The New Orleans Pelicans are an American professional basketball team based in New Orleans. The Pelicans compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Western Conference Southwest Division. The team plays its home games in the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans were established as the New Orleans Hornets in the 2002–03 season when then-owner of the Charlotte Hornets, George Shinn, relocated the franchise to New Orleans. Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the franchise temporarily relocated to Oklahoma City, where they spent two seasons officially known as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. The team returned to New Orleans full-time for the 2007–08 season. In 2013 the franchise announced it would rename itself the Pelicans, effective after the conclusion of the 2012–13 season.
Conference | Western |
Division | Southwest |
Founded | 2002 |
History | New Orleans Hornets, 2002–2005, 2007–2013, New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, 2005–2007, New Orleans Pelicans, 2013–present |
Arena | Smoothie King Center |
Location | New Orleans, Louisiana |
Team colors | Navy blue, gold, red |
Main sponsor | Ibotta |
President | Dennis Lauscha |
General manager | Trajan Langdon |
Head coach | Vacant |
Ownership | Gayle Benson |
Affiliation(s) | Erie BayHawks |
Division titles | 1 (2008) |
Retired numbers | 1 (7) |
About New Orleans Pelicans
Founded as the New Orleans Hornets, the organization also spent time in Oklahoma City before becoming the Pelicans in 2013.
Achievement of New Orleans Pelicans
The franchise won its first ever playoff series behind star point guard Chris Paul in 2008. They reached their first postseason as the New Orleans Pelicans in 2014-15.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans Category.. Relocated National Basketball Association teams.. National Basketball Association teams.
Latest information about New Orleans Pelicans updated on July 28 2021.