22
Oct
5 min read
New Orleans Pelicans NBA Profile: Five things you need to know
Big Easy's basketball team and its rise as a NBA contender
- Dynamic young core led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram
- Resurgent franchise after years of struggles and relocation
- Unique Pelicans identity and New Orleans basketball culture
The New Orleans Pelicans have emerged as one of the NBA's most exciting young teams, built around a core of dynamic talents and embracing the unique culture of the Big Easy.
Key Details
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Year Founded: 2002 (as New Orleans Hornets)
Home Arena: Smoothie King Center
Championships: 0
Major Rivals: Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs
Australians who have played for the New Orleans Pelicans
Will Magnay: Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Magnay signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans on December 2, 2020. He made his NBA debut on March 23, 2021, against the Los Angeles Lakers, playing three minutes. Magnay was waived by the Pelicans on April 12, 2021.
Dyson Daniels: Hailing from Bendigo, Victoria, Daniels was selected by the Pelicans with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He signed his rookie contract on July 9, 2022, and has been a part of the team's rotation, known for his defensive versatility and playmaking skills. He has since been traded to the Atlanta Hawks.
Identity
The Pelicans have worked to forge a distinct identity that reflects the spirit and culture of New Orleans. Their name and branding draw inspiration from Louisiana's state bird, with navy, gold and red colours evoking both the region's natural beauty and festive atmosphere.
On the court, the Pelicans aim to play an up-tempo, high-flying style befitting their namesake. Head coach Willie Green has implemented an offense that emphasises pace, ball movement, and taking advantage of the team's athleticism. Defensively, they look to use their length and quickness to create turnovers and transition opportunities.
The organisation has made a concerted effort to integrate itself into the fabric of New Orleans. Community outreach programs, local partnerships, and embracing the city's rich cultural traditions have helped the Pelicans build a loyal fanbase after years of uncertainty. The raucous atmosphere of the Smoothie King Center on game nights has become one of the NBA's best home court advantages.
Legacy & Impact
While still a relatively young franchise, the Pelicans have already made their mark on NBA history. The team's journey from relocation to rebranding to resurgence serves as a model for how a small market franchise can reinvent itself and find success.
The Chris Paul era from 2005-2011 put New Orleans back on the NBA map, with Paul emerging as one of the league's premier point guards. His departure led to a rebuild, but it also paved the way for the franchise to draft cornerstones Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson.
Under the leadership of executive David Griffin, the Pelicans have assembled one of the NBA's most promising young cores. The development of homegrown talents like Brandon Ingram and the addition of veterans such as CJ McCollum have New Orleans poised to be a force in the Western Conference for years to come.
Five Fast Facts
- The franchise began as the Charlotte Hornets in 1988 before relocating to New Orleans in 2002
- Changed name from Hornets to Pelicans in 2013 to embrace local identity
- Have made the playoffs 8 times but never advanced past the second round
- Drafted generational talents Anthony Davis (2012) and Zion Williamson (2019) with #1 overall picks
- Set franchise record with 48 wins in 2007-08 season led by Chris Paul
Club Timeline
2002: Charlotte Hornets relocate to New Orleans
2005: Team temporarily relocates to Oklahoma City due to Hurricane Katrina
2008: Return full-time to New Orleans, win franchise-record 56 games
2012: Draft Anthony Davis first overall
2013: Rebrand as New Orleans Pelicans
2019: Draft Zion Williamson first overall
2022: Return to playoffs for first time in 4 years
Key Statistics
All-Time Record: 831-937 (.470 winning percentage)
Championship History: 0 NBA Championships, 0 Conference Titles, 1 Division Title (2008)
Hall of Fame Players: None yet (Chris Paul likely to be first)
Retired Numbers: #7 (Pete Maravich)
Notable Records: Single-season wins: 56 (2007-08)
Today
The Pelicans enter the 2024-25 season with sky-high expectations after a promising 2023-24 campaign. Despite battling injuries, New Orleans secured the 6th seed in the competitive Western Conference before falling in a hard-fought first round series.
Zion Williamson's return to full health is the X-factor that could vault the Pelicans into true contender status. His otherworldly combination of size, strength and explosiveness gives New Orleans a unique weapon few teams can match. Paired with the smooth scoring of Brandon Ingram and playmaking of CJ McCollum, the Pelicans boast one of the league's most potent offenses when clicking.
The biggest question mark is whether this core can stay healthy enough to reach its full potential. If they can, the Pelicans have all the ingredients to make a deep playoff run and establish themselves as a perennial power in the Western Conference. New Orleans basketball fans are hoping this is the year their team finally breaks through.
