NBA All-Time Starting 5 of the New Orleans Pelicans

Founded in 2002 as a new franchise after relocating from Charlotte, the New Orleans Pelicans started as the Hornets. The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 forced them to spend a couple of seasons in Oklahoma City.

When Tom Benson bought the team in 2013, he named it the Pelicans after the state of Louisiana’s state bird. In its 16-year history, the Pelicans have only made the playoffs eight times with the most successful once coming in 2008. The Chris Paul-led team was one game away from making it to their first Western Conference Finals appearance.

Now, the Pelicans have Anthony Davis as their franchise star. Davis is already considered as one of the best players in the world today. He is a generation talent that could lead the Pelicans to their first ever championship, only if they can surround him with better players.

With such as short history, there are only a handful of great players for the Pelicans but it won’t matter. Here are the five players who made it into the all-time starting five for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Forward – Jamal Mashburn

Despite technically playing for the Pelicans for just two seasons, there is no better option for one of the forward slot than Jamal Mashburn. The sharpshooting swingman was an All-Star in 2003 after averaging 21.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He even made the All-NBA Third Team that season.

Mashburn helped the Pelicans made the playoffs for two years he was there but the team was eliminated in the first round both years. He retired in 2006 after sitting out two years due to knee problems. “Monster Mash” now works for ESPN as an analyst.

Honorable Mention: Forward – Peja Stojakovic

Some fans might not remember this but Peja Stojakovic played for the Pelicans for four and a half seasons. He helped the team win their first and only Southwest Division Title in 2008. Peja holds the team record for most three-pointers made in franchise history with 553.

Forward – David West

Spending eight seasons in the Big Easy, David West is a team legend. He was vital in the team’s first and only division title in 2008, wherein he was an All-Star. West was a consistent scorer throughout his time with the then-Hornets, averaging double figures in points for six seasons.

West sits second in the team’s all-time scoring list but first in total minutes played. He also ranks second in rebounds, fourth in steals, and second in blocks. His No. 30 jersey will surely be retired in the near future following his retirement in 2018. West won two NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors.

Honorable Mention: Forward – P.J. Brown

A great role player for the then-Hornets during his four-year stint, Brown was the team’s veteran leader. He averaged 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks for the team. He is fourth in total minutes played, third in total rebounds, ninth in assists, sixth in steals, and fifth in blocks on the team’s all-time leaderboard.

Guard – Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday has been with the Pelicans since 2013 after getting acquired from a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Nerlens Noel. His first couple of seasons with the team was hampered by injuries but he finally realized his full potential in the 2017-18 seasons.

Holiday averaged 19.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He helped the team to the playoffs that season, reaching the Western Conference semifinals. Holiday ranks fourth in all-time points scored, second in assists, third in steals, and fifth in three-pointers made. He will surely climb up the leaderboards if he continues his career with the Pelicans.

Honorable Mention: Guard – Eric Gordon

In five seasons with the Pelicans, Eric Gordon averaged 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He also shot 39 percent from threes during his Pelicans career. He is sixth in the Pelicans all-time scoring list, eighth in assists, ninth in steals, and third in total three-pointers made.

Guard – Chris Paul

The best point guard of his generation, Chris Paul spent the first six years of his career with the Pelicans. He led the team to their first and only Division Title in 2008 when he averaged 21.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 11.6 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. Paul was a four-time All-Star with the Pelicans, winning the 2006 Rookie of the Year Award.

Paul left the Pelicans via trade in 2011 but he still ranks third in scoring, second in minutes played, fifth in rebounds, and sixth in three-pointers made. He is also the franchise’s all-time leader in assists and steals. Despite his short time in New Orleans, there is no doubt that his No. 3 jersey will be retired by the Pelicans.

Honorable Mention: Guard – Baron Davis

The Pelicans’ first ever star, Baron Davis was with the team for three seasons, leading them to the playoffs twice. Davis was a fan favorite but injuries limited him during his stay in New Orleans. Nevertheless, he is tenth in the team’s all-time scoring list, sixth in assists, fifth in steals, and seventh in three-pointers made.

Center – Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis

Drafted first overall in 2012, Anthony Davis was the savior of the Pelicans. He has already led the team in two playoff appearances and if they can get him more help, he has the chance to win it all for the franchise. Davis is already a five-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA First Team member.

A very talented player who can score and defend, Davis has been bitten by the injury bug throughout his career. But despite that, he is already the all-time leader for the Pelicans in points, rebounds, and blocks. If decides to stay in New Orleans, he will all have the records for the franchise. With one more great season, he can surpass Chris Paul as the greatest player in team history.

Honorable Mention: Center – Tyson Chandler

In just three seasons in New Orleans, Tyson Chandler had a great impact for the franchise. He was a key member of the Division Title-winning team in 2008, averaging 11.8 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks during that season.