New Orleans Pelicans History
The New Orleans Pelicans franchise joined the NBA in 1988 in Charlotte, North Carolina as the Hornets. They struggled until the early 1990s, when in a three-year span they assembled the young trio of Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson and Kendall Gill. With Glen Rice added to the mix, they made four playoff appearances in the 1990s, and started another successful stretch in the 1999–00 season fueled by guard Baron Davis. But after an unsuccessful bid to get a new arena, the team moved to New Orleans in 2002.
The Hornets made the playoffs each of their first two years in New Orleans, but after the third year they were forced to relocate to Oklahoma City for two seasons due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Upon returning in 2007–08, they finished 56-26 to win the Southwest Division, led by the trio of Chris Paul, David West and Tyson Chandler. In the playoffs, they beat the Dallas Mavericks in the first round before falling to the San Antonio Spurs in a seven-game conference semifinal.
Under new ownership (New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson purchased the Hornets in 2012), the team changed their name to the Pelicans. This new era was initially spearheaded by No. 1 Draft pick Anthony Davis, joined later by All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, and followed by the pairing of 2019 first overall draft pick Zion Williamson and 2020 Most Improved Player Brandon Ingram.
New Orleans Pelicans Team Info
Conference: Western
Division: Southwest
Year Founded: 2002
Team Colors: Navy Blue, Gold, Red
Team Rivals: Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets
New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center
The New Orleans Pelicans play home games at the Smoothie King Center. The venue, in the heart of the city's Central Business District, has undergone significant renovations since it opened in 1999 as the New Orleans Arena. Recent years have seen upgrades to the lighting and sound systems and enhancements in the concession areas, all aimed at elevating the fan experience.
