It’s hard not to think the Pelicans are cursed.
A dark, looming cloud has surrounded the organization since its inception, and it’s not going away any time soon. Every good thing that happens for the Pels is squandered, whether it’s an untimely injury, incompetent front-office management, or just sheer bad luck.
In a recent interview, DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins reiterated this notion, saying, “I’m right down the street from New Orleans. So I got a lot of love from New Orleans, and it’ll remain that way. But as far as that organization…it’s cursed, bro.”
While Boogie’s time in NOLA was short-lived, his tandem with AD rejuvenated the city, only to burn up in flames.
Pelicans Make a Shocking Trade
AD was carrying the Pels on his back for years, playing for an organization that didn’t have a clear vision to build a contender.
However, this pattern of mediocrity changed during the 2017 trade deadline. In a shocking turn of events, the Pels, sitting at a dismal 23-34 record, made a big splash, trading for Boogie Cousins in a trade with the Sacramento Kings.
In the trade, the Pels sent Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, a 2017 first-round pick, and a 2017 second-rounder to Sacramento. This deal sent shockwaves around the NBA, and for the first time in a while, the Pelicans were seen as a potential threat in a stacked Western Conference. The final 17 games of the season gave fans a taste of what was to come, as the big-bodied center averaged an impressive 24.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
For the first time in years, the Pelicans entered the 2017-18 season with high expectations, eager to show the league what they were made of. And for a while, the unconventional duo of Boogie and the Brow was working. The team was sitting comfortably in playoff position and was getting better game by game.
AD was playing like his usual dominant self, and Boogie was putting up career numbers, averaging 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His unique combination of size and playmaking was taking the Pelicans to new heights. Suddenly, the Pels were a team nobody wanted to face. But this newfound optimism didn’t last long.
The DeMarcus Cousins Injury Changed Everything
On Jan. 26, 2018, in a game against the James Harden-led Rockets, Boogie leaped for a rebound in the final seconds and immediately fell to the floor in pain. It was revealed that the four-time All-Star ruptured his Achilles, ending his season in devastating fashion.
And just like that, the brief duo of Boogie and the Brow came to an abrupt end.
The Pelicans rallied around AD and entered the playoffs as the sixth seed in the West. Surprisingly, they swept the Trail Blazers in the first round, but without their other star, they lost to a legendary Warriors squad in five games.
The next offseason, reports indicated that the Pelicans offered Boogie a two-year, $40 million contract extension to remain in New Orleans. He rejected that offer, however, believing he deserved more money. He went on to sign with the Warriors on a one-year, prove-it deal, and while he was a valuable contributor, he was nowhere near the caliber of player he was pre-Achilles injury.
After his brief stint in Golden State, Boogie spent a few more seasons in the league, bouncing around between the Rockets, Clippers, Bucks, and eventually ending his career with the Nuggets. He retired in 2024, marking the end of a bittersweet career.
Unanswered Questions
The question that lingers in Pelicans fans’ heads remains the same: What would have happened if Boogie hadn’t gotten hurt? Could the Pelicans have given the Warriors a run for their money? These questions will remain unanswered, but in an alternate universe, Boogie and the Brow would have dominated the league for many years.
As for whether the Pels are cursed or not, it’s a matter of personal opinion. However, Dejonte Murray’s recent injury and Zion Williamson‘s inability to stay healthy only add to this narrative.
With a budding young core, and a potential top-three pick awaiting them, the time is now to break away from this supposed “curse”.
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