10 Greatest New Orleans Pelicans Players Of All-Time

Years In New Orleans: 6 (2006-2011)

New Orleans: 18.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 9.9 APG, 2.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career: 17.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 9.4 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Honors: 4x All-Star (2008-2011), All-NBA First Team Selection (2008), All-NBA Second Team Selection (2009), All-NBA Third Team Selection (2011), All-Defensive First Team Selection (2009), 2x All-Defensive Second Team Selection (2008, 2011), 2x Assists Champion (2008, 2009), 3x Steals Champion (2008, 2009, 2011), Rookie Of The Year (2006), All-Rookie Team Selection (2006)

Raw numbers will not tell the entire story about Chris Paul’s time as a member of the New Orleans Hornets even though they are really good on their own. Paul’s leadership and ability to raise the floor and ceiling of every team he has ever been a part of is a true testament as to why he remains their franchise GOAT.

Paul was drafted by the Pelicans fourth overall in 2005 and was an immediate success. He became Rookie of the Year in 2006, averaging 16.1 points, 7.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Just two seasons later, Paul would earn his first All-Star selection, assists, title, and steals title while finishing second to Kobe Bryant in MVP voting averaging 21.1 points, 11.6 assists, and 2.7 steals per game.

After leading New Orleans to a 56-26 record, their best in franchise history, he followed it up with another top-five MVP finish averaging 22.8 points, 11.0 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. Over the next two seasons, Paul would average 16.9 points, 10.2 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in steals and assists as well, leading the team to the first three playoff appearances in franchise history.

2. Anthony Davis

Years In New Orleans: 7 (2013-2019)

New Orleans: 23.7 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.4 BPG

Career: 24.1 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.3 BPG

Honors: 6x All-Star (2014-2019), 3x All-NBA First Team Selection (2015, 2017, 2018), All-Defensive First Team Selection (2018), 2x All-Defensive Second Team Selection (2017, 2019), All-Star Game MVP (2017), 3x Blocks Champion (2014, 2015, 2018), All-Rookie Team Selection (2013)

Before he became an NBA champion in 2020 with the Lakers, Anthony Davis was already one of the most dominant big men in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis’ ability to control to single-handedly impact the outcome of a game on both ends of the floor was evident from an early age and continued for seven seasons with New Orleans from 2013 through 2019.

Davis finished as a top 10 MVP candidate three times during his career with New Orleans. In 2015, he finished fifth averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and a league-leading 2.9 blocks per game. He would finish ninth in 2017 averaging 28.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. In 2018, he would have the highest MVP finish of his career, finishing third with 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game.

The end to Davis’ career in New Orleans may have been lackluster but the peak of his play with the franchise will never be forgotten as the most dominant stretch from a big man in franchise history.

3. David West

Years In New Orleans: 8 (2004-2011)

New Orleans: 16.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Career: 13.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Honors: 2x All-Star (2008, 2009)

Back in 2003, the New Orleans Pelicans struck paydirt when they drafted David West with the 18th overall pick in a legendary draft class. During his time with New Orleans, West formed an incredible one-two punch with Chris Paul armed with a deadly mid-range jumper and post game.

West played a significant role in making the Hornets relevant during the 2000s, earning two All-Star selections in 2008 and 2009. Over those two seasons, West averaged 20.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game on 47.7% shooting. He helped lead the team to their franchise-record 56 wins in 2008 and a total of three playoff appearances.

Had it not been for a knee injury in 2011, his career with the team would be even more celebrated.

4. Jrue Holiday

Years In New Orleans: 7 (2014-2020)

New Orleans: 17.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Career: 16.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Honors: All-Defensive First Team Selection (2019), All-Defensive Second Team Selection (2020)

Jrue Holiday is widely regarded today as one of the best two-way guards in the entire NBA. What fans tend to forget is that all began to come to fruition during his seven-year stint with the New Orleans Pelicans from 2014 to 2020. After complications due to roster construction and a logjam at guard held Holiday back during his first three seasons, Holiday came alive in 2016-17.

In 2017-18, Holiday became New Orleans’ full-time starter at point guard and averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. In the playoffs, Holiday would help the team reach the second round, going off with 23.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game as well.

Over the next two seasons, Holiday would earn back-to-back All-Defensive Team honors including a First Team selection in 2019. Holiday would never reach All-Star status in New Orleans but the impact he made at the point guard position will never be forgotten.

5. Brandon Ingram

Years In New Orleans: 5 (2020-2024)

New Orleans: 23.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0,5 BPG

Career: 19.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Honors: Most Improved Player (2020), All-Star (2020)

In the massive trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans received one of their current core members, Brandon Ingram. Immediately upon his release from the clutches of Los Angeles, Imgram hit the ground running and immediately began to work his way up the ranks of their greatest players.

In his first season, Ingram would earn both his first All-Star selection and Most Improved Player honors averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 46.3% shooting overall and 39.1% shooting from three. In the time since the completion of his first season, Ingram has become arguably their best and most important all-around player.

Currently, in 2023-24, Ingram is working toward his second career All-Star selection averaging 21.7 points and 5.4 assists per game on 49.7% shooting. His three-level scoring has become elite among forwards in the NBA, showing shades of Kevin Durant as his career progresses at just 26 years old.

6. Baron Davis

Years In New Orleans: 3 (2003-2005)

New Orleans: 20.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 7.0 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Career:16.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Honors: All-Star (2004), All-NBA Third Team Selection (2004), Steals Champion (2004)

During the early 2000s, there were very few point guards who were more exciting or more athletic than Baron Davis. Before their move to New Orleans, Davis spent three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets after the team made him their third overall pick in 1999.

In Davis’ three seasons with New Orleans, he would cement his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players ever. He hit his peak with the team in 2004 when he averaged 22.9 points, 7.5 assists, and led the NBA with 2.4 steals per game. He was named an All-Star for the second time as well as an All-NBA Third Team selection which would be the only All-NBA team he would be a part of in his career.

7. Zion Williamson

Years In New Orleans: 5 (2020-2024)

New Orleans: 25.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Career: 25.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Honors: 2x All-Star (2021,2023), All-Rookie Team (2020)

Zion Williamson is one of two players on this list who remain with the team in the present day. Williamson’s career has been marred by injuries but there are no doubts that his potential as a superstar and franchise cornerstone for the team is still very much alive and well.

After a rookie season that saw him limited to just 24 games due to injury, Williamson returned with a vengeance in 2020-21. Williamson would earn his first All-Star selection in 2021, averaging 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on an incredible 61.1% shooting from the floor. The injury bug would strike once again in 2022 as a foot injury cost him the entire season and limited him to just 39 games played in 2023 as well.

Once again in 2023-24, Williamson is back on his All-Star trajectory. Through 32 games played so far, he is averaging 22.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on 58.4% shooting. The Pelicans are one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference with a healthy Zion in their lineup and could be on their way to legitimate contention in the future if he remains playing at this level.

8. Jamal Mashburn

Years In New Orleans: 2 (2003, 2004)

New Orleans: 21.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career: 19.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Honors: All-Star (2003), All-NBA Third Team Selection (2003)

By the time Jamal Mashburn arrived in New Orleans in the early 2000s, it was thought that his career was nearing its end. Mashburn had already made stops in Dallas, Miami, and Charlotte with the Hornets which made him a member of the inaugural 200-03 New Orleans Hornets team.

Much to the surprise of everyone, Mashburn exceeded expectations in a big way, playing all 82 games in his first season with New Orleans and earning All-Star and All-NBA honors. He averaged 21.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 2002-03 which prompted his accolades for the season.

Unfortunately, just 19 games into the 2004-05 season, Mashburn sustained a knee injury that would not only cost him the rest of the season but his career as well. He would retire after missing the entire 2004-05 season at just 32 years old.

9. P.J. Brown

Years In New Orleans: 4 (2003-2006)

New Orleans: 10.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Career: 9.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Honors: N/A

P.J. Brown is another member of the inaugural 2002-03 New Orleans Hornets team. Brown was never one applauded for his offensive contributions but the impact he made defensively was good enough to land him in the top 10 here today.

Brown was the anchor for New Orleans’ seventh-ranked defense in 2003, a season in which the team won 47 games which is their second-most successful season in franchise history. Brown’s lack of offense was not a big deal, especially in an era where defense was celebrated such as the early 2000s. While he may not be the biggest star in team history, Brown's contributions to New Orleans as they made the transition from Charlotte were important in their own right.

10. DeMarcus Cousins

Years In New Orleans: 2 (2017, 2018)

New Orleans: 25.0 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.5 BPG

Career: 19.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG

Honors: 2x All-Star (2017, 2018)

DeMarcus Cousins arrived in New Orleans via trade during the 2012-13 season from the Sacramento Kings. The addition of Cousins to the frontcourt along with Anthony Davis was thought to be unstoppable and looked as if it were heading toward great things through 65 games.

In his one full season with the team, Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game on 47.0% shooting. Unfortunately for New Orleans, that full season happened to only last for 48 games before Cousins tore his Achilles tendon, dashing all hope for a serious playoff run.

After the season, Cousins’ contract would not be renewed by New Orleans and he would sign with the Golden State Warriors on a one-year deal. Cousins’ time with the Pelicans may have been short-lived but his dominance for the team in his 65-game stretch cannot be overlooked.