New Orleans Pelicans Trivia
New Orleans Pelicans trivia highlights the history, identity, and memorable moments of the NBA team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Competing in the leagueās Western Conference Southwest Division, the franchise gives fans plenty to explore, from franchise milestones to standout players and distinctive team lore.
Easy New Orleans Pelicans Trivia
13 questions
These easy New Orleans Pelicans trivia questions are great for beginners and kids around age 12 and under.
Question 1
Which city is home to the NBA's Pelicans?
Answer: New Orleans
The Pelicans are based in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Question 2
The New Orleans Pelicans play in which league?
- A.WNBA
- B.NFL
- C.NBA
- D.NCAA
Answer: The National Basketball Association
The Pelicans play in the National Basketball Association.
Question 3
Which conference do the Pelicans compete in?
Answer: Western Conference
The team competes in the Western Conference.
Question 4
What division are the New Orleans Pelicans part of?
Answer: Southwest Division
The Pelicans are a member of the Southwest Division.
Question 5
In what year did the franchise begin using the Pelicans name?
Answer: 2013
The franchise adopted the Pelicans name in 2013.
Question 6
What arena do the Pelicans call home?
Answer: Smoothie King Center
The Pelicans play their home games at Smoothie King Center.
Question 7
Which set of colors belongs to the New Orleans Pelicans?
- A.blue and orange
- B.navy, gold, and red
- C.purple, green, and gold
- D.black and silver
Answer: navy, gold, and red
The team colors include navy, gold, and red.
Question 8
Who owns the New Orleans Pelicans franchise?
Answer: Gayle Benson
The franchise is owned by Gayle Benson.
Question 9
What is the name of the Pelicans' mascot?
Answer: Pierre the Pelican
The team mascot is Pierre the Pelican.
Question 10
Before becoming the Pelicans, what was the franchise called?
Answer: New Orleans Hornets
The franchise was previously known is the New Orleans Hornets.
Question 11
From which city did the franchise relocate to New Orleans in 2002?
Answer: Charlotte
The team entered New Orleans after relocating from Charlotte in 2002.
Question 12
True or false: The Pelicans are an NFL team.?
Answer: False
The Pelicans are an NBA team, not an NFL or MLB team.
Question 13
What bird appears at the center of the Pelicans' wordmark and logos?
Answer: pelican
The wordmark and logos use a pelican is the central bird.
New Orleans Pelicans Family Trivia
12 questions
These family New Orleans Pelicans trivia questions are built for mixed-age game nights, classrooms, and groups.
Question 1
In what year did New Orleans host the NBA All-Star Game while the Pelicans were the hometown team?
- A.2016
- B.2018
- C.2014
- D.2012
Answer: 2014
New Orleans hosted the 2014 NBA All-Star Game during the Pelicans era.
Question 2
During the 2005-06 season, which city hosted most of the franchise's home games?
- A.Tulsa
- B.Memphis
- C.Oklahoma City
- D.Baton Rouge
Answer: Oklahoma City
The franchise played most of its home games in Oklahoma City that season.
Question 3
Which player won NBA Rookie of the Year with the franchise in 2006?
Answer: Chris Paul
Chris Paul earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2006 with the franchise.
Question 4
Who was New Orleans' first overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft?
- A.Zion Williamson
- B.Brandon Ingram
- C.Anthony Davis
- D.Chris Paul
Answer: Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis was selected first overall by New Orleans in 2012.
Question 5
Which No. 1 overall pick did New Orleans select in the 2019 NBA draft?
- A.Zion Williamson
- B.Anthony Davis
- C.Herb Jones
- D.Jrue Holiday
Answer: Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson was the first overall pick by New Orleans in 2019.
Question 6
Who won the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2020 while playing for New Orleans?
- A.Zion Williamson
- B.Brandon Ingram
- C.Chris Paul
- D.Jrue Holiday
Answer: Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram won Most Improved Player in 2020 with New Orleans.
Question 7
In the 2018 playoffs, which team did New Orleans sweep to win a series?
- A.Denver Nuggets
- B.Dallas Mavericks
- C.Trail Blazers
- D.Los Angeles Lakers
Answer: Portland Trail Blazers
New Orleans swept the Portland Trail Blazers in a 2018 playoff series.
Question 8
Who was the franchise's first head coach in New Orleans?
- A.Tom Benson
- B.Pete Maravich
- C.Paul Silas
- D.Willie Green
Answer: Paul Silas
Paul Silas was the first head coach for the franchise in New Orleans.
Question 9
Who purchased the franchise in 2012?
- A.Pete Maravich
- B.Willie Green
- C.Tom Benson
- D.Paul Silas
Answer: Tom Benson
Tom Benson bought the franchise in 2012.
Question 10
Before it became Smoothie King Center, what was the arena called?
- A.New Orleans Arena
- B.Pelicans Palace
- C.Crescent City Center
- D.Louisiana Arena
Answer: New Orleans Arena
The arena's former name was New Orleans Arena.
Question 11
Which famous stadium is right next door to the Pelicans' home building area?
- A.Alamodome
- B.Kia Center
- C.Caesars Superdome
- D.Madison Square Garden
Answer: Caesars Superdome
The team shares the home building area with the Caesars Superdome next door.
Question 12
Which guard played for New Orleans from 2013 to 2020?
- A.Herb Jones
- B.Jrue Holiday
- C.Chris Paul
- D.Brandon Ingram
Answer: Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday was with New Orleans from 2013 through 2020.
Fun New Orleans Pelicans Trivia
13 questions
These fun New Orleans Pelicans trivia questions highlight surprising moments and playful facts for game-night groups.
Question 1
Which Louisiana state bird gave the Pelicans their team name?
- A.Mockingbird
- B.Roseate spoonbill
- C.Bald eagle
- D.brown pelican
Answer: The brown pelican.
The team name honors Louisiana's state bird, the brown pelican.
Question 2
The Pelicans' secondary logo gives a wink to New Orleans with what symbol?
- A.A riverboat
- B.crescent
- C.A trumpet
- D.A fleur-de-lis
Answer: A crescent.
The secondary logo features a crescent, a symbol strongly associated with New Orleans.
Question 3
In the team's primary logo, what sits beneath the pelican's wings?
- A.gold basketball
- B.A silver shield
- C.A blue star
- D.A red ribbon
Answer: A gold basketball.
The primary logo includes a gold basketball beneath the pelican's wings.
Question 4
Who was the first playoff opponent the New Orleans franchise defeated in a series win in 2008?
- A.Phoenix Suns
- B.Los Angeles Lakers
- C.Dallas Mavericks
- D.San Antonio Spurs
Answer: The Dallas Mavericks.
The franchise's first playoff series win in New Orleans came in 2008 against the Dallas Mavericks.
Question 5
How many regular-season games did New Orleans win in 2007-08 for a franchise record at the time?
- A.52
- B.54
- C.58
- D.56 games.
Answer: 56 games.
New Orleans won 56 regular-season games in 2007-08, a franchise record at the time.
Question 6
In the 2007-08 Western Conference standings, New Orleans finished in what place?
- A.Third
- B.Fourth
- C.second
- D.First
Answer: Second.
The 2007-08 team finished second in the Western Conference standings.
Question 7
What year did DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis both make the All-Star team as Pelicans?
- A.2017
- B.2019
- C.2018
- D.2016
Answer: 2018.
DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis were both named All-Stars is Pelicans in 2018.
Question 8
Which team did the Pelicans beat in a play-in game to reach the 2022 playoffs?
- A.Minnesota Timberwolves
- B.Golden State Warriors
- C.Sacramento Kings
- D.Los Angeles Clippers
Answer: The Los Angeles Clippers.
The team made the 2022 playoffs after winning a play-in game over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Question 9
What was Jose Alvarado's swipe-happy nickname in New Orleans?
- A.Sneak Attack Alvarado
- B.Grand Theft Alvarado
- C.Pickpocket Jose
- D.The Bayou Bandit
Answer: Grand Theft Alvarado.
Jose Alvarado became known in New Orleans for his 'Grand Theft Alvarado' steal nickname.
Question 10
Which Pelicans player won the 2023 NBA Skills Challenge?
- A.CJ McCollum
- B.Jonas Valanciunas
- C.Trey Murphy III
- D.Larry Nance Jr
Answer: Larry Nance Jr.
Larry Nance Jr. won the 2023 Skills Challenge while representing New Orleans.
Question 11
Who arrived in New Orleans via a 2022 trade with Portland?
- A.Jose Alvarado
- B.CJ McCollum
- C.Larry Nance Jr.
Answer: CJ McCollum.
CJ McCollum was acquired by New Orleans in a 2022 trade with Portland.
Question 12
The Pelicans hit the draft lottery jackpot twice. In what year did the first of those No. 1 lottery wins happen?
- A.2013
- B.2019
- C.2012
- D.2011
Answer: 2012.
The Pelicans won the first overall pick in the NBA draft lottery twice, in 2012 and 2019.
Question 13
Which Pelicans player won the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
- A.CJ McCollum
- B.Jonas Valanciunas
- C.Trey Murphy III.
- D.Larry Nance Jr.
Answer: Trey Murphy III.
Trey Murphy III won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2025 is a Pelicans player.
Funny New Orleans Pelicans Trivia
13 questions
These funny New Orleans Pelicans trivia questions highlight playful moments, odd facts, and inside jokes.
Question 1
Before 2013 this franchise answered to one bird, and after 2013 it switched to another. What two bird nicknames are we talking about?
Answer: Hornets and Pelicans
The franchise used the Hornets nickname before 2013 and the Pelicans nickname after 2013.
Question 2
Which New Orleans arena character became internet-famous for giving off more haunted-doll energy than cuddle-buddy energy?
Answer: King Cake Baby
King Cake Baby became famous online for looking more spooky than cuddly.
Question 3
In a 2014 mascot storyline, what fictional mishap happened to Pierre the Pelican?
Answer: A beak injury
Pierre the Pelican was given a fictional beak injury in a 2014 mascot storyline.
Question 4
During the 2013 rebranding debate, which team name won the contest against other local-theme possibilities?
Answer: Pelicans
Pelicans was the name that beat out other local-theme possibilities during the 2013 rebranding discussion.
Question 5
On the logo, the pelican is not exactly sitting around politely. How are its wings shown?
Answer: Spread wings
The logo shows a pelican with spread wings for a dramatic pose.
Question 6
What short nickname do fans often use in chants and social posts when the full team name feels like too many syllables for a fast celebration?
Answer: Pels
Fans commonly shorten the team name to 'Pels.'.
Question 7
Pierre's jersey number on some costumes looks like the scoreboard got stuck on double nothing. What number is it?
Answer: 00
Pierre has worn a giant jersey number 00 on some costumes.
Question 8
Why is the Pelicans name extra on-brand for Louisiana beyond just sounding bird-ish?
Answer: It refers to Louisiana's state bird
Louisiana's NBA team is named after a bird that is the state's official bird and can be seen in the wild there.
Question 9
The Pelicans mascot has a first name that sounds less like a shot-blocker and more like someone asking about the daily specials. What's the name?
Answer: Pierre
The club's mascot is called Pierre.
Question 10
Which celebratory phrase from Pelicans fandom sounds like a roster update delivered by a very excited birdwatcher?
Answer: Pels stacked
Fans use bird-themed celebration phrases including 'Pels stacked.'.
Question 11
Among NBA nicknames, Pelicans belongs to a pretty small club because it ties directly to what official state symbol?
Answer: A state bird
Pelicans is one of the few NBA nicknames directly tied to an official U.S. state bird.
Question 12
True or false: before becoming the Pelicans, the franchise already had a different bird-themed nickname.?
Answer: True
Before 2013, the franchise was known is the Hornets, then became the Pelicans after 2013.
Question 13
If the team ever wanted to lean all the way into spooky pastry cinema, which already-famous arena character would be the star?
Answer: King Cake Baby
King Cake Baby became famous online for looking more spooky than cuddly.
Hard New Orleans Pelicans Trivia
14 questions
These hard New Orleans Pelicans trivia questions are for expert fans who want a real challenge.
Question 1
Before Tom Benson purchased the franchise, in what year did NBA ownership of the team begin?
Answer: 2010
The NBA owned the franchise starting in 2010 and continued until Tom Benson bought it in 2012.
Question 2
Which principal owner was responsible for moving the franchise from Charlotte to New Orleans in 2002?
Answer: George Shinn
George Shinn was the principal owner who moved the franchise to New Orleans in 2002.
Question 3
Who was the New Orleans head coach in 2007-08 when the teamās bench boss also earned NBA Coach of the Year honors?
Answer: Byron Scott
Byron Scott coached the 2007-08 team and won NBA Coach of the Year.
Question 4
During the 2007-08 season, which New Orleans star led the entire NBA in both assists and steals?
Answer: Chris Paul
Chris Paul led the league in both assists and steals during the 2007-08 season with New Orleans.
Question 5
Which forward earned his first two All-Star selections while playing for the New Orleans Hornets?
Answer: David West
David West made his first two All-Star teams is a member of the New Orleans Hornets.
Question 6
In what year did the franchise make its deepest playoff run, pushing the Western Conference semifinals to a Game 7?
Answer: 2008
The deepest playoff run came in 2008, when the team reached Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Question 7
Which team ended New Orleansā 2008 playoff run by beating them in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals?
- A.Phoenix Suns
- B.Dallas Mavericks
- C.Spurs
- D.Los Angeles Lakers
Answer: San Antonio Spurs
The 2008 Hornets lost Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals to the San Antonio Spurs.
Question 8
What exact lottery odds did the NBA-controlled New Orleans franchise overcome to land the first overall pick in 2012?
Answer: 13.7%
The franchise won the first pick in 2012 despite having just a 13.7% lottery chance.
Question 9
Who served as New Orleansā general manager from 2010 through 2019?
Answer: Dell Demps
Dell Demps was the franchise's general manager from 2010 to 2019.
Question 10
Which coach led New Orleans from 2010 until 2015, bridging the Hornets-to-Pelicans period?
Answer: Monty Williams
Monty Williams coached New Orleans from 2010 to 2015.
Question 11
Who took over as the Pelicansā head coach in 2015?
Answer: Alvin Gentry
Alvin Gentry became head coach of the Pelicans in 2015.
Question 12
What year did New Orleans hire Willie Green as head coach?
Answer: 2021
Willie Green was hired is head coach in 2021.
Question 13
Anthony Davis was traded away by New Orleans in July 2019, but to which franchise?
Answer: Los Angeles Lakers
The franchise traded Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2019.
Question 14
With the 10th overall pick in 2012, which player did the Pelicans draft?
Answer: Austin Rivers
New Orleans drafted Austin Rivers with the 10th overall pick in 2012.
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