The New Orleans Pelicans are a professional basketball team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, competing in the NBA's Western Conference. The franchise originally began as the Charlotte Hornets in 1988 before relocating to New Orleans in 2002. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the team temporarily played as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets for two seasons before returning full-time to New Orleans. In 2013, the franchise rebranded as the New Orleans Pelicans, adopting a name reflecting Louisiana’s state bird and regional identity[1]. The Pelicans have experienced varying success over their history. A franchise highlight came in the 2007-08 season, led by star point guard Chris Paul, when they achieved their best record of 56–26 and won their first division title. The team has often been a developing ground for young talent, with recent seasons featuring rising stars and draft picks. However, their performance has fluctuated, as seen in recent records hovering below .500, including a 21-61 season in 2024-25 and a slow start in 2025-26[3]. Currently, the Pelicans are integrating promising players like Jordan Poole, who contributed 17 points in his 2025-26 debut, and are managing injury challenges affecting key players including point guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles injury). The team’s offense ranks competitively mid-tier in the league, averaging 119 points per game but allowing 124 points defensively, indicating areas for improvement[2]. Beyond basketball, the Pelicans are significant to New Orleans’ economy and culture, blending sports business with local identity. Their home, the Smoothie King Center, is a hub for sports and entertainment in the city, illustrating how the franchise supports both community engagement and commercial growth. The Pelicans’ ongoing efforts to build a competitive roster and deepen fan engagement position them as a dynamic organization within both NBA sports and the broader business landscape of professional athletics[