New Orleans Pelicans NBA2k17 Season Simulation
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As part of NBA2k Day, Pelican Debrief decided to do a full 82-game season preview for the New Orleans Pelicans on NBA2k17, with the simulation having a “Deja Vu” feeling to it at the end.
With the NBA season less than a month away, anticipation for the New Orleans Pelicans upcoming season is tough to ignore.
The excitement brought along the idea of doing a season simulation on NBA2k17, the new basketball video game that came out a few weeks ago. The game includes a Franchise/Season Mode that can be completed in the game.
In this mode, you can control your favorite team and complete either a single season or multiple seasons campaign. The goal is simple: Win as many games and championships as you can. However, this article is focused on a simulation.
Each game was simulated instead of actually played, giving it the most realistic outcome. Still, it’s always good to remember during this simulation that this is a game. It does not mean each and everything that happens in this run should be expected this upcoming season.
Before it begins, there are a few things that are different than what will happen to the New Orleans Pelicans this season.
First off, the rosters in the game are the ones before signings late in the offseason. Therefore, guys like Lance Stephenson, Chris Copeland and Robert Sacre are not on the team.
The injuries to Jrue Holiday, Quincy Pondexter and Tyreke Evans were wiped away to start the season, due to the game not yet updating the injury situation. The team also has a different depth chart than they will to start in real life, even though we tried to give them the most accurate rotations possible.
Rotations to begin NBA2k17 Simmed Season (Notice Jrue, Tyreke and Quincy’s injuries are not included in this mode) pic.twitter.com/qDM0zI9Y6H
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Still, it’s time to see what will happen to the New Orleans Pelicans in this simulated season. Will the Pelicans make the playoffs? Will the team be handed another awful run of injuries? There’s only one way to find out….
Sep 23, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans Anthony Davis (23) poses for a portrait during media day at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The Beginning of the Season
The New Orleans Pelicans started the season with three losses against the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.
It gets worse. Langston Galloway was the first Pelican to fall to the injury bug in the season, with a 6-8 week absence right out of the gate.
Not even into November and Langston Galloway hits the injury report with a broken left ankle. Out 6-8 weeks #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/alvht2kPpn
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
A week later, the Pelicans would lose Anthony Davis for 1-2 weeks.
And a week later, Anthony Davis hits the injury report. Out 1-2 weeks with a sprained right toe. Here we go again. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/vDYKRLKFnq
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Even more frustrating is the fact those two injuries could not compare to the worst of the bunch. New Orleans lost Jrue Holiday for the season in Mid-November.
In case Pelicans fans wondered if injuries could get worse, Jrue Holiday loses his season again w/ a fractured right leg. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/ZK3AkT0E1F
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
The Pelicans had to gameplan without their starting power forward and starting point guard. First off, Terrence Jones moved to the starting lineup, with the roles of Dante Cunningham and Solomon Hill increased.
The second was to replace Jrue in the starting lineup. That honor went to Tim Frazier.
Pelicans decide to go with Tim Frazier in mid-November to replace Jrue Holiday, whose season ends before a month of play. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/xGMfpqmHGu
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
The Pelicans also went out in free agency and grabbed an old friend of General Manager Dell Demps.
In a shocking turn, Dell Demps went after an old free agent point guard to replace Holiday. Norris Cole. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/Aal9s5EuZ5
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Even with the massive struggles, the Pelicans went on a 10-6 run to start the season, even after losing their first three games.
The Pelicans started off their season 10-6 in the first 16 games. Even with a three-game losing streak to start it off. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/DRivgvMp28
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Apr 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates with guard Quincy Pondexter (20) after defeating the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans won 108-103 to earn the eight seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Let the Good Times Roll
With Anthony Davis returning November 18th, the Pelicans began to get on a roll.
They kept up the run they started in the first 16 games and relied on their great depth to carry them forward.
December would be a massive month for New Orleans, finishing 10-8 in the next 18 games.
Going 10-8 in the next 18 games, the Pelicans would find themselves surprisingly at 20-14 in the first half of the season #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/XfdTRavuJ5
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
The Pelicans were now 20-14, way ahead of their projections to begin the season. December became a month of success, with multiple wins against the Clippers and even a win against the juggernaut Golden State Warriors.
In Mid-December, the Pelicans found a home win against the power house Golden State Warriors. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/ZkKJS357kl
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
As they say, let the good times roll.
For the Pelicans, they saw great production from rookie Buddy Hield in this stretch. His defense translated to the team well, as New Orleans was able to win most of their games scoring less than 100 points. Add along his great three-point shooting throughout the year, and it’s easy to see how the team’s improvement shot up.
December would also see the return of Langston Galloway, who was injured in the first few games of the season.
Langston Galloway returns to the team on December 15th, a month and a half after his initial injury. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/vaiDnPkbQv
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Everything was going great for the Pelicans. What could possibly go wrong?
January. That’s what could go wrong…
Feb 8, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Tayshaun Prince (12) defends in the second half at Target Center. The Pelicans won 116-102. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The Losing Streak
The biggest losing streak of the season for the New Orleans Pelicans began right before January’s start.
The Pelicans lost to the Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks, the last two teams they played before 2017. Still, as January began, the losing continued.
New Orleans rattled off seven straight losses to start the new year, totaling nine losses in a row. These include games against the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks (Again!), Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls.
The Pelicans see thing go south fast, however. A nine-game losing streak takes the team from 20-13 to a 20-22 record. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/JeWHeDB9xv
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
It would not get too much better, even after a win against the Orlando Magic to break the streak.
The Pelicans finished January with a record of 3-11, easily the worst month of the season.
January becomes the darkest month of the Pelicans season, as the team finishes 3-11 in a very tough stretch of ball. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/t9GoCFJxJA
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
New Orleans only had once saving grace for January. The Pelicans locked up a massive 36-point win at home against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers on January 23rd.
The Pelicans found a win in late January against the defending champs in a massive blowout. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/loT80NBBdR
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Still, the bad luck continued.
While February was an improvement record wise, the injury bug came back to bite New Orleans.
The first injury was to backup center Alexis Ajinca, who planned to miss 1-2 weeks.
The Pelicans end up losing Alexis Ajinca in Early February for 1-2 weeks with a sprained left wrist. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/iqF5UIOiXx
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
As it became Mid-February, an even bigger injury struck New Orleans. Backup power forward Terrence Jones was lost for the season, a massive blow to a team weak in frontcourt depth.
Turning to Mid-February, the Pelicans would lose power forward Terrence Jones for the season. Another big blow. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/OzKxzyyeKi
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Finding a replacement on the bench for Jones would be difficult. However, it became a team mission to ease the load of Terrence’s absence.
The minutes and roles increased for Dante Cunningham and rookie big Chieck Diallo, who had yet to see minutes prior to Jones’ injury. Diallo, who was drafted in the second round, was given a chance to prove himself on the floor.
Terrence Jones injury adds a minute boost for rookie Chieck Diallo, who plays for the first time when Jones goes down. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/ds6kWVGqcK
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Even with all the struggles and injuries surrounding the team, things were about to look up once again for New Orleans.
Apr 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates with guard Tyreke Evans (1) after defeating the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans won 108-103 to earn the eight seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sprinting Back Into The Playoffs
The New Orleans Pelicans fought through adversity to finish February on a high note.
New Orleans won seven of the 11 games in the second month of 2017, evening out their record to 30-30.
The Pelicans turn it around once again in February, going 7-4 to get back to 30-30. Playoffs? #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/KFEvX1FtK8
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
The thought of playoffs was not so far fetch’d. The mood lightened in New Orleans with the All-Star Weekend. While no Pelican participated in the Three-Point or Slam Dunk Contest, Buddy Hield was in the Rookie vs Sophomore Game.
Buddy Hield’s stat line from the Rookie vs Sophomore Game during NBA All-Star Weekend. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/j6jrF31Wz5
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Anthony Davis also made an appearance at the NBA All-Star Game. However, he did not have much of an impact, failing to score a single point in the game.
Anthony Davis had a surprisingly scoreless performance in the NBA All-Star Game #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/WqLSE3bFVB
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
New Orleans would walk into March with heads held high, playing great basketball. Even with Solomon Hill missing over two weeks with a sprained left knee.
Solomon Hill is the next to hit the injury report after All-Star Break for 1-2 weeks. Sprained left knee. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/jDVqh62d5J
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
The highlight of March’s run was Tim Frazier’s 12 assist game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It set his season high for assists in a game.
Tim Frazier set a season high with 12 assists in a blowout win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/GEXCLUZSTy
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
The New Orleans Pelicans set themselves up for the playoffs in March. Their record of 10-6 put them way ahead of the ninth place Denver Nuggets in the standings.
The Pelicans get on track in March, finishing the month 10-6. The Pelicans look playoff bound with a 40-36 record. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/Lxqu1uqMOe
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
After limping to the finish line with a 2-4 April, the New Orleans Pelicans had made the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Western Conference. They would set up to play the Golden State Warriors in a rematch of the playoff series two years ago.
The Pelicans finish 8th in the West and play….you guessed it….Golden State in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/qmBNvmEN8x
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
With all the playoff excitement, it felt like time for the New Orleans Pelicans to conquer their demons from the Warriors series a few years prior. However, that would not be the case.
Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
We’ve Heard This Story Before
The New Orleans Pelicans went into their playoff matchup with hopes to prove doubters wrong.
The task would prove to be difficult.
Game One saw the Golden State Warriors in complete control, as the Pelicans lost by 38 points.
Game One against the Warriors is a blowout. Pelicans down 1-0 in the series #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/AhYq0KUIuZ
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Game Two did not prove to be any better, with New Orleans losing by 27. The biggest difference in this game was the offense, which only scored 63 points in the entire game. No team at the NBA playoff level can win a game on 63 points.
Game Two against the Warriors is another blowout. This team the offense fails. 2-0 deficit. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/iXvEvEokl7
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Game Three, just like two years ago, was the closest game of the series, with New Orleans giving it their all. Still, it was not enough. The Warriors won and took a commanding lead in the series.
Game Three is much closer against the Warriors. Still goes the wrong way. Down 3-0 to Golden State once again. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/DlmPOOP0vh
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Game Four would see the Pelicans follow the same fate as their last playoff appearance. The Warriors swept out New Orleans in the first round en route to another NBA Championship.
Deja Vu ???? It’s a sweep as the Warriors get past the Pelicans in Round One. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/ldLdqecNm7
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
The most surprising thing of the series was the fact Buddy Hield led the team in scoring instead of AD.
Team stats for the series against Golden State. You say who is leading the team in points? (1/2) #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/bT9NJgFXnR
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Team stats for the series against Golden State. You say who is leading the team in points? (2/2) #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/71PQZK8OJt
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Next: Two Headed Stat Monsters
Sep 23, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; (editors note: caption correction) New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and guard Buddy Hield (24) pose for a portrait during media day at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Two-Headed Stat Monsters
The New Orleans Pelicans were led by their two stars in the stats category.
Anthony Davis finished the season 6th in points, 7th in rebounds and 3rd in blocks for the entire NBA. Those stats would think to put him in the category of NBA MVP, yet he finished the season on the 2nd All-NBA Team.
Anthony Davis finishes the season on the All-NBA 2nd Team. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/BoXWk9ftze
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Buddy Hield would find himself on the All-Rookie 1st Team, quite an achievement for a young player. Still, he would end up losing the Rookie of the Year race to Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Kris Dunn.
Buddy Hield finds himself on the NBA All-Rookie 1st Team, yet does not win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/BawEY6y2Yi
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
The New Orleans Pelicans stats wise saw great production from plenty of players. New Orleans had three players scoring at least 10 points per game. That does not include Jrue Holiday, who averaged 12 points per game before his injury.
Stats for the Stars of the New Orleans Pelicans for the season. Jrue only played a few games before injury. (2/2) #NBA2k17Simuation pic.twitter.com/SQyke4JXy8
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
Still, the Pelicans biggest strength is still depth. Every player on the roster put up at least two points per game, with 11 players scoring at least three points per contest.
Stats for the Role Players of the New Orleans Pelicans for the season. Jrue only played a few games before injury. (1/2) #NBA2k17Simuation pic.twitter.com/oKQ8fIdpln
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
New Orleans used their vast depth to stay steady with more talented teams, passing the expectations set before the season. Any time you can lose your second best player and still make the playoffs is an achievement. If the Pelicans want to do it in real life, they’ll likely need everyone there with those contributions.
All in all, this run is still a video game.
Mar 20, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis sits on the bench during the first quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Smoothie King Center. It was announced prior to the game that Anthony Davis would miss the remainder of the season with a left knee injury. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Reality Setting In
This needs to be repeated: This simulation should not mark expectations for the upcoming season.
Two glaring anomalies happened during this simulation that can not be ignored.
First off, for the New Orleans Pelicans to find their way into the playoffs, one of the favorites had to be knocked down.
And boy were they.
The Dallas Mavericks were simulated to finish 23-59. This may have happened in the game due to a major injury, but even that will not keep Dallas from winning 25 games in real life.
How you know it’s a simulation? Look at Dallas. 23-59? That’s not happening in real life…#NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/NgKvO2IySV
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
The second greatest anomaly comes in the NBA Finals. As expected, the Golden State Warriors won the championship in five games.
It gets crazy when you see who they beat in the finals.
Cleveland? Nope.
Boston? Nope.
Toronto? Nope.
That title goes to the Orlando Magic.
The Final Picture of the Season. Yep, that’s the Orlando Magic in the Finals. Yeah, it’s a simulation. #NBA2k17Simulation pic.twitter.com/QJRZ5I2dsj
— Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA) September 30, 2016
The New Orleans Pelicans should not be expected to make the playoffs, especially without Jrue Holiday for 90% of the season. Still, it’s fun to realize the world is not completely counting out the Pels.
New Orleans’ newly found depth is something people are taking big notice of. If they use it wisely and stay healthy, it’s not crazy to believe they could make this kind of run. It’s even more fun to dream about.
NBA2k17 is an extremely fun game that allows you to live out your wildest dreams as a New Orleans Pelicans fan. Still, with the upcoming season nearing closer and closer, it’s important to keep expectations reasonable. Are the Pelicans going to win 42 games with their current cast? Maybe, but it’s silly to expect them to with all the changes occurring. Yet, with the season still over 20 days away, it’s not time yet to stop dreaming about what could be for the team’s future before the season kicks off.
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