New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are a professional basketball franchise competing in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the team plays its home games at the Smoothie Center and is owned by Tom Benson’s estate. The Pelicans entered the league in 2002 as the New Orleans Hornets, relocated briefly to Oklahoma City, and rebranded as the Pelicans in 2013 to reflect the region’s cultural heritage. Since the rebrand, New Pelicans have built a reputation for youthful athleticism and high‑octane offense, centered around star forward Zion Williamson, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The roster also features All‑Star guard Brandon Ingram, versatile forward CJ McCollum, and emerging talents such as Jaden Ivey and Jabari Smith Jr. The team is coached by Willie Green, who took over in 2023 and emphasizes a fast‑paced, defense‑first identity. The Pelicans have made the playoffs twice since 2018, reaching the Western Conference semifinals in 2018 and earning a first‑round appearance in 2021. Off the court, the franchise is active in community outreach, supporting education and youth sports initiatives throughout the Gulf Coast region.

The 2025‑26 campaign concluded with the Pelicans finishing just outside the playoff picture, prompting a pivotal offseason focused on roster depth and health management. Zion Williamson returned from injury and posted a career‑high scoring average, while CJ McCollum provided veteran leadership and clutch shooting. The team’s defensive metrics improved, but inconsistencies on the road kept the squad from breaking into the top eight of the Western Conference. In May 2026, the front office announced a series of strategic moves, including a trade for a veteran wing and a focus on the upcoming draft, positioning the Pelicans for a stronger push in the 2026‑27 season.