Hoops Habit
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NBA History: The best era for each of the 30 franchises

By Daniel Lubofsky

SAN ANTONIO - JANUARY 14: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to drive around Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks at the SBC Center on January 14, 2005 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Chris Birck/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO - JANUARY 14: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to drive around Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks at the SBC Center on January 14, 2005 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Chris Birck/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans: 2007-11

The New Orleans Pelicans — previously the Hornets — were one of the most exciting and underrated talented teams of the mid-2000s thanks in large part to deals made in the summer of 2006.

Before that point, leading the way was Chris Paul, a top-flight floor general and one of the best superstars in the NBA. By his side was David West, a burly power forward with a forceful presence inside complimented by a feathery mid-range touch.

As talented a duo as they were, it wasn’t enough to get New Orleans into the postseason. So, the front office went out and acquired reinforcements following a 38-win season in 2005-06. In first came Peja Stojakovic via trade. A three-time All-Star, Peja was a lights-out shooter from deep, with a career 3-point percentage of 40.1.

Less than a week later, the Hornets swung a deal to acquire Tyson Chandler from the Chicago Bulls. A towering 7’1”, Chandler was an athletic defensive-minded big man who Paul formed an instant connection with running pick and rolls.

The Hornets took a year to gel but bounced back in 2007-08 with 56 wins, the most in franchise history. It was also their first-ever second-round appearance before a heartbreaking loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 on their home floor stopped short what was looking to be a magical season.

A first-round exit came the following year, followed by a playoff no-show the next. Despite a hard-fought opening-round loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011, Paul would request a trade that offseason, landing him in LA with the Clippers.

By then, Tyson was gone. Peja was traded earlier in the year. West tore his ACL as the Hornets rounded into playoff form. It wasn’t the most successful of stretches relatively speaking. But on paper, it was quite the collection of talent, one that might have blossomed with a little extra time and just a few subtle tweaks.

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