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2016-17 Season In Review: New Orleans Pelicans Frontcourt

By Terrence Verwayne

Mar 31, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates from the bench with forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) during the fourth quarter of a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 117-89. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates from the bench with forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) during the fourth quarter of a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 117-89. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) defends against Denver Nuggets center Mason Plumlee (24) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) defends against Denver Nuggets center Mason Plumlee (24) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Alexis Ajinca

15 MPG | 5.3 PPG | 4.5 RPG

Alexis Ajinca is a big man who plays big. His activity on both ends of the court has been a very valuable asset at times for the Pelicans this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, Ajinca was a rim protector when in the lineup. On offense he did a good job of putting himself in position for playmakers to find for easy looks around the basket. He rarely stepped out for the 15-footer off the pick-and-pop, where he converted 57.9 percent (11-of-19) of his looks between 10-16 feet from the rim.

Ajinca brought immediate energy off the bench each time he checked in. And although he was in and out of the lineup this season, he seemed to impact each game he was in due to his activity alone. Not to mention, he finished the season strong with four straight double-digit scoring efforts.

The Pelicans were rumored to be in talks with teams about moving Ajinca’s contract near the trade deadline. Of course, nothing prospered from those talks, but his contract may be something the Pelicans look at again this offseason.

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