10 Basketball Players who Played for Pelicans and Rockets
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 Houston Rockets.
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 Rockets.
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)
Tyson Chandler
Tyson Chandler was renowned for his rebounding and defensive skills. Drafted straight out of high school as the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2001 NBA draft, Chandler was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he spent his first five seasons.
He moved to the Dallas Mavericks in 2010, where he won the NBA Championship in 2011. His exceptional performance earned him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award the following season.
Throughout his career, Chandler played for several NBA teams (8 in total) including the Knicks, Suns, Lakers and Rockets. Known for his tenacity on defense and ability to protect the rim, he also had significant success on the international stage, winning a gold medal with Team USA in the 2012 London Olympics.
Chandler Key Stats
- All-NBA (Knicks)
- All-Star (Knicks)
- NBA Championship (Mavericks)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pelicans, Knicks, Mavericks, Suns)
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)
David Wesley
David Wesley began his professional career in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) after going undrafted in 1992. However, his talent and grit soon caught the eyes of the NBA scouts. He made his debut with the New Jersey Nets, and it didn’t take long for him to prove that he belonged in the NBA.
The bulk of Wesley’s career was spent with the Charlotte Hornets (later New Orleans), where he played from 1997 to 2005. In Charlotte, Wesley established himself as a reliable guard, capable of both scoring and playmaking. His backcourt partnership with Baron Davis is well remembered by Hornets’ fans.
After his stint with the Hornets, Wesley also played for the Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Over his NBA career, he was known for his consistency, tenacity, and leadership both on and off the court.
Wesley Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Celtics, Hornets)
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.
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.
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.
James Posey
Selected 18th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1999 NBA Draft, James Posey’s journey in the league spanned a decade, playing for multiple teams and earning a reputation as a reliable “3-and-D” player before the term became widely popular.
The highlight of Posey’s career came during his stints with the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. In Miami, he played a pivotal role in the Heat’s 2006 championship run alongside stars like Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal.
As a key reserve for Boston, Posey provided crucial defensive stops and timely three-point shooting, helping the Celtics secure the 2008 NBA Championship. His ability to contribute significantly to two different championship teams attests to his value as a player who could impact games without necessarily being in the spotlight.
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)
