Heading into 2018, fans of the New Orleans Pelicans have high expectations for their beloved franchise! With players like Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins and Jrue Holiday (among others) on the roster, who wouldn’t anticipate big things? Now, with October 18th rapidly approaching, all fans can do is wonder what’s going to happen during NOLA’s upcoming campaign. Believe me, we’re in the same boat as you! And like you, we too cultivate our own ideas for what could transpire throughout the year; predictions if you will! Last week, we made a very interesting prediction pertaining to the Pelicans newest point guard, Rajon Rondo. Now, we’re back for our third installment of “Pelicans Predictions”, and it’s a good one! So, without further ado, our prediction; DeMarcus Cousins will finish 2nd in the NBA in PPG averages by the end of 2017.
Last season, Cousins once again proved to the masses he was an offensive juggernaut, finishing the year with 27 PPG (7th in the NBA). His combination of low post moves coupled with a sweet outside stroke makes the All-Star one of the most fierce scorers in the league today. With a career average of 21.2 PPG whilst shooting 45% from the field and 33% from 3-point range, scoring is nothing new for ‘Boogie’.
In fact, with the past 3 seasons alone Cousins ranked 5th, 4th and 6th (respectively) in the league in PPG. Now, coming into the 2017-18 season, is it finally time for him to crack the top 2 in that department?
This offseason, New Orleans inked veteran point guard Rajon Rondo to a 1-year $3.3 million deal. With this, the Pelicans attained one of the greatest passers the game of Basketball has ever seen. While Rondo may be coming into a new city with an entirely different supporting cast from last season, one of those cast members is actually a familiar face for the 11-year veteran.
During the 2015-16 season, Rajon Rondo played in Sacramento running alongside current Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins. In that season, Cousins and Rondo flourished together, as both players reached new highs in their respective stat-lines. Rondo finished that season as the league assists leader, racking up 11.7 APG (tied for highest in his career) while Cousins finished 4th in points per-game averages with 26.9 (a then career high). Now, joining forces yet again, the duo should be trying to pick up right where they left off.
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In regards to playing alongside Rondo, ‘Boogie’ told NBA.coms Jim Eichenhofer:
"“Just get open, and he’ll do the rest.”"
With guys like Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis on the floor, defenses can’t afford to double up Cousins without being scorched by someone else. Because of this, Boogie should find himself in more one-on-one situations than he did back in 2015. Now, while one may believe his scoring numbers may be hindered by this logic, quite the contrary could the outcome be.
The Pelicans are clearly Anthony Davis’ team. He’s their best player as well as their franchises cornerstone. Everything the organization does revolves around how it could impact him.
I know this.
You know this.
Opposing teams know this, which is why it could bode well for Cousins.
While opposing players are pinning all their defensive efforts on stopping AD, Cousins should find himself in easier positions to score. And, though you may think Davis would have a problem with Boogie being the top dog on the offense this season, the Brow thinks differently.
"“He’s all in with us and we’re just trying to win for him, honestly. If we win for him, I think it can lead to some great things.”"
Anthony Davis realizes they have this lone year to figure things out before a potential team break-up comes about, for Cousins’ contract expires at the end of the season. If DeMarcus is hot offensively, Davis will take the backseat without question. Cousins is just trying to win, for he’s never made the postseason in his 9-year’s as a pro. He’s coming into the 2017-18 campaign with a newly lit fire in his eyes, and AD is quite ok with that.
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With Anthony Davis’ willingness to let Cousins do his thing on offense, and Rondo feeding him the rock, is it an outlandish claim to say Boogie finishes the year as a top 2 scorer in the league? Couple the aforementioned reasonings with his unforgiving talent of putting the ball in the basket, and you have the makings for a strong argument!