Top 20 Moments in New Orleans Pelicans History

Oct 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A general view from the court during the second half of a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Miami Heat at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Heat 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

15. Pro basketball returns to New Orleans.

By Nathan Heck

On October 30th, 2002, professional hoops made their triumphant return to the Crescent City after more than twenty years without a professional franchise. The Utah Jazz had left for greener pastures in 1979, and it was fitting that they would be the first opponent for the new franchise, the New Orleans Hornets.

Players that would become staples of the team for the next few seasons treated the fans to a win in the first game. Baron Davis performed in a fashion that would become expected by New Orleans, putting up an impressive 21 points and ten assists including an extremely hot shooting night from beyond the arc, where he shot a smooth four of six.

David Wesley, who would quickly become a fan favorite, chipped in 15 points, four steals and three assists. His gritty performances led to him emerging as an early fan favorite, and it continues to this day with his position as a commentator for local broadcasts of Pelicans’ games. Not bad for a commentator, David.

On top of the victory achieved on the court, some symbolic victories were won on that October evening. “Pistol” Pete Maravich, a local legend in every sense of the word, had his jersey retired by the franchise. Maravich did not have his jersey retired in New Orleans previously as a result of the Jazz’s relocation to Utah, but that was set right with his “7” jersey being retired on the very first night of NBA action in the Crescent City.

This game marked the return of professional basketball to New Orleans, and it is fairly high on the list of most important moments in franchise history.

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