History of the New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the NBA's youngest franchises, but their history is filled with dramatic relocations, superstar talent, and a growing identity in one of America's most passionate sports cities. Originally established in 2002 as the New Orleans Hornets, the franchise relocated from Charlotte before eventually adopting the Pelicans name in 2013. Although the team has yet to win an NBA championship, it has featured several of the league's brightest stars, including Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, and CJ McCollum, while continuing to build toward sustained success.

NBA Returns to New Orleans

Professional basketball returned to New Orleans in 2002 when the Charlotte Hornets relocated after 14 seasons in North Carolina.

The move gave New Orleans its first permanent NBA franchise.

The Hornets quickly embraced the city's unique culture and developed a loyal fan base.

Home games were played at the New Orleans Arena, now known as the Smoothie King Center.

The Early Years

The franchise enjoyed immediate success.

Led by veterans including:

• Baron Davis
• Jamal Mashburn
• P.J. Brown
• David Wesley

The Hornets reached the playoffs in their inaugural season in New Orleans.

Although the team won 47 games during the 2002–03 season, postseason success remained limited.

Hurricane Katrina

One of the most difficult periods in franchise history came in 2005.

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the Hornets were forced to temporarily relocate.

For two seasons, the club split its home schedule between:

• Oklahoma City
• New Orleans

During this period, the team became known as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.

Despite enormous challenges, the franchise remained competitive while helping bring hope to New Orleans during the city's recovery.

The Arrival of Chris Paul

The Hornets selected Chris Paul with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.

Paul immediately became one of the NBA's premier point guards.

His leadership, passing ability, defense, and scoring transformed New Orleans into one of the Western Conference's rising powers.

The 2007–08 Breakthrough

The franchise enjoyed its greatest season to that point during the 2007–08 season.

Led by:

• Chris Paul
• David West
• Tyson Chandler
• Peja Stojaković

The Hornets won a franchise-record 56 games and captured the Southwest Division Championship.

Chris Paul finished second in NBA MVP voting after averaging 21.1 points, 11.6 assists, and 2.7 steals per game.

New Orleans advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals before losing a thrilling seven-game series to the San Antonio Spurs.

Chris Paul Departs

Financial challenges and ownership uncertainty eventually led to Chris Paul's departure.

In 2011, the NBA temporarily purchased the franchise after owner George Shinn agreed to sell the team.

That same year, Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers after the NBA rejected a proposed trade to the Lakers.

The deal brought several young players and valuable draft picks to New Orleans.

Anthony Davis Era

The franchise won the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery and selected Anthony Davis with the first overall pick.

Davis quickly became one of the NBA's elite two-way players and the face of the franchise.

Becoming the Pelicans

On April 18, 2013, owner Tom Benson officially renamed the franchise the New Orleans Pelicans.

The pelican is Louisiana's state bird and better reflects the city's culture and identity.

The Hornets name returned to Charlotte in 2014 after the Bobcats reclaimed their original nickname.

New Orleans retained all franchise records dating back to the team's arrival in 2002.

Playoff Success

The Pelicans reached the playoffs several times during the Anthony Davis era.

Their most memorable postseason came in 2018.

Led by:

• Anthony Davis
• Jrue Holiday
• Rajon Rondo
• Nikola Mirotić

New Orleans swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round before losing to the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors.

Anthony Davis Trade

In 2019, Anthony Davis requested a trade.

New Orleans dealt him to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the largest trades in NBA history.

The Pelicans received:

• Brandon Ingram
• Lonzo Ball
• Josh Hart
• Multiple first-round draft picks

Zion Williamson Arrives

After winning the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery, New Orleans selected Zion Williamson with the first overall pick.

Williamson quickly became one of the NBA's most exciting young stars because of his combination of power, athleticism, and efficiency.

Although injuries slowed his development early in his career, Zion has demonstrated All-NBA caliber ability when healthy.

Building Around Young Stars

The Pelicans continued adding talent through the draft and trades.

Key contributors have included:

• Brandon Ingram
• CJ McCollum
• Herb Jones
• Trey Murphy III
• Dejounte Murray

The organization has emphasized defense, versatility, and player development while pursuing consistent playoff success.

A New Era

Under Executive Vice President David Griffin, the Pelicans have assembled one of the NBA's deepest young rosters.

When healthy, New Orleans has shown the ability to compete with the league's elite teams.

The franchise continues pursuing its first NBA Finals appearance and first NBA championship.

Home Arena

Franchise Timeline

Franchise Greats

• Chris Paul
• Anthony Davis
• Zion Williamson
• Brandon Ingram
• Jrue Holiday
• David West
• Tyson Chandler
• Peja Stojaković
• CJ McCollum
• Herb Jones
• Trey Murphy III
• Baron Davis
• Jamal Mashburn
• P.J. Brown
• David Wesley

Notable Coaches

• Paul Silas
• Byron Scott
• Monty Williams
• Alvin Gentry
• Stan Van Gundy
• Willie Green

Awards and Achievements

• Southwest Division Champions (2008)
• Multiple NBA Playoff appearances
• Chris Paul finished second in 2008 NBA MVP voting
• Anthony Davis earned multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections
• Zion Williamson is a multiple-time NBA All-Star

Legacy

Although the New Orleans Pelicans are among the NBA's newer franchises, they have already experienced unforgettable moments, from surviving the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to drafting generational talents like Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson. The organization has repeatedly demonstrated resilience while building a passionate fan base in one of America's most distinctive sports cities.

With a talented young core, strong organizational leadership, and one of the NBA's most exciting rosters, the Pelicans continue their pursuit of the franchise's first NBA championship while representing the vibrant culture of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.