Last Updated on December 22, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

The New Orleans Pelicans, one of the NBA’s youngest franchises (established in 2002 as the New Orleans Hornets and rebranded in 2013), have had several standout players over their relatively short history. Below is a list of the greatest legends who have left a lasting impact on the franchise:

1. Chris Paul (CP3)

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years with Pelicans: 2005–2011
  • Achievements:
    • 4× NBA All-Star (2008–2011)
    • All-NBA First Team (2008)
    • Rookie of the Year (2006)
    • Led the team to a franchise-best 56 wins in the 2007–08 season and a trip to the Western Conference Semifinals.
  • One of the greatest point guards in NBA history, Paul was the face of the franchise during its early years and elevated the team into playoff contention.

2. Anthony Davis (AD)

  • Position: Power Forward/Center
  • Years with Pelicans: 2012–2019
  • Achievements:
    • 6× NBA All-Star (2014–2019)
    • 3× All-NBA First Team (2015, 2017, 2018)
    • 3× All-Defensive First Team (2018, 2019, 2020)
    • Led the team to the playoffs twice, including a sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2018.
  • One of the most dominant big men in recent NBA history, Davis consistently put up elite numbers and was the centerpiece of the franchise during his tenure.

3. Zion Williamson

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years with Pelicans: 2019–Present
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA All-Star (2021, 2023)
    • All-NBA Second Team (2023)
  • Known for his explosive athleticism, Zion has already become one of the league’s most exciting players and is seen as the future of the franchise when healthy.

4. David West

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years with Pelicans: 2003–2011
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA All-Star (2008, 2009)
    • Played a key role in the team’s deep playoff run in 2008, forming a dominant duo with Chris Paul.
  • Known for his toughness, scoring ability, and leadership during the team’s competitive years.

5. Brandon Ingram

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years with Pelicans: 2019–Present
  • Achievements:
    • NBA All-Star (2020)
    • Most Improved Player (2020)
  • A highly skilled scorer and playmaker, Ingram has been a key player in the Pelicans’ push toward playoff contention in recent years.

6. Jrue Holiday

  • Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard
  • Years with Pelicans: 2013–2020
  • Achievements:
    • All-Defensive First Team (2018)
    • All-Defensive Second Team (2019, 2020)
    • Integral to the Pelicans’ sweep of the Trail Blazers in the 2018 playoffs, where his defensive and offensive performances were outstanding.
  • Known for his two-way excellence, leadership, and professionalism.

7. Peja Stojaković

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years with Pelicans: 2006–2010
  • Achievements:
    • One of the NBA’s greatest sharpshooters, Stojaković played a key role during the team’s competitive stretch in the late 2000s.
    • Helped space the floor with his elite three-point shooting.

8. Tyson Chandler

  • Position: Center
  • Years with Pelicans: 2006–2009
  • Achievements:
    • Anchored the team’s defense during their 2008 playoff run.
    • Known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and chemistry with Chris Paul in the pick-and-roll.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Baron Davis: Dynamic point guard who played for the team when it was the New Orleans Hornets (2002–2005).
  • PJ Brown: A steady presence in the early years of the franchise with his rebounding and defense.
  • Jamal Mashburn: A versatile scorer and leader in the team’s first few seasons.
  • Herb Jones: A rising star known for his elite defense and versatility.
  • Jonas Valančiūnas: Reliable big man who has been an anchor in the post for recent Pelicans teams.
  • Eric Gordon: Key contributor during the post-Chris Paul era, helping the team transition into a new phase.

The Pelicans franchise is still growing and building its history. With young stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the team has the potential to create new legends while honoring the contributions of past players who laid the foundation.