Predicting Basic Stat-Lines For All 5 New Orleans Pelicans Starters

Dante Cunningham

"2016-17 Season Stats (per ESPN.com): PPG: 6.6 RPG: 4.2 BPG: 0.4 Potential 2017-18 Season Stats: PPG: 7.1 RPG: 5.5 BPG: 0.8"

In all honestly, Solomon Hill could, and very well should be on this list instead of Dante Cunningham. Although he’s injured, once fully healthy Hill will without a doubt slide back into this Pelicans starting lineup as their 3-and-D small forward. However, with Hill potentially missing the first 4 months of the season, we couldn’t figure out whether to put him or Cunningham here, so we just went with their current depth chart.

Cunningham comes into his 4th season in New Orleans as one of the veteran leaders on this roster. While he wont blow you away with “jaw dropping” numbers in the box score at the end of the night, Cunningham plays a pivotal role in what success may lie ahead for this Pelicans squad.

MUST READ: Player Breakdowns – Dante Cunningham

With strong defensive abilities coupled with a high basketball IQ, the 8-year vet will serve mainly as a role player for this team, and that’s quite alright. Although he finds himself in the starting lineup, he understands he will not be the focal point in any situation. In an interview with Pelicans.com, Cunningham said:

"“I love the game of ball,” he said. “I love to play. So whatever I need to do. I’m willing to help the team in every way possible."

He knows his place on the team is not to score 15+ points a night but, rather do the less glamorous things correctly.

Crash the glass, stick to his defensive assignment, hustle up and down the court for however long he may be out there. While we could see an increase in his PPG totals along with his rebounds, I wouldn’t expect any astronomical changes from the veteran big man in regards to his numbers. While Cunningham may play many important roles on this Pelicans roster, the stats department is not one of them.