New orleans hornets
The New Orleans Hornets! The team was previously known as the Charlotte Hornets before relocating to New Orleans in 2002. Here's a brief history:
Early Years (1988-2002)
The Charlotte Hornets were founded in 1988 as an expansion team in the NBA. They played their home games at the Charlotte Coliseum and had some successful seasons, making the playoffs several times. However, the team struggled financially and was sold to a new ownership group in 2002.
Relocation to New Orleans (2002-2013)
The team was relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, and renamed the New Orleans Hornets. The move was prompted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which left the city in shambles. The Hornets played their home games at the New Orleans Arena (now known as the Smoothie King Center) and struggled to find consistency on the court.
Rebranding and Name Change (2013-2014)
In 2013, the team was rebranded as the New Orleans Pelicans, with a new logo, uniforms, and mascot. The name change was made to reflect the city's rich cultural heritage and its iconic pelican symbol.
Notable Players and Moments
Some notable players who played for the New Orleans Hornets include:
- Chris Paul (2005-2011)
- David West (2004-2011)
- Tyson Chandler (2001-2009)
- Emeka Okafor (2004-2011)
- Anthony Davis (2012-2019)
The team had some notable moments during their time in New Orleans, including:
- Making the playoffs in 2008 and 2011
- Winning the NBA draft lottery in 2012 and selecting Anthony Davis
- Hosting the NBA All-Star Game in 2008
Legacy
Although the team is no longer known as the Hornets, their legacy lives on in New Orleans. The city still celebrates its basketball heritage, and the Pelicans have become a beloved part of the community. The Hornets' time in New Orleans may have been brief, but it left a lasting impact on the city and its fans.