Is Rajon Rondo A Higher Priority Than DeMarcus Cousins This Offseason For New Orleans?

This offseason, New Orleans will have two of their five starters coming off the books, as they are slated to hit free-agency. While DeMarcus Cousins is easily one of the most talented players the league has to offer, is it possible Rajon Rondo is a more vital asset to retain?

When healthy, there’s no question how talented DeMarcus Cousins is. For his career, the 6-11 center holds averages of 21.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 3.2 APG and 1.2 BPG. This past season, in year nine, Boogie recorded his best statistical averages of his career. In 48 games Cousins proved to be a stat-sheet stuffer, putting up 25.2 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 5.4 APG and 1.6 BPG on a nightly basis. With this, he earned his fourth All-Star nod and had his team ranked third in the Western Conference standings. Unfortunately, this stellar season of his was cut short in late January after he underwent surgery to repair a torn left achilles tendon suffered at the end of a 115-113 victory over the Houston Rockets on January 26th.

Upon first reaction, peers and fans alike had a mutual feeling; the Pelicans season was over. All the hope and hype of New Orleans making the postseason for the first time in three years seemed to implode before their very eyes.

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However, as we know now the Pelicans did in fact end their playoff draught this season, reaching the Western Conferences Semi-Finals. Many factors contributed to the Pelicans unfathomable success sans-Boogie. Alvin Gentry played a key role in leading his team in the right direction during such a rough time. Anthony Davis played otherworldly during the second half of the regular season. But perhaps the biggest factor in NOLA’s claiming of the sixth seed out West was the presence and leadership of veteran guard Rajon Rondo.

When the Pelicans signed Rondo last summer, they understood what they were getting; a former All-Star with unrivaled court vision and a championship pedigree. The guard has been “around the block” a few times, appearing in two NBA Finals and playing deep into the postseason in all but four times during his 11 year career. By many, the 32 year old has been tabbed as a “coach on the court” due to his immense knowledge of the game and leadership qualities. These assets he possesses proved to be invaluable to the New Orleans franchise.

He’s the biggest reason why the Pelicans grew closer as a unit this season, even after DeMarcus Cousins’ unfortunate injury. He made sure the players would join regularly for team dinners throughout the season. With this, Rondo brought a form of unity to the franchise that it hadn’t felt before. Alvin Gentry, in response to said unity, claimed “There’s a togetherness” amongst the players on the team.

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"“….I think when you spend that time together, obviously there’s a closeness and a responsibility you feel for the guy sitting next to you.”-Alvin gentry"

Because of this sense of “togetherness” the team managed to play some of the best basketball the league had to offer this season. It also led to, arguably, the most successful season in franchise history. And the reason for this – Rajon Rondo.

Coming into this offseason Rondo, along with Cousins, is slated to hit free-agency once July rolls around. While many automatically view DeMarcus Cousins as the more valued player of the two, is it possible New Orleans views Rondo as a higher priority to re-sign this summer? Make no mistake, talent wise Boogie is a much more enticing option of the two. However, in regards to immediate success for the franchise, Rondo could be seen as the top choice.

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While the Pelicans may be able to figure out a way to retain both players, they must set their priorities straight. Who of the two should be their top priority this offseason?