New Orleans Pelicans: 3 variables that will dictate the 2017-18 season

Taking a look at three things to watch for as the New Orleans Pelicans prepare for a really important 2017-18 NBA season

We look at three areas that will likely determine the success or failure of the New Orleans Pelicans as they enter a pretty important 2017-18 NBA season.

The Boogie – AD Chemistry

As we know, superstar DeMarcus Cousins was sent to New Orleans over the 2017 All-Star weekend, and everyone started to salivate over the Kentucky frontcourt of Cousins and Anthony Davis. However, when Cousins was in the lineup, the Pelicans only won seven games after the All-Star break. It wouldn’t be fair to assume that they would mesh together immediately.

Both players had to make a huge adjustment, as they were used to “being the man” for their respective franchise. However, improvement needs to be made. It will be interesting to see how the two big men play together this upcoming year, with the offseason and the summer to build a chemistry.

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The Pelicans definitely have the star power to make a playoff spot, even in an extremely competitive Western Conference. However, team contiguity, headlined by their All-Star bigs, will be of utmost importance.

Perimeter Game

The New Orleans Pelicans had one of the worst perimeter games in the NBA last year. The top perimeter players for the Pelicans last year (in terms of minutes and games played), were Solomon Hill, Dante Cunningham, and E’Twaun Moore.

All three players averaged under 10 points per game and shot under 50 percent from the field. Solomon Hill, who started 71 games, shot 38.3 percent from the field (Players like Buddy Hield and Langston Galloway are no longer on the roster, and Cunningham is a free agent). Unfortunately, the Pelicans have not done much at all to address this major issue, which means Hill and Moore will need to step up in a big way next season.

The big three of Cousins, Davis, and Jrue Holiday need help in the scoring department. If these perimeter players can be legitimate offensive threats, it will lead to a much more balanced attack. The injury-plagued Quincy Pondexter will hopefully be available for next season, but his status is still unclear.

Pondexter, who has never played an entire season healthy, has missed the last two years due to injury. And who knows, maybe the Pelicans will add a wing or two in the coming weeks.

Duke Young Point Guards + Rajon Rondo

Tim Frazier was Jrue Holiday’s primary backup last season, but now he is a Washington Wizard. The backup point guard duties will now be up to Quinn Cook, the NBA D-League Rookie of the Year in 2016, and All-NBA D-League First Team member in 2017, as well as Frank Jackson, the 31st pick in this year’s draft.

Both players will add much needed shooting off the bench, with Jackson possessing the higher upside. Jackson is a dynamic player who brings crazy athleticism, bounce, a high motor, and toughness. Cook brings leadership, perimeter shooting, and big-game experience. Both players will need to run the offense when Holiday is on the bench, limit turnovers, and make good decisions on the floor.

The Vertical’s Shams Charania has recently reported that Rajon Rondo has agreed to a one-year deal with the Pelicans. Will Rondo start alongside Holiday, or will he come off the bench? Rondo definitely will help with the facilitating duties, but will his presence stunt the growth and playing time opportunities for Cook and Jackson?

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Rondo will definitely mentor the young blue devils through his leadership and experience. On the flip side, he will negatively affect their minutes on the court. This Rondo signing is a mysterious one, considering the fact that the Pelicans didn’t add a shooter instead.

Rondo does have previous chemistry with Cousins, going back to their Sacramento days, so it will be interesting to see how his addition to the team affects the dynamic in New Orleans.