The New Orleans Pelicans will look much different on opening night this year than it did in 2017, thanks to the departures of DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo.

E'Twaun Moore saw one of these two losses coming, but the other one completely took him by surprise. Moore appeared on the HoopsHype Podcast with Alex Kennedy to discuss the offseason. Moore said:

“Honestly, with DeMarcus Cousins, we kind of… Well, I kind of knew he probably wasn’t gonna be back just because of the contract situation… But when [Rajon] Rondo left, that was surprising. I thought he was going to stay with us, FOR SURE.”

Cousins didn't seem like a lock to stay in New Orleans due to his interesting situation. He is coming off a major injury and is also an All-Star level talent looking to reassert himself. When the Pelicans traded for him, there was no guarantee he would wind up in New Orleans for the long haul.

Rondo was a bit more surprising after his emergence in the playoffs. He developed serious chemistry with Anthony Davis, and now Moore is confirming that his departure was a shock. In fact, when Rondo decided to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, he only gave the Pelicans five minutes to match a deal.

This sounds like a complete blindside from Rondo.

But that's the business of the NBA. Rondo found a great situation in New Orleans, but playing in Los Angeles with LeBron James was enough to sway him. That's the nature of the beast.