10 Basketball Players who Played for Pelicans and Clippers
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 LA Clippers.
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 Clippers.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul was drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA Draft and quickly became one of the league’s top point guards. Paul was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2006.
Paul is well-known for his scoring ability, quickness, and exceptional skills as a playmaker. He’s led the NBA in assists 6 times, and his career has been highlighted by twelve All-Star selections. He’s also been recognized for his defensive skills (9x All-Defensive Team), leading the league in steals per game multiple times.
In addition to his time with the Hornets, Paul has played for the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Phoenix Suns. Each time, he’s left a significant impact, particularly celebrated for his leadership qualities on and off the court.
Paul Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Pelicans)
- All-Star (Pelicans, Clippers, Thunder, Suns)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pelicans)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pelicans, Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Suns)
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)
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%.
Josh Smith
Josh Smith is most recognized for his stint with the Atlanta Hawks from 2004 to 2013. Known for his shot-blocking and dunking abilities, he averaged 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game during his time with the Hawks.
Smith even earned himself a place on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2010.
However, his subsequent career with the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers, as well as the Sichuan Blue Whales in China, was marred by inconsistencies and shooting struggles.
Nate Robinson
Nate Robinson was selected 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2005 NBA Draft but was promptly traded to the New York Knicks. With the Knicks, he quickly became a fan favorite due to his energetic plays and ability to score against much taller opponents.
His time in New York showcased his talents, and Robinson became a three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion in 2006, 2009, and 2010.
Throughout his NBA career, Robinson played for multiple teams (8 in total), including the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and Denver Nuggets, among others. Regardless of the team, his fearless approach and knack for making big plays in crucial moments remained consistent.
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)
Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 21st pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, but was immediately traded to the Boston Celtics. He quickly became a starter and vital component for the Celtics, helping them win the NBA championship in 2008 alongside the “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.
Rondo led the NBA in assists per game three times (2012, 2013, and 2016), and he’s recognized for his playoff performances, stepping up his game significantly in the postseason.
Rondo played for the Celtics until 2014, and since then he has had stints with the Mavericks, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans, Lakers, and Hawks. His second NBA Championship came in 2020 with the Lakers, where his veteran experience and leadership proved pivotal.
Rondo Key Stats
- All-NBA (Celtics)
- All-Star (Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Celtics, Lakers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Celtics, Kings, Bulls, Pelicans)
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.
Lance Stephenson
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, Lance Stephenson spent the first four seasons of his career in Indiana. His best season came in 2013-14 when he averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, and led the NBA in triple-doubles (5).
He was a significant contributor to the Pacers teams that made back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014.
Stephenson later played for several other teams, including the Hornets, Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Lakers. Despite bouncing around the league, his dynamic playstyle and sometimes flamboyant on-court antics have made him a memorable figure in the NBA.
Al-Farouq Aminu
Al-Farouq Aminu was a player known for his defensive versatility and ability to impact games on both ends of the floor. His combination of size and athleticism made him a valuable player for several NBA teams, as he could guard multiple positions and contribute to rebounding.
Aminu played his collegiate basketball at Wake Forest University, where he garnered attention for his defensive prowess and all-around game. Recognizing his potential, he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 8th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.
Throughout his NBA career, Aminu played for various teams, including the Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic. During his tenure with the Trail Blazers, Aminu played a crucial role, especially on the defensive end, and was an integral part of the team’s deep playoff runs.
