2016-17 Season In Review: New Orleans Pelicans Frontcourt

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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Feb 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (33) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) defends in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Dante Cunningham

25.0 MPG | 6.6 PPG | 4.2 RPG

Dante Cunningham was an essential part of the Pelicans this season, even if the stats don’t necessarily tell his whole story. A perfect role player and glue guy, Cunningham played multiple roles for the Pelicans this season.

His main job this season was to primarily come off the bench but because of injuries, matchups and roster movement, Cunningham was asked to start on 22 occasions this year. His versatility and ability to defend multiple front line players on the perimeter proved to be invaluable.

Aside from is defensive efforts, Cunningham led the Pelicans in three-point shooting at 39 percent and became someone penetrating guards and big men could rely on for the kick out in the corner.

If the Pelicans had it their way, Cunningham would be back next year under his scheduled $3.1 million salary but reports suggest that Cunningham will decline the third year of his contract and become a free agent this summer.

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