Every NBA team’s Mount Rushmore
By Ian Levy
New Orleans Pelicans
David West joined the then New Orleans Hornets as a rookie in 2003-04, one season after their franchise history is separated from the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA’s official record books. Played eight seasons with the franchise, twice making the All-Star team and averaging a robust 16.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He is still the franchise’s all-time leader in games, minutes, points and rebounds.
Anthony Davis represents the present and future for the Pelicans. Although he is just 24-years-old, Davis is regarded as one of the best big men in the league and has already made four All-Star teams. His career averages of 22.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.4 blocks per game should have him holding all sorts of franchise records over the next few seasons.
Chris Paul six seasons for the franchise, winning Rookie of the Year, and making four All-Star teams and three All-NBA teams and two All-Defensive teams with the organization. His masterful performance in the 2007-08 playoffs gave the organization their only playoff series win before pushing the San Antonio Spurs to seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals.
P.J. Brown was another glue guy with modest stats who nevertheless helped his team play to their full potential. Brown was known for his versatile defense and averaged 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game over four seasons with the team. Only Paul, Davis and West have played more games or minutes for the organization.