New Orleans Pelicans: A History of Basketball in the Big Easy
The New Orleans Pelicans are a professional basketball team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, competing in the NBA's Western Conference within the Southwest Division. Playing their home games at the Smoothie King Center, the franchise has become a staple of the city's sports culture, evolving through various identities and eras of star power since its arrival in the city in 2002.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2002 (as the New Orleans Hornets)
- Home Arena: Smoothie King Center
- Team Colors: Navy blue, gold, and red
- Ownership: Gayle Benson
- Division Title: 1 (2008)
- Retired Number: 7 (Pete Maravich)
- Current Head Coach: Jamahl Mosley
Franchise Evolution and History
The journey of professional basketball in New Orleans is marked by rebranding and resilience. The team first arrived as the New Orleans Hornets in 2002. Between 2005 and 2007, the team operated as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, splitting time between cities following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, which forced them to use the Ford Center as a temporary facility.
In 2013, the franchise officially rebranded as the New Orleans Pelicans, adopting a name with deep historical roots in the city. This change coincided with the return of the "Hornets" name to the city of Charlotte.
While the current Pelicans brand is the primary identity, the city has a longer history with the sport. The Jazz briefly played in New Orleans in the late 1970s, drawing their identity from the city's world-famous musical heritage.
The Chris Paul Era (2005–2011)
The franchise saw a significant rise in prominence during the tenure of Chris Paul, who was selected as the fourth pick of the 2005 NBA draft. Paul's leadership and skill brought the team to new heights, including a Southwest Division title in 2008.
The Anthony Davis Era (2012–2019)
Following the departure of Chris Paul in 2011, the team entered a new chapter by drafting Anthony Davis first overall in 2012. Davis became the focal point of the franchise for several years, leading the team back to the playoffs in 2015 under head coach Alvin Gentry.
The Zion Williamson Era (2019–Present)
The modern era began in 2019 when the team selected Zion Williamson with the first overall pick. This transition marked a shift in the team's offensive identity. More recently, the roster has continued to evolve, including the acquisition of Dejounte Murray and the departure of Brandon Ingram in 2024.
Team Identity and Personnel
The Pelicans' visual identity has shifted from the "creole blue" of the Hornets era to a sophisticated palette of navy blue, gold, and red. The team is currently led by President Dennis Lauscha and Vice-presidents Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver.
Franchise Honors
The team honors its history through retired numbers and Hall of Fame recognitions. Pete Maravich, who played for the Jazz in New Orleans from 1974 to 1979, has his number 7 retired by the organization. Additionally, Peja Stojaković was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2024.
Below is a summary of the franchise's core details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Conference/Division | Western / Southwest |
| Main Sponsor | NewAge Products |
| Affiliation | Laketown Squadron |
| Current Head Coach | Jamahl Mosley |
| Home City | New Orleans, Louisiana |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the New Orleans Hornets become the Pelicans?
The team officially adopted the New Orleans Pelicans name in 2013.
Who is the current head coach of the Pelicans?
The team is currently coached by Jamahl Mosley.
Which player has a retired number with the franchise?
Pete Maravich's number 7 was retired on October 30, 2002.
Where do the Pelicans play their home games?
The team plays at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Who owns the New Orleans Pelicans?
The team is owned by Gayle Benson.