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New Orleans Pelicans All-Time Franchise Team: Backup Small Forward

By Matt Cianfrone

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Apr 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; A view of the New Orleans Pelicans logo during the game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Pelicans 121-114. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Nathan (@NathanHeck22): Jamal Mashburn

If we were including the Charlotte days, Jamal Mashburn would be the easy choice to start at the small forward spot for an all-time Hornets/Pelicans team. Unfortunately for Monster Mash, we’re only taking into consideration seasons played in New Orleans. His single full season spent in New Orleans was arguably the best season of his long career. He only slides into the backup spot for me due to his lack of longevity with the team.

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    • Jamal Mashburn was a wrecking ball in his season with the New Orleans franchise. He averaged an incredible 21.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while leading the team, along with the previously selected Baron Davis, to the playoffs in just the team’s first season in the Crescent City. His lone All-Star appearance of his career was a product of his stellar play in the franchise’s first season in its new home.

    Unfortunately, Jamal Mashburn’s story is one that has been told far too many times in sports. While still performing at an elite level, his career was cut short by injuries that eventually forced him to retire. He only played in 19 games in the 2003-2004 season for the Hornets, and he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He never took the floor for the 76ers, and we are left wondering at what could have been.


    Like Baron Davis, Mashburn’s stay in New Orleans was brief but prolific. Jamal Mashburn was part of the team that brought an exciting beginning to the new market, and it is a shame that he is often forgotten. Mashburn was a dynamic offensive player that was capable of scoring, facilitating, and rebounding at a high level for his position. Jamal Mashburn helped establish basketball in the city of New Orleans, and he should be remembered for his exceptional talent.

    Next: Brendon's Backup

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