All-Time New Orleans Pelicans Starting-Five

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Muggsy Bogues, PG, 1988-1997
- 8.8 PPG, 8.8 APG, 1.7 SPG
  - One of the most polarizing figures in Hornets history, Muggsy Bogues will forever be revered amongst fans of the organization. At just 5-3, Bouges is the franchises all-time leader in assists, steals, offensive win-shares and minutes accumulated and currently ranks sixth on the teams all-time scoring list. Five times we saw Bogues finish in the top five in assists per-game and twice finishing in the top ten in steals. What he lacked in height he made up for with exceptional court-vision, leadership qualities and a never quit attitude on the defensive side of the ball.

David West, PF, 2003-2011
- 16.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, .8 BPG
  - One could definitely argue West deserves a spot on the Pelicans “All-Time Starting-Five.” Believe me, it was a tough one leaving him off the list. In only eight seasons with the organization David West made his mark as the Robin to Chris Paul’s Batman. Even more impressive, West didn’t crack the starting line-up until 2005, for he was predominantly the back-up to P.J Brown for his first two season in the league so, if you really think about it, it took West a mere six seasons to achieve all-time status in the organization. During his tenure, the bruiser made two All-Star appearances and helped lead the organization to three post-season appearances, and even a visit to the Western Conferences Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs where they brought them to seven games.

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Dell Curry, SG, 1988-1998
- 14.0 PPG, 2.0 APG, 40% 3-point percentage
  - Before there was Stephen Curry draining three’s like it’s nobodies business, there was his father, Dell. One of the premiere sharpshooters during his era, Dell Curry made his mark in the Hornets record books, finishing as the organizations all-time leader in two-point field goals made, three-point field goals made, games played and, most notably, points. And in 1994 Curry notched the NBA’s prestigious Sixth-Man of the Year award. Not too shabby for a role-player!

Larry Johnson, PF, 1991-1996
- 19.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, .4 BPG
  - In five seasons with the franchise, Johnson made two All-Star appearances and, in those same seasons, helped bring them to the postseason. At his best, L.J. averaged 22.1 PPG and 10.5 RPG (1992-1993). He was an absolute offensive monster for the organization, dipping below 18 PPG only once during his tenure with the franchise. And, in such a short span, Johnson ranks fourth on the teams all-time scoring list, ninth in total games played, fifth in minutes played and third in field-goals made. And, like David West, one could argue Johnson’s exclusion from this list is in fact a snub.

Kobe Bryant, SG, June 26th, 1996- July 1st, 1996
- 0.00 PPG, 0.00 APG, 0.00 RPG
  - Relax, relax. It’s an honorable mention ladies and fellas! Yes, I understand Kobe Bryant never played a single minute for the franchise. Yes, I am aware that he lasted no more than six days as a Charlotte Hornet before being traded to Los Angeles. However, even with that, it is interesting to think of “what could have been” if Bryant had stayed put. What could have happened if they were to have kept the future five-time NBA champion, 2008 NBA MVP, 18x NBA All-Star, third most points scored in NBA history, etc, etc, etc. What would have happened? Well, at the very least, Bryant would be an honorable mention on a list like this. And THAT is why you see him here today!