All-Time New Orleans Pelicans Starting-Five

Baron Davis, PG, 1999-2005

Hornets Statistics: 16.4 PPG, 6.8 APG, 3.9 RPG, 2.0 SPG

Here we’re going with the dual point guard set with Davis at the two spot. I understand he’s not actually a shooting guard but, in creating an “All-Time” list, it seems like the right thing to put in the best talent available, no? And, no offense to Dell Curry and David Wesley, but Baron Davis is clearly the best player to put here. I mean, we could have put him in at the point guard position but… I mean… Chris Paul. You know?

Any way, lets get back on track here! For this starting five, Baron Davis makes the cut as a two guard. During his five seasons in Charlotte/ New Orleans, four of them were of much success. After being picked third overall in the 1999 NBA Draft Davis, like many back in the day, started his career coming off the bench, being the main backup for Eddie Jones and David Wesley. In his rookie season, Baron Davis’ stats were not too impressive, registering averages of 5.9 PPG, 3.8 APG, 1.2 SPG in a mere 18.6 MPG. He would, however find greater success in his second season, for his minutes-per-game skyrocketed.

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In 38.9 MPG Davis put up averages of 13.8 PPG, 7.3 APG, 5.0 RPG and 2.1 SPG. He anchored the franchise to their second straight playoff appearance, going to the Conference Semifinals where they eventually were knocked out in seven by Ray Allen and the Milwaukee Bucks. From this point on, Charlotte realized they had something special in Baron Davis. The following season (2001-02) Davis made his first All-Star appearance. Throughout the year, his statistics continued to improve, averaging 18.1 PPG, 8.5 APG and 2.1 SPG. He anchored the team yet again to the postseason, where they eventually were ousted by the New Jersey Nets. With three straight playoff appearances, and Davis reaching the All-Star team, the Hornets seemed like they were in for years of promise and much success. Unfortunately, this season was as good as things got during the Davis era.

In his first three seasons as a pro, the point guard managed to play every game. After that, however, due to injuries, Davis never saw another complete season in a Hornets uniform. While he proved year in and year out that he was still at the skill level of a franchise player, injuries and conflicting personalities with Charlotte’s coaching staff ultimately led to the demise of Baron Davis’ Hornets career. On February 24th, 2005, Davis was traded to the Golden State Warriors for Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis. While Davis never was able to show his true colors to the Hornets organization, in his five seasons with the ball-club he managed to show what could have been had he stayed healthy. For that, a healthy Baron Davis is clearly the choice for the two spot on the all-time starting five.