6 Basketball Players who Played for Pelicans and Kings
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 Sacramento Kings.
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 Kings.
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)
Peja Stojakovic
Peja Stojakovic was an integral part of the Kings team that was a perennial playoff contender in the early 2000s. His scoring ability, shooting touch, and off-ball movement made him a key weapon in the Kings’ high-powered offense, complementing Chris Webber’s versatile inside game and Vlade Divac’s passing ability.
During his NBA career, Stojaković was a three-time All-Star, and he won the NBA Three-Point Contest twice. His 2002-03 season was his best, as he averaged 24.2 points per game and finished fourth in MVP voting. He won an NBA Championship in 2011 with the Mavericks, providing valuable shooting off the bench during the team’s playoff run.
Stojaković also had a successful international career. He won gold medals with the Yugoslavian national team at the 2001 FIBA European Championship and the 2002 FIBA World Championship.
Stojakovic Key Stats
- All-NBA (Kings)
- All-Star (Kings)
- NBA Championship (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Kings)
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.
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.
Omri Casspi
Omri Casspi’s journey to the NBA began when he was selected 23rd overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2009 NBA Draft. In his debut season, Casspi showcased his offensive talent, earning a spot in the NBA’s Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star weekend.
Throughout his NBA career, Casspi played for various teams, including the Kings, Cavaliers, Rockets, Pelicans, Timberwolves, Warriors, and Grizzlies. While he was primarily utilized as a role player, Casspi was known for his three-point shooting, basketball IQ, and hustle on the court.
Beyond the NBA, Casspi was a key player for the Israeli national team, representing his country in multiple FIBA tournaments and European Championships. His commitment to the growth of basketball in Israel and his trailblazing journey in the NBA has made him an icon in Israeli sports.
