9 Basketball Players who Played for Pelicans and Bucks
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Pelicans and the Bucks.
Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday was drafted 17th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2009 NBA Draft. During his tenure with the 76ers, he quickly evolved into one of the team’s key players. His growth was highlighted during the 2012-2013 season when he earned his first NBA All-Star selection.
In 2013, Holiday was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he further solidified his reputation as a top-tier guard. His leadership and performance in New Orleans were instrumental in several playoff appearances for the team.
In 2020, Holiday was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. His impact was immediately felt, as he provided the Bucks with a dynamic two-way presence alongside stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. The trio played a pivotal role in leading the Bucks to an NBA Championship in 2021.
Holiday Key Stats
- All-Star (76ers, Bucks)
- NBA Championship (Bucks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pelicans)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (76ers, Pelicans, Bucks)
DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins, often known by his nickname “Boogie,” is known for his versatile skills and physicality in the center position. He was selected with the 5th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Kings.
In Sacramento, Cousins quickly became one of the NBA’s top big men, displaying a unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. His time with the Kings was characterized by impressive statistical production, but the team struggled to find consistent success.
In 2017, Cousins was traded to the Pelicans where he continued his strong play. However, his time in New Orleans was cut short due to a severe Achilles tendon injury. After his injury, Cousins has had stints with multiple teams over the past few seasons but hasn’t been able to replicate his early career success.
Cousins Key Stats
- All-Star (Kings, Pelicans)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Kings, Pelicans)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Kings, Pelicans)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pelicans)
Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe has made his name as a strong and agile point guard. He was picked 18th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder but was promptly traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
During his time with the Clippers, Bledsoe was often used as a backup to All-Star Chris Paul, showing promise with his athleticism and defensive prowess. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2013 where he became a full-time starter and had a chance to show his scoring ability, averaging almost 19 points per game during his tenure with the Suns.
In 2017, Bledsoe was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he fit well in the team’s high-tempo, defensive-minded system. His contributions helped the Bucks achieve the best record in the NBA for the 2018-19 season and reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
Bledsoe Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Suns)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Suns, Bucks)
Garrett Temple
Garrett Temple was undrafted out of LSU in the 2009 NBA Draft but worked his way into the league and has developed an impressive 13-year career as a journeyman.
He has played for multiple NBA teams (11 in total), including the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. His role has primarily been as a defensive specialist and a veteran presence in the locker room.
He’s been a key contributor on many of the teams he’s played on and has even started in almost 300 games in his career.
J.J. Redick
J.J. Redick, a 6’4″ shooting guard, enjoyed a successful NBA career from 2006 to 2021, earning a reputation as one of the best three-point shooters in the game.
Coming out of Duke University as a decorated player, Redick was selected 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2006 NBA Draft. It took him a few seasons to find his stride, but once he did, he became a valuable contributor due to his exceptional shooting skills.
Redick’s career saw him play for the Magic, Bucks, Clippers, 76ers, Pelicans, and Mavericks. He retired with a career average of 12.8 points per game, and an impressive three-point percentage of 41.5%.
Desmond Mason
Desmond Mason was selected 17th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2000 NBA Draft. Quickly demonstrating his potential, he became an integral part of the SuperSonics’ rotation. Mason’s athletic prowess was fully showcased in 2001 when he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Throughout his NBA tenure, Mason played for several teams, including the Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Sacramento Kings.
While primarily celebrated for his dunks, Mason was also a dependable two-way player who provided teams with solid defense and consistent scoring.
Robin Lopez
Robin Lopez was selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2008 NBA Draft. In his early career with the Suns, Lopez provided reliable depth at the center position, known for his rim protection and rebounding.
His time in Phoenix was followed by a successful stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he became a full-time starter and was appreciated for his defensive efforts and hard screens.
Lopez then had brief but impactful spells with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks, providing a steady inside presence and veteran leadership. In recent years, Lopez has continued to bounce around with multiple teams with varied levels of success.
Christian Wood
Christian Wood is a player known for his rebounding and scoring ability. He went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft after playing college basketball at UNLV.
Wood has bounced around several NBA teams (7 in total) and G League affiliates in his career, including stints with the 76ers, Hornets, and Bucks. He finally found a more permanent role with the Detroit Pistons in the 2019-2020 season, where his performances began to turn heads around the league.
In the 2020 offseason, Wood signed with the Houston Rockets. He immediately became one of the team’s top performers, showcasing his offensive skills and rebounding prowess.
Wood Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Rockets)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Rockets)
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
