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+====== New Orleans Pelicans ======
+===== Founding as Charlotte Hornets =====
+The franchise was established in 1988 as the Charlotte Hornets, an NBA expansion team.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29000000/charlotte-hornets-history|ESPN]])]
+===== Relocation to New Orleans =====
+The team relocated from Charlotte to New Orleans in 2002, becoming the New Orleans Hornets.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1000000-new-orleans-hornets-relocation|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== Rebranding to Pelicans =====
+In 2013, the team was renamed the New Orleans Pelicans, reflecting Louisiana's state bird.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2013/01/24/pelicans-rebrand|SI]])]
+===== Chris Paul's Draft =====
+Chris Paul was drafted fourth overall by the Hornets in 2005 and won Rookie of the Year.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2005/columns/story?id=2090000|ESPN]])]
+===== Anthony Davis Era =====
+Anthony Davis was selected first overall in 2012 and became a six-time All-Star with the Pelicans.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2800000-anthony-davis-pelicans-era|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== Zion Williamson's Debut =====
+Zion Williamson, drafted first overall in 2019, scored 22 points in his NBA debut despite injury concerns.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2020/01/23/zion-williamson-debut|SI]])]
+===== Smoothie King Center =====
+The team's home arena, Smoothie King Center, opened in 1999 and has hosted multiple NBA All-Star Games.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10000000/smoothie-king-center-history|ESPN]])]
+===== 2008 Southwest Division Title =====
+The Hornets won their first division title in 2008, led by Chris Paul and David West.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/150000/2008-hornets-division-title|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== Hurricane Katrina Impact =====
+After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the team temporarily relocated to Oklahoma City for two seasons.[([[https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/hurricane-katrina-impact-on-hornets|CBS Sports]])]
+===== Baron Davis's Tenure =====
+Baron Davis was a dynamic guard for the Hornets from 1999 to 2005, earning All-Star honors.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/20000000/baron-davis-hornets|ESPN]])]
+===== David West's Loyalty =====
+David West spent eight seasons with the Hornets/Pelicans, earning two All-Star selections.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2500000/david-west-pelicans|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== 2011 Chris Paul Trade =====
+Chris Paul was traded to the Clippers in 2011, a deal initially vetoed by the NBA before approval.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2011/12/14/chris-paul-trade|SI]])]
+===== Jrue Holiday's Defense =====
+Jrue Holiday was a key two-way player for the Pelicans from 2013 to 2020, earning All-Defensive honors.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30000000/jrue-holiday-defense|ESPN]])]
+===== Pierre the Pelican Mascot =====
+The original Pierre the Pelican mascot was redesigned in 2014 due to its frightening appearance.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1950000/pierre-mascot-redesign|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== 2018 Playoff Sweep =====
+The Pelicans swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2018 playoffs, their first series win since 2008.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2018/04/22/pelicans-sweep-blazers|SI]])]
+===== DeMarcus Cousins Signing =====
+DeMarcus Cousins joined the Pelicans in 2017, forming a twin towers duo with Anthony Davis.[([[https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/demarcus-cousins-pelicans-trade|CBS Sports]])]
+===== Tyreke Evans's Rookie Year =====
+Tyreke Evans won Rookie of the Year in 2010 with the Kings but later played for the Pelicans.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/6000000/tyreke-evans-rookie-year|ESPN]])]
+===== 2022 Play-In Success =====
+The Pelicans qualified for the playoffs via the play-in tournament in 2022, upsetting the Clippers.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/29500000/pelicans-play-in-win-2022|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== Brandon Ingram's Improvement =====
+Brandon Ingram won the Most Improved Player award in 2020 after joining the Pelicans.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2020/09/01/brandon-ingram-most-improved|SI]])]
+===== Alvin Gentry's Coaching =====
+Alvin Gentry coached the Pelicans from 2015 to 2020, leading them to the 2018 playoffs.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29800000/alvin-gentry-pelicans|ESPN]])]
+===== 2004 Expansion Draft =====
+As the Hornets, the team participated in the 2004 expansion draft when Charlotte re-entered the league.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/300000/2004-expansion-draft-hornets|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== CJ McCollum's Trade =====
+CJ McCollum was traded to the Pelicans in 2022, boosting their backcourt.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2022/02/08/cj-mccollum-trade-pelicans|SI]])]
+===== Lonzo Ball's Stint =====
+Lonzo Ball played for the Pelicans from 2019 to 2021, known for his passing and defense.[([[https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lonzo-ball-pelicans-tenure|CBS Sports]])]
+===== 2019 Anthony Davis Trade =====
+Anthony Davis was traded to the Lakers in 2019, bringing in young talent like Brandon Ingram.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27000000/anthony-davis-trade-lakers|ESPN]])]
+===== Willie Green's Hiring =====
+Willie Green became head coach in 2021 and led the team to playoff appearances.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/29400000/willie-green-hired-pelicans|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== Jamal Mashburn's Scoring =====
+Jamal Mashburn was an All-Star for the Hornets in 2003, averaging over 20 points per game.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2003/02/09/jamal-mashburn-all-star|SI]])]
+===== 2020 Bubble Absence =====
+The Pelicans struggled in the 2020 NBA Bubble, missing the playoffs despite high expectations.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29600000/pelicans-bubble-performance|ESPN]])]
+===== Herb Jones's Defense =====
+Herb Jones emerged as a defensive standout, earning All-Defensive honors in his rookie season of 2021-22.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/29550000/herb-jones-defense|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== Larry Johnson's Charlotte Days =====
+Larry Johnson was the first star of the original Hornets, winning Rookie of the Year in 1992.[([[https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/larry-johnson-hornets-rookie|CBS Sports]])]
+===== 2009 All-Star Game =====
+New Orleans hosted the 2008 NBA All-Star Game, delayed to 2008 due to Hurricane Katrina recovery.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2008/02/17/all-star-game-new-orleans|SI]])]
+===== Jose Alvarado's Energy =====
+Jose Alvarado became a fan favorite for his sneaky steals and high energy off the bench.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34000000/jose-alvarado-steals|ESPN]])]
+===== Tom Benson's Ownership =====
+Tom Benson purchased the team in 2012 and committed to keeping it in New Orleans.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1630000/tom-benson-purchase|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== 2014 All-Star Game =====
+New Orleans hosted the NBA All-Star Game again in 2014, with Kyrie Irving winning MVP.[([[https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2014-all-star-game-recap|CBS Sports]])]
+===== Trey Murphy III's Shooting =====
+Trey Murphy III developed into a sharpshooting forward after being drafted in 2021.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2023/05/10/trey-murphy-iii-shooting|SI]])]
+===== Peja Stojakovic's Shooting =====
+Peja Stojakovic won back-to-back Three-Point Contests while with the Hornets in 2002 and 2003.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8000000/peja-stojakovic-three-point|ESPN]])]
+===== 2024 Playoff Push =====
+The Pelicans made a strong playoff push in 2024, led by Zion Williamson's improved health.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10100000/pelicans-2024-playoffs|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== Dell Demps's GM Tenure =====
+Dell Demps served as general manager from 2010 to 2019, overseeing key drafts and trades.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2019/02/15/dell-demps-fired-pelicans|SI]])]
+===== Jonas Valanciunas's Rebounding =====
+Jonas Valanciunas provided strong rebounding after joining the Pelicans in 2021.[([[https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/jonas-valanciunas-pelicans|CBS Sports]])]
+===== Mardi Gras Uniforms =====
+The Pelicans have worn special Mardi Gras-themed uniforms to celebrate New Orleans culture.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25000000/pelicans-mardi-gras-uniforms|ESPN]])]
+===== Alonzo Mourning's Draft =====
+Alonzo Mourning was drafted second overall by the original Hornets in 1992.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1200000/alonzo-mourning-draft|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== David Griffin's Leadership =====
+David Griffin became executive VP in 2019 and rebuilt the roster post-Davis trade.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2019/04/17/david-griffin-hired-pelicans|SI]])]
+===== 2002 Playoff Appearance =====
+The Hornets made their first playoff appearance in New Orleans in 2003, after relocation.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2003/story?id=1550000|ESPN]])]
+===== Community Outreach =====
+The Pelicans Foundation supports hurricane relief, education, and youth programs in Louisiana.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2900000/pelicans-foundation|Bleacher Report]])]
+===== Sustainability Efforts =====
+The Smoothie King Center achieved LEED Gold certification for its eco-friendly upgrades.[([[https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/smoothie-king-center-leed-gold|CBS Sports]])]
+===== Current Core as of 2025 =====
+As of 2025, the Pelicans are building around Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum for contention.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2025/pelicans-core|SI]])]

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