New Orleans Pelicans: Ranking Best Players By Position In Franchise History
By Chris Lee
The New Orleans Pelicans haven’t officially played a game under their newest moniker, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a respectable history as a franchise. The Pelicans started in Charlotte in 1988 as the Hornets and relocated in 2001 to New Orleans. After the 2012-13 season ended, the New Orleans franchise wanted their own name and adopted the name of the Pelicans. Although they’ve never won a title as a franchise, in the mid-1990s, the Charlotte Hornets routinely made the playoffs, but never were able to get past the conference semifinals.
Here are the best players in New Orleans Pelicans history.
Note: Alonzo Mourning would be on this list, but since he had a longer career with the Miami Heat I put him on that list.
Best Point Guard: Chris Paul
Chris Paul was a big part of the New Orleans Hornets’ teams. (Flickr.com photo by Nikk_LA)
The best point guard and best overall player in Hornets’ history was Chris Paul. Paul was drafted by the Hornets with 4th pick in the 2005 draft and over the course of six season quickly established himself as one of the elite point guards in the NBA. Paul averaged 18.7 points and 8.5 assists while with the Hornets. Paul is No. 2 in franchise history in assists with 4228 assists. During his time in New Orleans, Paul alsonestablished himself as one of the best defensive players in the NBA and was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2008-09 and was on the 2nd team in 2007-08 season and in the 2010-11 season. Paul is No. 2 in franchise history in steals with 1010 steals averaging more than two steals per game in five of his six seasons with the Hornets. Paul was traded via sign-and-trade to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011. His leadership lead the Hornets to the Western Conference semifinals in 2007-08, where they forced the Dallas Mavericks to seven games.
Best Shooting Guard: Dell Curry
The best shooting guard in Hornets’ history was Dell Curry. Curry had quite possibly the best shooting stroke in NBA history, though Ray Allen has a silky smooth stroke as well. Curry averaged 12 points per game for his career and provided a good outlet for Bogues to get the ball to. Curry is the franchise leader in points, 3-point field goals made and games played. He also shot 41 percent from 3-point range, while taking around three 3-point shots per game. Curry was one of the players taken in the expansion draft in 1988 and spent most of his years coming off the bench, winning one Sixth Man of the Year award in the process. Curry was never a good defender, but for most of his time in with the Hornets it was covered up by good defensive centers in Mourning and Vlade Divac.
Best Small Forward: Glen Rice
The best small forward in Hornets’ history was Glen Rice. Rice only played three seasons with the Hornets, but they were the best statistical seasons of his career. Rice was a dynamic scorer particular from mid-range and from 3-point territory. He averaged 23 points per game during his run with the Hornets and is second in franchise history in 3-point shooting at 44 percent. Rice was a marginal defender and passer, but when the Hornets needed someone to put the ball in the basket, Rice was the go-to scorer.
Best Power Forward: Larry Johnson
The best power forward in Hornets’ history and best player was Larry Johnson. Johnson is most widely known for his playoff runs with Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks, but Johnson’s best seasons came as a member of the Charlotte Hornets. In fact, his worst season in Charlotte (16.4 ppg, 1993-94) was better than his best season in New York (15.5 ppg, 1997-98). Johnson had no weakness early on in his career as he is No. 3 in franchise history in rebounding with 3,479, No. 5 in assists with 1,553 and No. 4 in points per game with 19.6. Johnson was so well-rounded that he put up back-to-back triple-doubles in 1993. He could beat you offensively in multiple ways: In the post, off the dribble or from mid-range. He utilized his strong upper body in the post. He also had agile feet and coach Allan Bristow would even put Johnson at small-forward to utilize his combination of strength and speed. He also featured a solid mid-range jumper particularly around the elbow area. Johnson was also a good on-ball defender until back injuries derailed his career with the New York Knicks.
Best Center: Vlade Divac
The best center other than Mourning in Hornets’ history was Vlade Divac. Divac was one of the first European players to make a successful transition to the NBA style of basketball. Divac spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers and was traded to the Hornets in exchange for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant. For his career, Divac averaged 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists. The 7’1″ Serbian spent two seasons with the Hornets, averaging 11.5 points and 8.6 rebounds. He possessed rare qualities for an NBA center; he was mobile, a good ball handler, a good passer and could shoot the mid-range jump shot. His best attribute was his team defense, he rarely missed a defensive rotation and was adept at drawing offensive fouls. His style of defense was particular frustrating to Shaquille O’Neal.
Honorable Mention: Muggsy Bogues
The best point guard in Charlotte Hornets’ history prior to Chris Paul was Muggsy Bogues. Bogues is still to this day the shortest player in NBA history at 5’3″. Bogues brought a different energy to the court and was an instant spark on both sides of the floor. On offense, he struggled to score due to his vertical limitations only averaging 7.7 points per game, but he made up for that with his great passing skills. Bogues averaged eight assists for his career and is still the franchise leader in assists with 5,557. Bogues was also a great defensive player, averaging two steals per game, and is the franchise leader in steals. More than anything Bogues brought an energy that could be felt throughout the team. For example, Bogues has even blocked a Patrick Ewing shot attempt from behind.