Is it just me or is New Orleans having an NBA identity crisis? New is breaking this evening after Yahoo! sources are saying the team will be changing their name as early as the 2013-14 season. They will be rebranding under the name New Orleans “Pelicans”. Yeah, that’s right Pelicans. As in the bird. After originally being called the Jazz back in the 70’s before moving to Utah, and then inheriting the Hornets name from Charlotte in 2002, its possible the organization just wants a fresh start with a name relating to the community.
The New Orleans Hornets are expected to change their nickname to the Pelicans as early as the 2013-14 season, numerous sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The Hornets planned to change their nickname since Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints, purchased the team on April 14. Benson also owns the rights to the nickname Pelicans.(Getty Images)
The Hornets also considered the nicknames Krewe (groups of costumed paraders in the annual Mardi Gras carnival in New Orleans) and Brass.
Louisiana is the Pelican State. The brown pelican is the state bird and appears on the state flag and seal, and official state painting. Moreover, the Pelicans played minor league baseball in New Orleans in all but nine seasons from 1887-1959 and in 1977. (via Yahoo! Sports)
It’s also a possibility that owner Tom Benson has taken note of the success the Brooklyn Nets have had this season, both on and off the court, after rebranding and moving to Brooklyn. Anything for a spike in jersey sales right?
