The New Orleans Pelicans, who ditched the Hornets moniker at the end of the most recent season, have released images and a 3-D tour of their brand new court, according to reports.
The new court has a traditionally colored floor with blue underneath the baskets and along the sides, while the paint area that will be patrolled by last year's No. 1 overall pick Anthony Davis is gold. The Pelican's new logo adorns center court, while two blue, red and white fleur de lis's are painted on the elbows.
The Pelicans are certainly looking to change more than their court this season, pulling off one of the biggest trades of the offseason on NBA draft night. The Pelicans leapt at an opportunity they didn't think would be available to them, when consensus pre-draft No. 1 pick Nerlens Noel dropped to them at No. 6.
New Orleans drafted Noel, then quickly shipped him to the Philadelphia 76ers, along with a top-five protected 2014 first round pick, in exchange for All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday.
Despite Holiday being just 23 years old, the move is a win-now maneuver that gives the Pelicans a young, but still veteran core. Davis and his famous unibrow figures to grow into an elite center and shot blocker, while the Pelicans' front office is banking on shooting guard Eric Gordon to stay on the court, pairing with Holiday to form one of the NBA's elite backcourts. Last year Holiday averaged 17.7 points per game and eight assists, making the first All-Star game of his young career.
New Orleans' decision to change their name to the Pelicans, which is the state bird of Louisiana, giving the franchise a boost in local cred, it freed up the Hornets moniker for the Charlotte Bobcats, who will be rebranding as well in the near future.
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