Pelicans franchise history

The New Orleans Pelicans are a professional basketball team in the NBA, founded in 2002 as the New Orleans Hornets. Originally based in Charlotte, the franchise relocated to New Orleans in 2002 after the city was awarded an expansion team. The team struggled at times but gained traction in the 2010s, rebranding to the Pelicans in 2013. The name change reflects the region's culture and the brown pelican, Louisiana's state bird. The Pelicans have made several playoff appearances, notably highlighted by a sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2018, showcasing their competitive potential.