NBA: Each team’s best starting five of all-time

69. <p>When the Charlotte Hornets came back into existence this past season, they took their history and their iconic players back. Luckily for the Pelicans, they had been in New Orleans long enough to establish some sort of a history, including years with Chris Paul, David West and others.</p> <p>It hasn’t been a long history, but there’s already been enough to love the Pelicans and their heritage that they’re home growing on the bayou.</p> <p><span style=. 2002 - Present. Western Conference. New Orleans Pelicans. 19. player

PG. He played most of his upstart years in New Orleans, and Chris Paul really turned into the player he is today thanks to growing in the New Orleans system. He brought the team to the playoffs, was a superstar for the franchise and never had to wear anything ‘Pelicans’ his entire career. That’s a whole lot of winning for Paul and his Hornets years still have a special place in the hearts of fans there.. Point Guard. New Orleans Hornets. CHRIS PAUL

He’s a newer addition to the team, and he’s been bogged down with health concerns but when Eric Gordon is at his best, he’s one of the best guards the Hornets have ever had. He’s not an all-timer the way other guards are, but he’s also not a total default all-time great for New Orleans either.. Shooting Guard. New Orleans Pelicans. ERIC GORDON. SG

SF. He’s underrated — or overrated, depending on who you talk to — but the Hornets got some of Aminu’s best years of his career while he was in New Orleans. Like Gordon, he’s not an all-time great like other forwards on the list, but he’s also not a complete default option, even though the needle tips pretty close to it.. Small Forward. New Orleans Hornets. AL-FAROUQ AMINU

New Orleans Hornets. DAVID WEST. PF. David West was so coveted by the Indiana Pacers because of the monster he was in New Orleans. Just like how he helped get the Pacers into the postseason, he was Chris Paul’s best teacher and was a key cog in the best teams New Orleans ever say in town. He’s been sorely missed since he left, and it’s going to be a while before the likes of him are seen again.. Power Forward

ANTHONY DAVIS. C. The closest thing the Pelicans have to another Chris Paul is Anthony Davis. He’s next in line to be the superstar that the NBA is infatuated with, and for good reason. He’s huge, has talent to spare and is going to be the centerpiece for the Pelicans in the years to come. He’s locked down in New Orleans, and it’s going to be fun watching Davis grow into the superstar he’s already becoming.. Center.