This occurred when the original Charlotte Hornets relocated to New Orleans and assumed the Pelicans identity, allowing the Bobcats to inherit the historic Hornets name and records. The name "Bobcats" was chosen to reflect the state's native wildlife, aiming for a fierce and independent identity that was distinct from the history they were leaving behind in North Carolina.
From Hornets To Pelicans: The Story Behind New Orleans' Team Shift
This marked the end of the Hornets era in Charlotte and the beginning of a new chapter. The league granted permission for the team to temporarily relocate to Oklahoma City for the 2005–06 season, a decision driven by the unavailability of the Louisiana Superdome.
The New Orleans squad, carrying the legacy of the original, would soon decide it was time for another change. The franchise that now fills the Smoothie King Center with the sound of squawks and chants was once an entirely different entity, navigating the early 2000s under a moniker that is now largely a historical footnote in the world of professional sports.
From Hornets To Pelicans New Orleans Shift
For a time, the league featured two Hornets teams, but the confusion was temporary. Year City Team Name 1988–2002 Charlotte, NC Hornets 2002–2004 Charlotte, NC Bobcats 2005–2007 Oklahoma City, OK Bobcats 2007–2013 New Orleans, LA Hornets 2013–Present New Orleans, LA Pelicans The Return of the Hornets and the Final Transition The history took another fascinating turn in 2007 when the franchise that had become the Bobcats reclaimed the Hornets name.
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