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 moments of all-time.
Alex Stokes (Twitter: @AlexStokes_1)
May 30th, 2012 followed by June 28th, 2012.
May 30th, 2012 was the date of the draft lottery when the New Orleans Hornets won the rights to the number one overall pick in the draft.
Who the Hornets were going to draft was obvious, the once in a generation player named Anthony Davis, who was subsequently drafted on June 28th, 2012. Davis has excelled from day one while only getting better and better.
Chris Connor (Twitter: @ImpatientBull)
The Anthony Davis game winner against the Thunder 2/6/15.
Whether you want to blame coaching or players, Anthony just hadn’t had many chances to win games at the end.
Many games early on in the AD era ended with either a Tyreke Evans or Jrue Holiday isolation. Watching AD have another opportunity to win a game, and double clutch his way through it was something to see.
On the road, and taking on the Thunder’s best with Kevin Durant healthy, the Pelicans had the chance to provide a statement win.
They provided a statement shot as well.
The Pelicans ended up winning the season series against the Thunder, which would loom large as their playoff chances came down to their final game. Anthony showed raw emotion, and that was the day, for a lot of viewers, that AD became a “superstar”.
It’s also the birth to one of the best New Orleans Pelicans gif’s ever created, starring Monty Williams.I think we all reacted the exact way he did after watching that game.
Justin Jett (Twitter: @JustinJett_)
February 20th, 2017
This is the best moment in franchise history. This is the moment that the New Orleans Pelicans ceiling became higher than it has ever been.
Trading for DeMarcus Cousins signaled a change in potential for New Orleans. With two legitimate superstars, much more success is possible.
This is the best moment because it has not ended in failure yet. The air around Smoothie King Arena is still sweet with hope.
Next: Throwback Week: Tracking the Pels’ assets in Chris Paul trade
Most other moments in the Pelicans history have ended poorly. This one has yet to and has only brought opportunity, that’s why it is the best and my favorite.