Last Updated on May 21, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The New Orleans Pelicans may not have a long postseason history compared to older NBA franchises, but the organization has still featured several elite playoff scorers across both the Hornets and Pelicans eras.

From the all-around brilliance of Chris Paul to the dominant interior scoring of Anthony Davis, New Orleans has seen multiple stars elevate their games in the postseason.

This ranking looks at the greatest playoff scorers in franchise history based on postseason points totals, scoring averages, playoff performances, and overall offensive impact.

1. Chris Paul

Chris Paul remains the franchise leader in total playoff points with 504 postseason points during his time with New Orleans. (Land of Basketball)

Paul transformed the franchise into a legitimate playoff contender during the late 2000s. His elite mid-range scoring, clutch shot-making, and incredible playmaking made him one of the most complete offensive guards in the NBA.

The peak came during the 2008 playoffs when Paul led New Orleans to the Western Conference Semifinals while averaging over 24 points and 11 assists per game.

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Franchise leader in playoff points
  • Led New Orleans to the 2008 Western Conference Semifinals
  • Elite postseason scorer and playmaker
  • One of the best point guards of his era

Paul’s combination of scoring efficiency and offensive control helped produce one of the best playoff teams in franchise history. (Land of Basketball)

2. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis owns the highest playoff scoring average in franchise history at 30.5 points per game. (Land of Basketball)

Even though Davis played only 13 playoff games for New Orleans, his postseason dominance was extraordinary. He combined elite interior scoring, transition finishing, and defensive impact to become one of the NBA’s most dangerous playoff big men.

His signature performance came in 2018 when he scored 47 points against the Portland Trail Blazers during a first-round sweep. (NBA)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Highest playoff scoring average in franchise history
  • Averaged more than 30 points per game in the postseason
  • 47-point playoff game franchise record
  • Led New Orleans to a playoff series sweep in 2018

Davis produced one of the greatest short playoff scoring peaks in franchise history.

3. David West

David West was one of the foundational scorers of the Chris Paul era.

West ranks among the franchise leaders in playoff points and playoff games played. His mid-range scoring, physicality, and toughness made him a reliable offensive weapon during New Orleans’ most successful early playoff years. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • 385 playoff points with the franchise
  • Key scorer during the 2008 playoff run
  • One of the best power forwards in team history
  • Reliable mid-range postseason scorer

His pick-and-roll partnership with Chris Paul became the backbone of New Orleans’ offense.

4. Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday delivered some of the most complete playoff performances in franchise history during the 2018 postseason.

Holiday averaged over 19 playoff points per game with New Orleans while also playing elite perimeter defense. (StatMuse)

His two-way dominance against the Portland Trail Blazers in 2018 was one of the key reasons the Pelicans completed a first-round sweep.

Key Playoff Achievements

  • One of the best two-way playoff guards in franchise history
  • Strong 2018 postseason scoring run
  • Elite perimeter defender and shot creator
  • Important secondary scorer next to Anthony Davis

5. Baron Davis

Before Chris Paul arrived, Baron Davis was the franchise’s most explosive playoff scorer.

Davis brought athleticism, shot creation, and fearless scoring to the early-2000s Hornets teams. He averaged over 19 playoff points per game with New Orleans and delivered several memorable postseason performances. (StatMuse)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • Dynamic scoring guard
  • One of the franchise’s first playoff stars
  • Strong playoff shot creator
  • Excellent transition scorer

His combination of power and creativity made him difficult to defend in postseason settings.

6. Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram quickly emerged as one of the best playoff scorers of the modern Pelicans era.

Despite limited postseason opportunities so far, Ingram ranks highly in franchise playoff scoring totals and averages. He averaged nearly 22 points per game during his playoff appearances with New Orleans. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • One of the top playoff scoring averages in franchise history
  • Elite mid-range scorer
  • Strong isolation offensive game
  • Important modern franchise cornerstone

Ingram’s smooth scoring style translated effectively to postseason basketball.

7. Peja Stojaković

Peja Stojaković provided elite perimeter shooting during the Chris Paul era.

He ranks among the franchise playoff leaders in made three-pointers and total playoff scoring. His floor spacing was critical to New Orleans’ offensive success during the late 2000s. (Land of Basketball)

Key Playoff Achievements

  • One of the best shooters in franchise history
  • Major contributor during the 2008 playoff run
  • Elite playoff floor spacer
  • Reliable secondary scorer

Honorable Mentions

  • C.J. McCollum
  • Jamal Mashburn
  • David Wesley
  • Eric Gordon
  • Zion Williamson

Final Thoughts

The New Orleans Pelicans and Hornets franchise has featured several elite playoff scorers despite limited postseason appearances overall.

Chris Paul remains the franchise’s all-time playoff scoring leader, while Anthony Davis produced arguably the most dominant postseason scoring peak in team history. As younger stars like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson continue their careers, New Orleans could eventually see new playoff scoring records established.

Sources: