This week we are celebrating the history of the New Orleans Pelicans. Taking a look back at all the players, teams, and moments that made this team what it is today. Here we remember our favorite Pelicans/Hornets teams of all-time.
Hunter Noll (Twitter: @HNoll21)
2007-08 New Orleans Hornets
It’s easy to forget how good this Hornets team was. Led by Chris Paul, they were the second seed in the West with a 56-26 record.
Paul wasn’t operating alone, however. Joining the best point guard in basketball were some solid role players.
Peja Stojakovic might not have been the same player he was a few years back, but the guy could still play. Stojakovic was a superb scorer, and he did so with efficiency. This spaced the floor out for New Orleans.
Then there was the always solid Tyson Chandler. The crazy part about it was, he was still shaking off that “bust” stigma that surrounded him. Working with Paul really helped, as he finished the year averaging nearly 12 points and 12 rebounds a game. The duo was also the original lob city.
Criminally underrated David West was the biggest star around Paul. I feel like people don’t realize just how good West was in his prime. The power forward averaged 20.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game that year.
After that though, New Orleans didn’t have much depth. Paul’s buddy Jannero Pargo was the backup point guard, while Morris Peterson handled the starting shooting guard duties. Melvin Ely and Ryan Bowen both got minutes, as did Hilton Armstrong. The bench brought some intrigue, like the athleticism and potential of Julian Wright.
Side note, I was 100% convinced Wright was going to fit into that Andre Iguodala mold. A little bit off there.
This was also the beginning of the Chris Andersen come back.
How could you not like a team that featured a young fun to watch trio like Paul-West-Chandler connection?
If not for a flop, this team could be remembered much differently – or at least, be remembered at all.
Alex Stokes (Twitter: @Alexstokes_1)
2007-08 New Orleans Hornets
How can you look much further than this team? CP3, Peja Stojaković, Morris Peterson, David West and Tyson Chandler.
Leading us to our one and only division title, finishing above three very strong teams in the Spurs, Rockets, Mavericks and a poor one in the Grizzlies, whilst finishing just 0.5 games behind the Lakers.
The most successful team in franchise history.
Justin Jett (Twitter: @JustinJett_)
2014-15 New Orleans Pelicans
This season was a lot of fun because of the ending. It didn’t in any parades, shirtless airplane rides, or long parties into the night but it did end with seeing a force of nature.
Anthony Davis showed out in that first round series against the Golden State Warriors. His averages, grow more ridiculous upon each look.
31.5 points per game, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks on 54% shooting from the field.
That series singlehandedly made the hope for the future of the franchise and love for Anthony Davis grow exponentially.
Next: Throwback Week: Our all-time favorite New Orleans Pelicans/Hornets
(And why any and all rumors about trading him are insane).