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.