New Orleans Hornets Officially Become the Pelicans
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Chris Graythen/Getty Images(NEW ORLEANS) — The New Orleans Hornets have begun a brand new chapter in their NBA history.
After a 27-55 season, the team announced that it will be called the Pelicans from now on, beginning with the NBA draft lottery on May 21.
“We have been looking forward to this day since we announced the Pelicans as the new name,” owner Tom Benson said in a statement. “The Pelican is a symbol for our city and region, and we’re excited to start a new era in Louisiana basketball history. This offseason is going to be a special time for the Pelicans.”
The name change is considered to be a clean slate for a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs in the past two seasons.
The Pelicans’ new colors will be blue, gold, and red, which is a long way off from the gold, teal, purple, and white used by the Hornets.
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