New Orleans Hornets Reportedly Changing Nickname to Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans. Go ahead and get used to that.

It may sound odd now, but in just a year's time, Anthony Davis could be a star Pelican.

The news comes from Yahoo! Sports' Marc J. Spears:

"

The New Orleans Hornets are expected to change their nickname to the Pelicans as early as the 2013-14 season, numerous sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Hornets planned to change their nickname since Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints, purchased the team on April 14. Benson also owns the rights to the nickname Pelicans.

The Hornets also considered the nicknames Krewe (groups of costumed paraders in the annual Mardi Gras carnival in New Orleans) and Brass.

"

It makes sense. New Orleans took over Charlotte's franchise back in 2002 and inherited the Hornets name. It has never truly been their own name and from the sound of the suggestions, Tom Benson and company are looking to change that. Pelican, Krewe and Brass all have significant meanings in Louisiana's rich culture. 

And while I personally think Krewe and Brass would serve as the much cooler route, it's pretty obvious why they would go with the Pelicans.

According to that thing they call Google, Louisiana's state nickname, among others, is the Pelican State, while the state bird is the brown pelican.

Finally, the state flag has a pelican on it. 

So, while a Pelican doesn't exactly strike fear into the hearts of opponents, it's at least a name that will make sense, which is certainly more than we can say for plenty of other teams. 

Moreover, according to Yahoo!'s report, this potential change could possibly open the door for the Charlotte Bobcats to get their old nickname back.

Follow @t_keen