The New Orleans Pelicans (formerly known as the New Orleans Hornets) are a professional basketball team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The team was founded in 2002 and has been a member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) ever since. The Pelicans compete in the Western Conference, Southwest Division, and play their home games at the Smoothie King Center. Here are seven things you should know about the Pelicans.
The Pelicans got their name from the pelican, which is the official state bird of Louisiana. The team’s logo features a stylized pelican with a basketball in its beak. The primary colors of the team are navy blue, red, and gold.
The Pelicans were founded in 2002 as the New Orleans Hornets. The team played in New Orleans until 2005, when Hurricane Katrina forced them to temporarily relocate to Oklahoma City. The team returned to New Orleans in 2007 and played at the New Orleans Arena (now known as the Smoothie King Center) until the present day. In 2013, the team changed its name to the Pelicans.
The Pelicans have had several notable players throughout their history. Some of the most notable players include Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson. Chris Paul played for the team from 2005 to 2011 and was a six-time NBA All-Star. Anthony Davis played for the team from 2012 to 2019 and was a six-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. Zion Williamson was drafted by the Pelicans in 2019 and was the first overall pick in the NBA draft.
The Pelicans have yet to win an NBA championship, but they have had some notable achievements throughout their history. In the 2007-08 season, the team won its first-ever playoff series by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. In the 2014-15 season, the team made it to the playoffs again, but lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round. The team has also had several players named to the NBA All-Star team and the NBA All-Defensive team.
The Pelicans’ current roster includes several notable players, including Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball. Zion Williamson was the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft and has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in the league. Brandon Ingram was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in the 2019-20 season. Lonzo Ball is known for his playmaking abilities and his solid defense.
The Pelicans’ head coach is Stan Van Gundy. Van Gundy was hired by the team in October 2020 and has over 20 years of coaching experience in the NBA. He has previously coached the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Detroit Pistons. Van Gundy is known for his defensive-minded coaching style and his ability to develop young players.
The Pelicans have a bright future ahead of them with their young and talented roster. With Zion Williamson leading the way, the team has the potential to be a contender in the Western Conference for years to come. The team’s front office has also made some solid moves in recent years, such as trading for Brandon Ingram and drafting promising young players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis Jr. If the team can continue to develop its young talent and make smart moves in the offseason, the Pelicans could be a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
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