2013 Pelicans Rebrand
From Hornets to Pelicans: New Orleans' NBA legacy.
The New Orleans Pelicans are an American professional basketball team based in New Orleans. The Pelicans compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. The team plays its home games at Smoothie King Center.
Quick Facts
- Previous name
- New Orleans Hornets
- Year of change
- 2013
- Key figure
- Tom Benson (Owner)
- First game date
- October 30, 2013
- Opponent in first game
- San Antonio Spurs
- Primary colors
- Teal
- Navy Blue
- Gold
Lore & Background
The Pelicans were established as the New Orleans Hornets in the 2002–03 season when George Shinn, then owner of the Charlotte Hornets, relocated the franchise to New Orleans. Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the team temporarily relocated to Oklahoma City, where they spent two seasons as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets before returning to New Orleans for the 2007–08 season. In 2013, the Hornets announced that they would change their name to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Reader's Guide
In 22 seasons of play since the original franchise relocated from Charlotte, the New Orleans franchise has achieved an overall regular season record of 831–937 (.470) and qualified for the playoffs nine times. Their achievements include two playoff series victories and one division title.
More in Club History & Eras
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