The clock continues to tick closer and closer to the start of the 2025 NBA season! The New Orleans Pelicans start their season on October 22, on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies, which is now just 23 days away.
As the countdown continues, it has reached a fairly controversial number. Here is the important history of the No. 23 with the Pelicans
Former Pelicans Players Who Wore No. 23
J.R. Smith - 2004-2006
Most fans outside of New Orleans, and even some in it, likely do not remember that he was actually drafted by the Hornets as the No. 18 overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft.
He spent two years with the team and averaged 9.2 points and was mostly a rotational sharpshooter. He was traded to the Chicago Bulls alongside P.J. Brown in exchange for Tyson Chandler in the Summer of 2006.
Devin Brown - 2006-2007, 2008-2009
Brown had three stints with the Pelicans. Over two and a half years, 160 games, he averaged 21.9 minutes, 8.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per night.
Anthony Davis - 2012-2019
Davis has an incredibly contentious history with this franchise. He is, without a doubt, one of the top players that the city has ever seen. The way he departed, however, has left a sour taste in many people's mouths.
The current Dallas Mavericks forward is New Orleans' all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks and much more. One has to wonder just how different his time would be viewed had he thanked the team once he left.
It is very understandable as to why fans don't feel too connected to him, though. He was the first No. 1 overall selection in the team's history and was supposed to be the one to guide them through some rough years.
Rather than doing that, he forced his way out of town by publicly requesting a trade and making it known that he would not sign an extension. His "that's all folks" shirt before his last game will go down in the pettiness Hall of Fame.
Current Pelican Wearing No. 23
Trey Alexander - 2025
In a move that many called disrespectful, the Pelicans gave the No. 23 jersey to Alexander for this year's training camp. No one should have believed that the number would be retired, but the fact that the first person to wear it after Davis is a two-way player rubbed some people the wrong way.
Really, it's a non-factor. Alexander wore the number with the Denver Nuggets as a rookie last season. He played just five minutes a night over 24 games last year and will be fighting for a roster spot this time around.