The turbulent DeMarcus Cousins era in Sacramento finally came to an end at the February trade deadline when the Kings shipped him to New Orleans in exchange for rookie Buddy Hield and a modest haul of additional assets. The perpetually-reeling Pelicans didn’t manage to make the playoffs, but on paper, they’re set up nicely now to claw their way back into respectability.
That day can’t come soon enough for 24-year-old superstar Anthony Davis. Just a few short years ago, Davis was, perhaps prematurely, heralded as the NBA’s “Next Big Thing,” but injuries to both himself and a litany of teammates have forced the team to tread water.
It’s a reality that Davis says has grown wearisome for everyone involved. Via Scott Kushner of the New Orleans Advocate:
“Everybody is tired of losing,” Davis said. “We feel we have the tools right now to be successful, and we can still add some pieces, maybe, or sign some guys. But right now I think we look good on paper. We just have to figure it out, but we just want to win. Everybody wants to win.”
There are, of course, several mitigating factors. Sustained health is the primary concern for Davis — among others on New Orleans — but he’ll also have to figure out how to forge an on-court relationship with Cousins that allows them both to thrive and in the process breeds success. Beyond that, the newly-minted Jrue Holiday will need to live up to the expectations of the massive contract he signed this summer.
Depth is yet another issue. Rajon Rondo was their main off-season acquisition, and there are several other glaring holes in the roster waiting to be filled and not many remaining answers left out there on the market. And in a Western Conference as loaded as its ever been, a playoff berth for the Pels is anything but a given.
