New Orleans Pelicans Logo

⚜️🔵 New Orleans Pelicans – Team Snapshot

🛡️ Team Identity

Established: 2002 (as the New Orleans Hornets after relocation from Charlotte; rebranded as the Pelicans in 2013)
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
League/Division: NBA – Western Conference, Southwest Division
Team Colors: Navy Blue, Gold, Red, White
Mascot: Pierre the Pelican – A colorful and fun-loving pelican who represents Louisiana’s state bird
Nickname: “The Pels”

🏟️ Home Arena

Name: Smoothie King Center
Capacity: Approx. 16,867 for basketball
Opened: 1999 (originally New Orleans Arena)
Location: Downtown New Orleans, adjacent to the Caesars Superdome

🔥 Logo Description

The current logo features a stylized pelican with spread wings, a gold fleur-de-lis above its head, and a red basketball on its chest.
The design embraces Louisiana culture, referencing the state bird, French heritage (fleur-de-lis), and bold Southern identity.
Introduced in 2013 to signal the team’s rebrand and independence from the Hornets legacy.

🧠 Head Coach

Willie Green (since 2021) – Former NBA player and respected leader, known for motivating players and building team chemistry

🌟 Current Top Players (2024–2025)

Zion Williamson (PF) – Explosive All-Star talent with dominant inside scoring (injury-prone but high ceiling)
Brandon Ingram (SF) – Smooth scorer, former All-Star
CJ McCollum (SG) – Veteran leader, high-IQ guard with clutch scoring
Trey Murphy III (SF) – Three-point sniper and athletic wing
Herbert Jones (SF) – Elite perimeter defender and hustle player
Jonas Valančiūnas (C) – Skilled veteran big man and rebounder
Dyson Daniels, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins – Talented young contributors

🐐 Legends / Top Past Players

Chris Paul – First true franchise superstar (New Orleans Hornets era)
Anthony Davis – 6× All-Star with the Pels, dominant two-way big man
David West, Peja Stojaković, Jrue Holiday – Key contributors during competitive seasons
Baron Davis, Tyson Chandler, Jamal Mashburn – From early Hornets/Pelicans years
DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson – Impactful but short stints

⚔️ Rival Teams

Memphis Grizzlies – Regional I-55 rivalry (Ja Morant vs. Zion narratives)
Dallas Mavericks – Division rival with playoff tension
San Antonio Spurs – Southwest Division classic
Phoenix Suns – Recent playoff clash in 2022
Los Angeles Lakers – Trade history (Anthony Davis/Zion pick) and shared headlines

🏆 Championships & Playoff Highlights

NBA Championships: None
Playoff Appearances: 9 (as Hornets + Pelicans)
Best Runs:
- 2008: Reached Western Conference Semifinals with Chris Paul
- 2018: Swept Portland Trail Blazers in 1st round (Davis/Rondo/Holiday era)
- 2022: Pushed Phoenix to 6 games as 8th seed despite missing Zion

🎉 Fun Fact

The pelican is Louisiana’s state bird, chosen as the team’s identity to fully reflect local pride and independence after years under the Hornets brand.

The team’s alternate “City Edition” jerseys frequently pay tribute to Mardi Gras, jazz, and French Quarter culture, making them fan favorites.

💰 Annual Revenue

Estimated Annual Revenue (2023): Approx. $270 million
(According to Forbes; growing steadily with young talent and marketability)

Team Valuation: Over $2.4 billion

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