Table of Contents
New Orleans Pelicans
Founding as Charlotte Hornets
The franchise was established in 1988 as the Charlotte Hornets, an NBA expansion team.1)
Relocation to New Orleans
The team relocated from Charlotte to New Orleans in 2002, becoming the New Orleans Hornets.2)
Rebranding to Pelicans
In 2013, the team was renamed the New Orleans Pelicans, reflecting Louisiana's state bird.3)
Chris Paul's Draft
Chris Paul was drafted fourth overall by the Hornets in 2005 and won Rookie of the Year.4)
Anthony Davis Era
Anthony Davis was selected first overall in 2012 and became a six-time All-Star with the Pelicans.5)
Zion Williamson's Debut
Zion Williamson, drafted first overall in 2019, scored 22 points in his NBA debut despite injury concerns.6)
Smoothie King Center
The team's home arena, Smoothie King Center, opened in 1999 and has hosted multiple NBA All-Star Games.7)
2008 Southwest Division Title
The Hornets won their first division title in 2008, led by Chris Paul and David West.8)
Hurricane Katrina Impact
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the team temporarily relocated to Oklahoma City for two seasons.9)
Baron Davis's Tenure
Baron Davis was a dynamic guard for the Hornets from 1999 to 2005, earning All-Star honors.10)
David West's Loyalty
David West spent eight seasons with the Hornets/Pelicans, earning two All-Star selections.11)
2011 Chris Paul Trade
Chris Paul was traded to the Clippers in 2011, a deal initially vetoed by the NBA before approval.12)
Jrue Holiday's Defense
Jrue Holiday was a key two-way player for the Pelicans from 2013 to 2020, earning All-Defensive honors.13)
Pierre the Pelican Mascot
The original Pierre the Pelican mascot was redesigned in 2014 due to its frightening appearance.14)
2018 Playoff Sweep
The Pelicans swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2018 playoffs, their first series win since 2008.15)
DeMarcus Cousins Signing
DeMarcus Cousins joined the Pelicans in 2017, forming a twin towers duo with Anthony Davis.16)
Tyreke Evans's Rookie Year
Tyreke Evans won Rookie of the Year in 2010 with the Kings but later played for the Pelicans.17)
2022 Play-In Success
The Pelicans qualified for the playoffs via the play-in tournament in 2022, upsetting the Clippers.18)
Brandon Ingram's Improvement
Brandon Ingram won the Most Improved Player award in 2020 after joining the Pelicans.19)
Alvin Gentry's Coaching
Alvin Gentry coached the Pelicans from 2015 to 2020, leading them to the 2018 playoffs.20)
2004 Expansion Draft
As the Hornets, the team participated in the 2004 expansion draft when Charlotte re-entered the league.21)
CJ McCollum's Trade
CJ McCollum was traded to the Pelicans in 2022, boosting their backcourt.22)
Lonzo Ball's Stint
Lonzo Ball played for the Pelicans from 2019 to 2021, known for his passing and defense.23)
2019 Anthony Davis Trade
Anthony Davis was traded to the Lakers in 2019, bringing in young talent like Brandon Ingram.24)
Willie Green's Hiring
Willie Green became head coach in 2021 and led the team to playoff appearances.25)
Jamal Mashburn's Scoring
Jamal Mashburn was an All-Star for the Hornets in 2003, averaging over 20 points per game.26)
2020 Bubble Absence
The Pelicans struggled in the 2020 NBA Bubble, missing the playoffs despite high expectations.27)
Herb Jones's Defense
Herb Jones emerged as a defensive standout, earning All-Defensive honors in his rookie season of 2021-22.28)
Larry Johnson's Charlotte Days
Larry Johnson was the first star of the original Hornets, winning Rookie of the Year in 1992.29)
2009 All-Star Game
New Orleans hosted the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, delayed to 2008 due to Hurricane Katrina recovery.30)
Jose Alvarado's Energy
Jose Alvarado became a fan favorite for his sneaky steals and high energy off the bench.31)
Tom Benson's Ownership
Tom Benson purchased the team in 2012 and committed to keeping it in New Orleans.32)
2014 All-Star Game
New Orleans hosted the NBA All-Star Game again in 2014, with Kyrie Irving winning MVP.33)
Trey Murphy III's Shooting
Trey Murphy III developed into a sharpshooting forward after being drafted in 2021.34)
Peja Stojakovic's Shooting
Peja Stojakovic won back-to-back Three-Point Contests while with the Hornets in 2002 and 2003.35)
2024 Playoff Push
The Pelicans made a strong playoff push in 2024, led by Zion Williamson's improved health.36)
Dell Demps's GM Tenure
Dell Demps served as general manager from 2010 to 2019, overseeing key drafts and trades.37)
Jonas Valanciunas's Rebounding
Jonas Valanciunas provided strong rebounding after joining the Pelicans in 2021.38)
Mardi Gras Uniforms
The Pelicans have worn special Mardi Gras-themed uniforms to celebrate New Orleans culture.39)
Alonzo Mourning's Draft
Alonzo Mourning was drafted second overall by the original Hornets in 1992.40)
David Griffin's Leadership
David Griffin became executive VP in 2019 and rebuilt the roster post-Davis trade.41)
2002 Playoff Appearance
The Hornets made their first playoff appearance in New Orleans in 2003, after relocation.42)
Community Outreach
The Pelicans Foundation supports hurricane relief, education, and youth programs in Louisiana.43)
Sustainability Efforts
The Smoothie King Center achieved LEED Gold certification for its eco-friendly upgrades.44)
Current Core as of 2025
As of 2025, the Pelicans are building around Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum for contention.45)