The New Orleans Hornets history represents an important chapter in the NBA, showcasing how the team helped shape modern New Orleans Hornets basketball. Founded in 2002 after relocating from Charlotte, the franchise built a strong fan base and introduced exciting talent to the city while laying the foundation for today’s Pelicans.
Established
1988
City
Charlotte – New Orleans
League History
1988 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
2013 – Present / New Orleans Pelicans
2007 – 2013 / New Orleans Hornets
2005 – 2007 / New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets
2002 – 2005 / New Orleans Hornets
1988 – 2002 / Charlotte Hornets
Nickname
Hornets – The New Orleans Hornets have a long and storied history in professional basketball. From their beginnings in Charlotte to their current home in Louisiana, they have been an exciting team to watch for fans worldwide. But many people don’t know that this franchise has undergone several name changes over its lifetime - including one very interesting nickname: The New Orleans Hornets!
New Orleans Hornets Origin
The origins of this nickname date back to 2002 when NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that Charlotte would be getting an expansion team called “the Charlotte Bobcats.” However, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans before the Bobcats could play a single game. She displaced thousands of residents from their homes – including members of both local universities' basketball teams: Tulane University's Green Wave and Xavier University's Gold Rush (now known as Privateers). In response to this tragedy, Stern decided it was only suitable for these two teams – which had become symbols of resilience after enduring such devastation – should join forces with his new expansion franchise under one standard banner: The New Orleans Hornets!
Since then, the Hornets have become beloved by sports fans across Louisiana who appreciate not just how far they've come since Katrina but also what they represent symbolically; strength in unity despite facing insurmountable odds at times. As we look ahead into the 2021-22 season, let us remember why we cheer on our hometown heroes each night– no matter how tough things get or where life takes them next…we will always be #HornetsStrong together!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
Arena
2014 – Present / Smoothie King Center
2002 – 2013 / New Orleans Arena
*Oklahoma City*
2005 – 2007 / Ford Center
*Norman*
2006 / Lloyd Noble Center
*Baton Rouge*
2005 / Pete Maravich Assembly Center
*Charlotte*
1988 – 2002 / Charlotte Coliseum
Owner
2018 – Present / Gayle Benson
2012 – 2018 / Tom Benson
2010 – 2012 / National Basketball Association
2007 – 2010 / Shinn and Gary Chouest
1988 – 2007 / George Shinn
- 2002
- 2002
- 2005
- 2005 - 2007
- 2013
-
Return to New Orleans
Almost 25 years after the Jazz left for Utah the NBA returned to New Orleans as the Hornets dissatisfied with Charlotte moved to the Crescent City. Ironically when the Hornets played their first game in New Orleans on October 30th their opponents were the Utah Jazz. With Baron Davis scoring 21 points with 10 rebounds it would be a successful ... -
Smoothie King Center Opens
When the New Orleans Hornets arrived in 2002, they persuaded the state government to demand that the Brass foot the cost of converting the arena between basketball and hockey configurations. That expense was more than the Brass were willing to pay, and they were forced to fold due to the lack of another suitable arena. The Hornets played their first ... -
Drafting Chris Paul
Paul was selected fourth overall in the 2005 NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets. Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the Hornets played most of their games in Oklahoma City that year. Paul finished the season leading all rookies in points, assists, steals, and double-doubles, and became only the second rookie in NBA history to lead the ... -
Hurricane Katrina and temporary relocation to Oklahoma City
Because of the catastrophic devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina upon the communities of southeastern Louisiana, the Hornets franchise temporarily relocated its base of operations to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 2005 – 2006 and 2006 – 2007, posting records of 38–44 and 39–43 respectively. During this time, the franchise was known as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. In these two seasons, ... -
New Nickname Pelicans
With the future of the teams secure, and a young star to build around, a new era was set to begin in New Orleans. New Owner Tom Benson felt the name Hornets did not fit the city of New Orleans and began exploring a new nickname that would draw more fans and give it a Louisiana style. Though he preferred ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
New Orleans Hornets History
The New Orleans Hornets history began in 2002 when the Charlotte Hornets relocated to Louisiana, marking a new era for New Orleans Hornets basketball. This move brought the NBA back to New Orleans for the first time in decades. The franchise quickly built a passionate local fan base and became a key part of the city’s sports culture.
During the early years of the New Orleans Hornets history, the team featured stars like Baron Davis, Chris Paul, and David West. These players helped lead the franchise to multiple playoff appearances, including a memorable 2007–08 season when the team posted a 56–26 record and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals. This run established New Orleans Hornets basketball as a competitive force in the Western Conference.
New Orleans Hornets Achievements
In 2011, the NBA purchased the team from founder George Shinn before selling it to Tom Benson, who also owned the New Orleans Saints. Under Benson’s ownership, the team continued to develop young talent and invest in the roster. The Hornets officially rebranded as the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013, closing a significant chapter in the New Orleans Hornets history while keeping its achievements alive in NBA records.
The franchise’s achievements include several playoff appearances and the growth of players who became All-Stars and leaders in New Orleans Hornets basketball, such as Chris Paul and David West. Their 2007–08 playoff run remains one of the best in franchise history, while later stars like Anthony Davis carried the legacy forward under the Pelicans’ name. Despite ups and downs, the New Orleans Hornets history laid a strong foundation for future success and continues to be celebrated by fans in Louisiana and beyond.
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Retired Number
7 / “Pistol” Pete Maravich
*Blue is this team’s history
