The New Orleans Pelicans history goes back to 2002, making them one of the newer teams in the NBA. They have still had their fair share of elite basketball talent pass through the city, however.
Bleacher Report's Dan Favale and Grant Hughes recently collaborated to put together Mt. Rushmores for every NBA team.
While the Pelicans have not won a championship nor retired one of their own player's numbers, there is a clear group of former (and possibly current) stars that could be included. This is the list that Hughes came up with:
1. Chris Paul
2. Anthony Davis
3. David West
4. Zion Williamson
This is a mostly succinct list, as there is only one spot on it that is really debatable and that would Zion Williamson taking the last spot.
The discussion about the top spot starts and ends with Paul, even if he didn't have the cleanest close to his tenure (that will be a theme on this list). He was the franchise's first star player, brought them to the playoffs for the first time and is one of the greatest point guards in the history of basketball.
Davis also had a contentious end to his time in New Orleans, but it is impossible to argue that he doesn't belong on this list. He is first all-time in many categories, including points. He is the best defensive player in the history of the Pelicans.
Davis and Paul are the only two players who will certainly end up in the Basketball Hall of Fame, though neither will entire in New Orleans gear.
West's spot on this list is also inarguable. He has played, by far, the most games in team history at 530. He is a two-time All-Star and one of the most underrated forwards since the turn of the millennium.
As good as Williamson is at the sport of basketball, it is hard to put him on the Mt. Rushmore for now. The six years since being drafted with the No. 1 overall pick have been injury-riddled and full of drama.
In a perfect world, Williamson certainly finds himself in the conversation. 214 games over six seasons simply won't get it done.
The last spot on Rushmore should likely go to Jrue Holiday. Holiday was a fan-favorite through the very rough years of the franchise. He was on many losing teams, but still put forth incredible effort.
Even since leaving the team, no one in New Orleans has stopped rooting for the guard to win. He remains a favorite in the hearts of fans and should still be recognized as one of the team's best players of all time.