The New Orleans Hornets were a professional basketball team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They were established in 2002 as part of the NBA and played their home games at the Smoothie King Center. The team was known for its vibrant colors and mascot, Hugo the Hornet. In 2013, the franchise changed its name to the New Orleans Pelicans to better reflect the local culture and environment. The Hornets had notable players like Chris Paul and made several playoff appearances during their time in New Orleans, contributing to the city's sports history.