New Orleans Pelicans · Franchise era 4 of 5
The Anthony Davis years: the New Orleans Pelicans story
Franchise era
2011–12—2018–19
The Anthony Davis years
New Orleans Pelicans
The story in one sentence
Davis became an elite two-way star, but injuries and constant roster changes limited the era to two playoff appearances.
A franchise big man searches for continuity
Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday and DeMarcus Cousins gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the post-davis young core.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2011–12
What came before
Paul's near-MVP season powered the best regular-season team in franchise history and established New Orleans as a serious basketball market.
2015
Western Conference First Round: New Orleans Pelicans vs Golden State Warriors
2018
Western Conference First Round: New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers
2018
Western Conference Semifinals: New Orleans Pelicans vs Golden State Warriors
After 2018–19
What came next
The Davis return supplied a deep young roster, though availability and fit have kept its most exciting version frustratingly intermittent.
The core