If you ask the New Orleans Pelicans, a successful 2017 offseason hinges on one man: Jrue Holiday.

The organization, from the front office to the players, has been adamant that bringing Holiday back into the fold is the top priority when free agency begins on July 1. Alvin Gentry also believes that Holiday returning will cause other free agents to join them in New Orleans. Via The New Orleans Advocate:

"If we can [sign Holiday], which I think we will, then I think we've got a heck of a player, and there are a few other guys I think we can add to the mix."

The story goes on to explain that retaining Holiday would lead to additional salary cap flexibility, due to the nature of his contract.

And because the Pelicans hold the Bird Rights on Holiday's contract, they would be able to operate above the league's $99 million salary cap if he signs, using the mid-level exception (nearly $8.5 million annually) and the biannual exception (nearly $3.3 million annually).

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pelicans will meet with Holiday at 12:01 a.m. ET at the start of the free agency period on July 1.

Holiday missed the first 12 games of last season to be with his wife, who was recovering from brain surgery, and their newborn daughter. Once he got back on the court he quickly returned to his old form, averaging 15.4 points and 7.3 assists for the year.

After acquiring DeMarcus Cousins just before the trade deadline to pair with Anthony Davis, the Pelicans desperately need Holiday's perimeter scoring and ball-handling to create a more balanced offensive attack. It's still unclear whether the double-big approach will work in today's NBA, but without Holiday it would be much more difficult.

If Holiday returns and the Pelicans can add some more pieces to their trio of young stars, they could contend for the playoffs and create some serious matchup problems for whichever team has to play them in the first round.