New Orleans Hornets Changing Name To Pelicans

Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the New Orleans Hornets will be changing their name to the Pelicans as early as next season.

Yahoo! is also reporting that the potential team names of the Krewe and Brass were also considered.

Louisiana is the Pelican State and features the bird on the state flag and seal.

The Hornets moved to New Orleans from Charlotte in 2002, giving the city its first NBA team since the Jazz moved to Utah in 1979.

The Hornets spent the 2005-06 and 06-07 seasons in Oklahoma City following the devastation from Hurricane Katrina.

Rumors are that the Charlotte Bobcats ownership has interest in returning the nickname to its rightful place and Bobcats owner Michael Jordan said he would consider bringing it back if it ever became available.