New Orleans Pelicans · Franchise era 2 of 5
The Oklahoma City interlude: the New Orleans Pelicans story
Franchise era
2005–06—2006–07
The Oklahoma City interlude
New Orleans Pelicans
The story in one sentence
Hurricane Katrina forced the club to Oklahoma City just as Paul arrived and immediately gave it a new direction.
A displaced team finds Chris Paul
Chris Paul, David West and Desmond Mason gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for cp3 and the 56-win breakthrough.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2005–06
What came before
The relocated Hornets reached the playoffs in their first two New Orleans seasons before injuries and upheaval changed the roster.
2005–06—2006–07
The Oklahoma City interlude
Hurricane Katrina forced the club to Oklahoma City just as Paul arrived and immediately gave it a new direction.
After 2006–07
What came next
Paul's near-MVP season powered the best regular-season team in franchise history and established New Orleans as a serious basketball market.
The core