10. New Orleans Pelicans 2010s all-decade starting lineup
- Chris Paul
- Jrue Holiday
- Eric Gordon
- Anthony Davis
- DeMarcus Cousins
Despite the short period of their relationship, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins formed one of the most statistically imposing frontcourt duos in NBA history.
Before going down with an Achilles tear in 2017-18, Boogie averaged 25.2 points — shooting 47.0 percent from the field and 35.4 percent on 6.1 3-point attempts per game — 12.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.
That same year saw AD average a career-high 28.1 points with 11.1 rebounds, a league-leading 2.6 blocks, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Now imagine, for a second, if instead of having to create most of their looks on their own, Davis and Cousins could be set up by one of the greatest point guards in NBA history amid some of his best years in Chris Paul?
Neither Jrue Holiday or Eric Gordon has the size to occupy the small forward spot in a traditional sense. As a two-time All-Defensive Team selection, Holiday goes with CP3 to form an elite defensive backcourt. He can also at least make things difficult for opposing wings with his ability to keep them from the rim.
Gordon, meanwhile at 39.1 percent in 2013-14, provides the 3-point spacing a frontcourt of this caliber needs.
The pairing of two elite big men shouldn’t work in 2019, but it had some encouraging moments during its short run for the New Orleans Pelicans in need of fine-tuning to perfect.
Those tweaks come in the form of three talented guards, each of whom brings an ideal set of skills to mold around a duo that can cause a lot of headaches for those who choose to embrace small ball.