New Orleans Pelicans: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season
By Simon Smith
5. Pelicans finish top 15 in offensive rating
From an offensive standpoint, the 2016-17 season was one to forget for the Pelicans.
Despite ranking ninth overall in pace at 100.09, they nonetheless wound up with an offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) of 103.3. Some contributing factors to the lowly offensive rating were ranking 20th in field goal percentage and 19th in 3-point percentage.
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Despite having a renowned offensive-minded coach in Gentry, the Pelicans nonetheless were hurt by their distinct of perimeter shooting, particularly from 3-point range. Over the course of the season, the Pelicans had a 2-20 record in games in which they converted on seven or less 3-pointers. Breaking this down further, the team was 0-12 when hitting five or less 3-pointers for the season.
Contrast this to the Pelicans’ 13-7 record when they nailed 12 or more 3-pointers.
Encouragingly in moving forward, the Pelicans’ two most prolific 3-point shooters were only acquired late in the season. Cousins led the way in 3-point attempts at 5.6 per game, while another late-season addition, guard Jordan Crawford, averaged 5.0 attempts over his 19 games.
Furthermore, a sneaky signing this offseason was the addition of Ian Clark to a one-year, minimum contract. Having spent the last two seasons with the NBA champion Golden State Warriors, Clark’s experience of playing in big games can only assist the Pelicans moving forward. Notably, Clark shot at a 37.4 percent from 3-point range last season, which included a season-best 5-of-5 from downtown in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Granted, the Pelicans didn’t help their perimeter shooting with addition of point guard Rajon Rondo. A career 30.4 percent 3-point shooter, Rondo’s insertion into the starting lineup is bound to provide the Pelicans with some spacing issues. But as much as he struggles with perimeter shooting, the Pelicans will be hoping that Rondo’s elite passing and floor vision will compensate for his own shooting issues.
Given the talent level at their disposal, and a full season together for Davis and Cousins, the Pelicans reaching the top 15 in offensive rating is a more than achievable goal.