Honestly, talking about all time pelicans players is a bit of a trip because the franchise history is basically a messy divorce followed by a long, complicated remarriage. If you look at the record books, the history technically starts in 2002 when the Hornets packed up their bags in Charlotte and moved to the Big Easy. Then there was that weird stint in Oklahoma City after Katrina, and finally the rebrand to the Pelicans in 2013.
It’s a lot. But through all the name changes and the "did-they-really-just-trade-him" moments, New Orleans has actually been home to some of the most ridiculous individual talent the NBA has ever seen.
We’re talking about guys who didn't just play well; they fundamentally changed how their positions were viewed. Most fans outside of Louisiana probably only think of Anthony Davis or Zion, but the depth of this list is actually kind of wild when you dig into the numbers.
The Point God and the Foundation
You can't start this conversation without Chris Paul. Period. CP3 wasn’t just a "good" player for the then-Hornets; he was the sun that the entire organization orbited around from 2005 to 2011.
He won Rookie of the Year in 2006, but it was that 2007-08 season where he almost snatched the MVP from Kobe Bryant that really cemented his legacy. He averaged 21 points and nearly 12 assists that year. He led the league in assists and steals simultaneously. He's still the franchise leader in both categories, and honestly, nobody is catching him anytime soon. Paul has 4,228 assists in a New Orleans jersey. The next closest is Jrue Holiday with 2,833. That gap is massive.
Then you have David West. People forget how lethal the CP3-to-West pick-and-pop was. West played more games (530) for this franchise than anyone else. He was a two-time All-Star who lived in the mid-range. While he wasn't as flashy as the guys who came later, he’s second all-time in scoring for the team with 8,690 points. He was the grit before "Grit and Grind" was even a thing.
The Anthony Davis Era: Dominance and Drama
If Chris Paul was the brain of the franchise, Anthony Davis was the physical freak of nature that made everything look easy. From 2012 to 2019, AD was a walking 25-and-10.
He holds the franchise record for points (11,059), rebounds (4,906), and blocks (1,121). It’s easy to let the messy exit to the Lakers cloud the memory of just how good he was in New Orleans, but the guy was a three-time blocks leader and a four-time All-NBA First Team selection while wearing a Pels jersey.
📖 Related: Sixers Future Draft Picks: What Most People Get Wrong
Remember that 59-point, 20-rebound game against Detroit in 2016? That’s not a video game stat; that actually happened. He was a defensive vacuum.
The Support System
- Jrue Holiday: Probably the most beloved player in city history. He wasn't just a lockdown defender; he was the heartbeat of the team. He’s third in steals and second in assists.
- Baron Davis: The bridge from Charlotte to New Orleans. He was a human highlight reel who dragged the team into the playoffs early on.
- Tyson Chandler: The lob threat. He didn't score much, but his 2,225 rebounds in just three seasons tell you exactly what his job was.
The Modern Stars: Zion and BI
Now we get into the current era of all time pelicans players. It’s a bit of a "what if" story right now.
Brandon Ingram has been a model of professional scoring since he arrived in the AD trade. He’s already cracked the top five in total points (7,017) and is currently third in assists. His 2020 Most Improved Player award was just the start; he’s evolved into a legitimate three-level threat who can't be guarded 1-on-1 when his mid-range fadeaway is falling.
And then, there’s Zion Williamson.
Zion is the ultimate "eye test" player. When he’s on the court, he’s the most efficient high-volume scorer in the history of the league. He’s already scored over 5,200 points in remarkably few games. In early 2026, we're seeing a Zion that looks more focused than ever, stringing together 30-point games like it's a casual Sunday at the park. He’s already a two-time All-Star, and if the health holds, he’ll own every record AD currently has.
Why the "All Time" List is Deceptive
One thing most people get wrong is ignoring the "short-term" legends. DeMarcus Cousins only played 65 games for the Pels before that devastating Achilles injury, but for those 65 games, he and AD were the "Fire and Ice" towers that absolutely terrified the league. Cousins averaged 25 points and 12.7 rebounds during his stay. It was brief, but it was arguably the highest peak any duo in franchise history ever reached.
Also, shout out to Peja Stojaković. He’s fifth all-time in made threes for the team. In an era before everyone was shooting 10 triples a night, Peja was a certified flamethrower.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to contextualize where these players stand, don't just look at the points. The Pelicans history is defined by elite defense and high-IQ point guards.
- Watch the Steals: The best Pelicans teams always had a top-tier ball thief (Paul, Holiday, or now Herb Jones).
- Respect the Mid-Range: From David West to Brandon Ingram, this franchise has always relied on guys who can hit the "lost art" 15-footer.
- Follow the Games Played: The biggest hurdle for the "all-time" status in New Orleans has always been availability. David West’s 530 games is the gold standard for a reason.
If you're looking to start a collection or just want to know whose jersey is a safe bet, Chris Paul and David West are the "legacy" picks, but Brandon Ingram is quietly building a resume that might end with his jersey in the rafters. Zion has the highest ceiling, but he’s still writing his chapter.
Keep an eye on Herb Jones, too. He’s already fourth all-time in steals and climbing the blocks list fast. He might be the first "specialist" to crack the true all-time greats list for this team.