New Orleans Pelicans Roster: The 2016 Squad

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Let's dive into the New Orleans Pelicans roster from 2016! Remembering a team from a few years back can be a fun trip down memory lane, especially when thinking about the players who donned the Pelicans jersey. In 2016, the Pelicans were striving to solidify their place in the competitive Western Conference. Led by some notable talents and a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies, the team aimed to make a significant impact. Understanding the dynamics of this roster means looking at the key players, their roles, and how they contributed to the team's overall performance.

The 2016 Pelicans team had a blend of experience and youth. Anthony Davis, a superstar in the making, was undoubtedly the focal point. Around him, players like Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans, and Ryan Anderson formed a core that the team hoped would bring success. However, injuries and inconsistent performances often plagued this squad, preventing them from reaching their full potential. The roster also included valuable role players such as Eric Gordon, Alexis Ajinca, and Dante Cunningham, each bringing unique skills to the court.

One of the main challenges for the 2016 Pelicans was maintaining a healthy roster. Key players frequently found themselves sidelined, disrupting the team's chemistry and rhythm. Despite the setbacks, there were moments of brilliance and flashes of what the team could achieve when everyone was healthy and playing well together. The coaching staff, led by Alvin Gentry, worked tirelessly to manage the various personalities and skill sets, trying to find the right combinations to maximize the team's chances of winning. The fans in New Orleans remained passionate and supportive, hoping for a turnaround that could propel the Pelicans into playoff contention. Ultimately, while the 2016 season had its ups and downs, it remains a significant chapter in the Pelicans' history, marked by the presence of talented players and the ever-present hope for a brighter future.

Key Players and Their Roles

When we talk about the New Orleans Pelicans roster in 2016, a few names immediately come to mind. These were the guys who not only played significant minutes but also shaped the team's identity and strategy. Let's break down some of the key players and their respective roles:

Anthony Davis: AD was the undisputed franchise player. In 2016, he was already showcasing his incredible talent as a dominant scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker. The team's offense often revolved around him, and his defensive presence was crucial. Davis was expected to carry the team on many nights, and his performance was often a barometer for the Pelicans' success.
Jrue Holiday: A versatile guard known for his playmaking, defense, and scoring ability. Holiday was a vital part of the Pelicans' backcourt. His ability to create opportunities for himself and others made him a key offensive weapon. Defensively, he was tasked with guarding some of the opponent's best players.
Tyreke Evans: Evans brought a unique skill set to the team with his ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities. His role was to provide instant offense and inject energy into the game. However, injuries often hampered his time on the court, limiting his impact.
Ryan Anderson: A stretch-four who could space the floor with his excellent shooting. Anderson was a valuable offensive weapon, providing much-needed three-point shooting. His ability to draw defenders away from the basket opened up opportunities for Davis and other players.

These key players formed the core of the 2016 Pelicans, each bringing unique skills and contributing to the team's overall strategy. While injuries and other factors often prevented them from reaching their full potential as a unit, their individual talents were undeniable.

The Supporting Cast

Beyond the main stars, the New Orleans Pelicans roster also featured a supporting cast of players who played crucial roles. These guys might not have always been in the spotlight, but their contributions were essential to the team's success. Here's a look at some of the notable supporting players:

Eric Gordon: A scorer who could get hot from beyond the arc. Gordon provided valuable offensive firepower off the bench. His ability to knock down shots was crucial for spacing the floor and providing a scoring punch.
Alexis Ajinca: A reliable big man who provided solid minutes in the paint. Ajinca was known for his rebounding and defensive presence. He was a valuable role player who could step in and contribute when needed.
Dante Cunningham: A versatile forward who could defend multiple positions. Cunningham brought toughness and defensive versatility to the team. His ability to guard different types of players made him a valuable asset.
Norris Cole: A feisty point guard known for his energy and defensive intensity. Cole provided a spark off the bench and was always willing to get after it on the defensive end.

These supporting players added depth and versatility to the Pelicans' roster, allowing the team to adapt to different game situations and match up against various opponents. Their contributions were essential in complementing the star players and creating a more well-rounded team.

Challenges and Setbacks

The New Orleans Pelicans roster in 2016 faced its share of challenges and setbacks. One of the most significant issues was the recurring injuries to key players. The Pelicans struggled to maintain a consistent lineup, which impacted their ability to build chemistry and momentum. The frequent changes in the rotation made it difficult for the team to establish a cohesive identity and execute their game plan effectively.

Injuries to players like Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans, and Eric Gordon meant that the team rarely had all its key players available at the same time. This put additional pressure on Anthony Davis to carry the team, and it limited the coaching staff's ability to experiment with different lineups and strategies. The constant shuffling of the roster also made it challenging for the role players to find their rhythm and contribute consistently.

Another challenge for the 2016 Pelicans was the highly competitive Western Conference. The Pelicans faced tough competition every night, and they struggled to string together consistent wins. The conference was loaded with talented teams, making it difficult for the Pelicans to climb the standings and secure a playoff spot. The team often found itself in close games, but they lacked the consistency and experience to close out those games and turn them into victories.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, the 2016 Pelicans showed flashes of potential. There were moments when the team looked like it could compete with the best in the league. However, the injuries and inconsistencies ultimately prevented them from reaching their full potential. The team's struggles highlighted the importance of health, depth, and chemistry in a league as competitive as the NBA.

Coaching and Strategy

The coaching staff, led by Alvin Gentry, played a crucial role in managing the New Orleans Pelicans roster and developing strategies to maximize the team's potential. Gentry, known for his offensive acumen, aimed to create a fast-paced, high-scoring team that could outrun and outscore its opponents. The offensive strategy often revolved around Anthony Davis, utilizing his versatility and scoring ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Gentry and his staff also emphasized the importance of spacing and ball movement to create open looks for shooters like Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon. The goal was to spread the floor and force defenses to make difficult choices, opening up driving lanes for players like Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans. However, the team's offensive execution was often hampered by injuries and inconsistencies, making it difficult to implement the game plan effectively.

On the defensive end, the Pelicans aimed to be aggressive and disruptive, utilizing their length and athleticism to create turnovers and fast-break opportunities. The coaching staff stressed the importance of communication and rotations to minimize defensive breakdowns and protect the paint. However, the team's defensive performance was often inconsistent, and they struggled to contain some of the league's top offensive players.

Despite the challenges, Gentry and his staff worked tirelessly to develop the players and implement a system that could bring success to the Pelicans. They experimented with different lineups and strategies, trying to find the right combinations to maximize the team's strengths and minimize its weaknesses. While the 2016 season did not result in the desired outcome, the coaching staff's efforts laid the foundation for future growth and development.

Legacy and Impact

The 2016 New Orleans Pelicans roster, while not achieving major success in terms of playoff contention, left a lasting legacy and impact on the franchise. The team showcased the incredible talent of Anthony Davis, who was rapidly ascending to superstardom. Davis's performances during this season solidified his status as one of the league's premier players and a cornerstone of the Pelicans' future.

Additionally, the 2016 season highlighted the importance of building a well-rounded roster with depth and versatility. The Pelicans' struggles with injuries underscored the need for reliable role players who could step in and contribute when needed. The team's experiences during this season influenced future roster decisions and the emphasis on acquiring players who could complement the star players and provide valuable contributions in various roles.

Furthermore, the coaching staff's efforts to implement a fast-paced, offensive-minded system laid the groundwork for future strategies and player development. While the 2016 season had its challenges, it provided valuable lessons and insights that helped shape the Pelicans' approach in subsequent years. The team's experiences during this time influenced their player acquisitions, coaching philosophies, and overall organizational strategy.

In conclusion, the 2016 New Orleans Pelicans roster represents a significant chapter in the team's history. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the team showcased the talent of Anthony Davis, highlighted the importance of roster depth, and laid the foundation for future growth and development. The legacy of this roster continues to resonate within the Pelicans organization and its fan base.