack they receive, Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans are good, sometimes great, players when they are healthy. The problem is they are hardly ever healthy and even less healthy at the same time.

Evans played only 25 games last season but when he did play, he averaged 15.2 points and 6.6 assists per night – which is a solid rate, especially for a shooting guard.

Meanwhile, Holiday was one of the best sixth men in the NBA last year after returning from injury and having to be on a minutes restriction. With the two returning to New Orleans for another run at the playoffs, a healthy season from the two could propel the Pelicans back on track.

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