Determining the face of the franchise- New Orleans Pelicans

So we do run into some argumentative crossover as the New Orleans Pelicans were once the New Orleans Hornets. Here’s what we are going to do.

According to Wikipedia, “in 2014, the Bobcats were renamed Charlotte Hornets, and acquired official history and records of the original Hornets (spanning from 1988 to 2002) from New Orleans’ team.” Therefore, for these purposes, when we isolate the New Orleans basketball team, we will be referring only to the New Orleans Pelicans from 2013 to present.

That leaves very little time and very few players.

The argument can be made that the Utah Jazz were once the New Orleans Jazz (which makes sense because I think we all associate the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with Salt Lake City). It’s a slippery slope.

The only player to have his jersey retired in New Orleans is “Pistol” Pete Maravich who played from 1974-1979 in New Orleans, and just 17 games in Utah before finishing his career in Boston. Like I say, a slippery slope.

Anthony Davis is probably the biggest name that comes to mind. Jrue Holiday, who just won an NBA title in Milwaukee is also a name to kick around.

Considering the franchises infancy, it could be argued that Zion Williamson is the face of the franchise. With two seasons under his belt, he is the longest tenures Pelican on the roster. It is his team to lead, and he didn’t bail to play ball with LeBron...yet.

I hate to say it but at this point in history, the most recognizable face in New Orleans basketball may just be Pierre the Pelican.

Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images

Who do you most associate with the New Orleans Pelicans?

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