NBA Team Names: Better/Worse than Pelicans

There's always someone trying to come up with special shortened nicknames for Pelicans. Could roll with something outside the box. Like Bayou Bengals.

Hell Birds?

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Originally Posted by da ThRONe

Maybe. But I think we can agree that the Hornets was a global brand. So many places I go not even New Orleans I see the Hornets brand being wore.

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Who's to say The Pelicans won't be the same way after 20+ years of existence?

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Originally Posted by WhoDatPelican

Who's to say The Pelicans won't be the same way after 20+ years of existence?

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"BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE THE NAME!" - Everyone who doesn't like the name

Some of the Charlotte fans seem to care more about merchandise sales than they do about the team on the court.

Charlotte might not have a basketball team in the next 20 years, since that number is getting thrown around.

Should've named the team pistols in honor of the great pistol Pete.

New Orleans Pistols.

New Orleans Witchers!!! Its perfect!!!

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Originally Posted by NOLa.

Charlotte might not have a basketball team in the next 20 years, since that number is getting thrown around.

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Are you kidding me? Merchandise sales are going to save them.

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Originally Posted by BLT23

Should've named the team pistols in honor of the great pistol Pete.

New Orleans Pistols.

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If the league doesn't want Bullets I don't know if they'd want Pistols.

When I see people wearing Pelicans gear I get the feeling of "wow, people are really embracing this brand". They may not be embracing the name, I don't know because most of the people I see wearing the stuff I don't go up to and start a conversation so I don't know their thoughts on the name. I was even like 'wow' when I saw Trombone Shorty's bassist wear it during Jazz Fest this year.

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Originally Posted by FlyGirl

If the league doesn't want Bullets I don't know if they'd want Pistols.

When I see people wearing Pelicans gear I get the feeling of "wow, people are really embracing this brand". They may not be embracing the name, I don't know because most of the people I see wearing the stuff I don't go up to and start a conversation so I don't know they're thoughts on the name. I was even like 'wow' when I saw Trombone Shorty's bassist wear it during Jazz Fest this year.

[IMG]http://media.wwltv.com/images/396*264/trombone+shorty+jazz+fest-4189.jpg[/IMG]

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To be fair the logo is much more menacing than the name. It looks cool as heall

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Originally Posted by FlyGirl

If the league doesn't want Bullets I don't know if they'd want Pistols.

When I see people wearing Pelicans gear I get the feeling of "wow, people are really embracing this brand". They may not be embracing the name, I don't know because most of the people I see wearing the stuff I don't go up to and start a conversation so I don't know their thoughts on the name. I was even like 'wow' when I saw Trombone Shorty's bassist wear it during Jazz Fest this year.

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That's definitely true. I see hats and shirts all around the city. Honestly more than I saw Hornets gear.

^^Right. When I see people wearing the gear I'm happy about it. I'm happy because even if they don't like the name, they like the gear. Remember when we heard what the official name would be? Most were like "the name sucks so the gear and logo better be bad ***". Well, it kinda is. Now, let's win some games! LOL.

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Originally Posted by JJackisangry

To be fair the logo is much more menacing than the name. It looks cool as heall

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It is and it does. LOL.

I've read where some people have said "the Pelican isn't even a tough bird". Oh, like a Blue Jay or a Cardinal are tough birds. People might not like the name, but don't be ignorant.

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Originally Posted by FlyGirl

It is and it does. LOL.

I've read where some people have said "the Pelican isn't even a tough bird". Oh, like a Blue Jay or a Cardinal are tough birds. People might not like the name, but don't be ignorant.

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They are sexier birds, but by no means are they scarier.

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Originally Posted by FlyGirl

I've read where some people have said "the Pelican isn't even a tough bird". Oh, like a Blue Jay or a Cardinal are tough birds. People might not like the name, but don't be ignorant.

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Lol that argument is always fun because its so stupid. Lets think for a minute the tough/scary/intimidating NBA mascots.

The Raptors. Holy **** its a dinosaur! Look out!
The Grizz. OMG It's a BEAR!!!
T-Wolves. Did you hear that? I think i heard howling?!? RUN!
Bucks. Get out the way thats one pissed off Deer!

I'm skeered.

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Originally Posted by JJackisangry

They are sexier birds, but by no means are they scarier.

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Definitely not scarier. I think we all know what a Pelican would do to a Cardinal or Blue Jay if given the chance. :hihi:

Thread was great. Would read again.

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Originally Posted by da ThRONe

I think that most people that were against the name feel fighting it is useless. I still strongly dislike the name and it's top 3 worse names in the league if not the worst. However Benson did what he had the right to do. Pelicans really isn't exclusive to New Orleans and it's still as awkward saying as the day it 1st was mentioned.

We have a team that's better than not. That's all that counts in the end.

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Yeah because Heat is exclusive to Miami or Thunder is exclusive in Oklahoma City. The name doesn't have to be exclusive to anything. It's just the name of the team that's here.

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Originally Posted by WhoDatPelican

Who's to say The Pelicans won't be the same way after 20+ years of existence?

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Who's saying it can't? We know that it has received a ton of mocking. Could it go from being mocked to being marketable sure. IMO it's not likely though.

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Originally Posted by da ThRONe

Who's saying it can't? We know that it has received a ton of mocking. Could it go from being mocked to being marketable sure. IMO it's not likely though.

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sigh.... ok. Lets say the Hornets never existed as a franchise and we changed our name from The Pelicans to The Hornets. Do you honestly think the response would have been any different?
I think not.
Hell...If we would have changed the name to The Saints (in this hypothetical example The Saints NFL team doesnt exist) it would have been mocked as well.
The Saints?!?! WTF is that? What are they gonna do? Pray to win a game!? LOL What a turrible name...
yea.

I just hope ESPN gets all the lameass corny "The Pelicans, yes the Pelicans" hurr hurr derp derp out of their system.

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Originally Posted by RealPelicans Fan

Yeah because Heat is exclusive to Miami or Thunder is exclusive in Oklahoma City. The name doesn't have to be exclusive to anything. It's just the name of the team that's here.

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People indeed try to use the relevance of the bird to the city when trying to justify choosing the name. So while there's no actual criteria for naming a sports franchise that's the one that was given.

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Originally Posted by JJackisangry

I just hope ESPN gets all the lameass corny "The Pelicans, yes the Pelicans" hurr hurr derp derp out of their system.

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They will when Stern hands AD the Larry O'Brien Trophy YEAH THAT'S RIGHT I SAID IT

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Originally Posted by da ThRONe

People indeed try to use the relevance of the bird to the city when trying to justify choosing the name. So while there's no actual criteria for naming a sports franchise that ones one that was given.

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But the bird IS significant. It's the state bird. It is linked to the gulf coast restoration. Just because it isn't ONLY IN THIS AREA OF THE COUNTRY doesn't mean it isn't significant to our region.

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Originally Posted by WhoDatPelican

sigh.... ok. Lets say the Hornets never existed as a franchise and we changed our name from The Pelicans to The Hornets. Do you honestly think the response would have been any different?
I think not.
Hell...If we would have changed the name to The Saints (in this hypothetical example The Saints NFL team doesnt exist) it would have been mocked as well.
The Saints?!?! WTF is that? What are they gonna do? Pray to win a game!? LOL What a turrible name...
yea.

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People would've been like "OMG, what are they going to do, sting the opponent to death??!!" Chuckle, chuckle, hardy har har.

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Originally Posted by The JNR

But the bird IS significant. It's the state bird. It is linked to the gulf coast restoration. Just because it isn't ONLY IN THIS AREA OF THE COUNTRY doesn't mean it isn't significant to our region.

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I said to the city specifically. The region yes but again that spans from Florida to Texas.

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Originally Posted by FlyGirl

People would've been like "OMG, what are they going to do, sting the opponent to death??!!" Chuckle, chuckle, hardy har har.

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I agree whole hardly here. Ridiculing the nature of the object itself is completely off based and pointless.

ESPN would have preferably named us the "New Orleans Small Markets." They don't give a poop about our name unless they can tell unintelligent jokes about it.

Pelicans really isn't that bad.

I wanted them to be named Domino but its done now. Plus, the colors and logos are badass.

Also, I've seen people I know who never wore Hornets gear already rocking Pels merchandise and they haven't even played a game yet.

RT @ZachLowe_NBA: OK, New Orleans fans: Pitch me suggestions, w/ some reasoning, for a short-hand nickname other than "Pellies."

Pels is what i've been saying. Seems good. Pellies..eeeehh i dunno reminds me of a dogs name.

Ummmmmm.... Thanks?

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Originally Posted by The JNR

Thanks Dr. Phil.

But I always think in relativity and perspective. Comparison is the basis of the sports world. And if you don't, maybe you're just stronger than me. Kudos on being so strong-willed.

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Agreed, bit not just in sports. Life as well.

Everything is relative, it's what gives logical people perspective. Hard-headed people don't understand this concept.

Some people are never satisfied unless something meets their standards/criteria perfectly. When your the person who's livelihood depends on whether this name hits out of the park or not then whine about it but, until then what's the point? Because you don't like it? Some people will though, if they changed it to something you like, some people won't like that neither. Soooo....:banghead:

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Originally Posted by wuggie

Some people are never satisfied unless something meets their standards/criteria perfectly. When your the person who's livelihood depends on whether this name hits out of the park or not then whine about it but, until then what's the point? Because you don't like it? Some people will though, if they changed it to something you like, some people won't like that neither. Soooo....:banghead:

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But...but...but I'm the most important person in the world! My opinion is the only one that matters!

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Originally Posted by The JNR

But...but...but I'm the most important person in the world! My opinion is the only one that matters!

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Man...what am I supposed to do with mine then :(

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Originally Posted by GameBreaker

Agreed, bit not just in sports. Life as well.

Everything is relative, it's what gives logical people perspective. Hard-headed people don't understand this concept.

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We're talking about personal taste. Why should your personal taste be impacted by another's opinion? Either you like some thing or you don't. Your personal taste may change over time, but using somebody else's personal taste to justify your own isn't perspective it's weakness.

It goes back to the old cliché "If so and so jump off a bridge would you?". Again this isn't an attempt to deter anybody from liking the name or even having it grow on them. This is solely directed at the logic that a bad name is "OK" because other teams may have equally bad names.

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Originally Posted by Jackaveli

RT @ZachLowe_NBA: OK, New Orleans fans: Pitch me suggestions, w/ some reasoning, for a short-hand nickname other than "Pellies."

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Pels

In response to Lowe's tweet I saw the Bills. That wouldn't be bad.

Also what about just the Birds?
Scoops?
You can also put "Dem" in front of it of course lol

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Originally Posted by NOLa.

Pels

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You're tweeting wrong.

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Originally Posted by Soundwave

You're tweeting wrong.

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I'm such a twit.

Joel Meyers officially dubbed us the "Pels" as a nickname when we first released the brand. He must have said "Go Pels" like 100 times!

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Originally Posted by nolaslim213

Joel Meyers officially dubbed us the "Pels" as a nickname when we first released the brand. He must have said "Go Pels" like 100 times!

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Oh yeahh, he seems to be the number 1 fan behind the name.

During the last season of the minor league New Orleans Pelicans in 1977 the team had "Pels" in script across its hats.

The old franchise was commonly referred to as the Pels.

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Originally Posted by BLT23

Because they're better names than the pelicans.

Money talks. And I don't see pelicans being successful in terms of merchandise sales.. so in 2-3 years I see the team giving it up.

I do love the logo though....

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It is completely and utterly laughable to think this. They aren't changing the name again. This is it. Deal with it.

I'll bet you 1000 dollars, right now, that the team name is still "Pelicans" in 3-5 years. With the one caveat being the team is, presumably, still in New Orleans.

Heck I'll give you odds. You give me 500 if it is, I'll give you 1000 if it isn't.

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Originally Posted by Jackaveli

RT @ZachLowe_NBA: OK, New Orleans fans: Pitch me suggestions, w/ some reasoning, for a short-hand nickname other than "Pellies."

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Badass MF birds

http://p.twimg.com/Aq1uUOoCQAAXJfP.jpg:large

I thought the rebrand talk was OVER.......... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

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Originally Posted by IamQuailman

I thought the rebrand talk was OVER.......... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

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Originally Posted by da ThRONe

I said to the city specifically. The region yes but again that spans from Florida to Texas.

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while the Pelican is our state bird... is on our license plates... is on our state flag... on our state buildings... you're right... it's a bird that is seen all along the gulf coast


and you know what... that's a good thing. that'll help the team reach out to new fans in Mississippi... in Alabama... in the Florida panhandle... maybe we can even get a few Rockets fans to turn in East Texas. when you're a regional brand (like a team is... you try to fill seats in the building in your home city) regional reach is a very, very good thing when you're running a business

sure merchandise sales (locally, nationally, internationally) is a big thing... but that's where an excellent logo (or set of logos) comes in. and I think we all agree we have 1. as others have said... Pelicans gear is selling

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Originally Posted by Zombiewoof

Pelicans is original and a badass bird. Good name that will grow on others in time.

The team names I dislike in any sport are the singular names like Heat, Magic, Thunder, Storm, Mercury and yes, Jazz. Jazz was OK when it was in New Orleans, but if it were the Memphis Jazz or St. Louis Jazz, I wouldn't have liked it at all.

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I thought I was the only one who didn't care much for the Jazz name. It's a musical genre. Woop-de-doo. I didn't like the Pelicans name at first, and I still kinda don't, but out of all the nics I heard, Pelicans turned out to be the best in the end. Well, logo-wise, I think it ended up being the best. I would rather the pelican at the center of the court than skull and bones with a top hat (Voodoo), a musical note (Jazz), or a pair of beads/Mardi Gras masks (Krewe).

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Originally Posted by BLT23

I love my team but pelicans is still the worst name in sports...its not smooth to say, and my prediction is in a couple of years they change the name again. You can't even say let's go pelicans! Without feeling awkward saying it.

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You can always say Let's Go NOLA instead or just not use that chant. I've seen people using Squad Up, which I actually like and hope catches on like Who Dat. People on NBATV have been saying, "Fly Pelicans Fly" a lot. Okay that one is amusing, but it still doesn't sound as clumsy as Let's go Pelicans.