NBA: New Orleans Pelicans

"The New Orleans Hornets plan to announce the official change of their nickname to the Pelicans and unveil their new colors and logo during a news conference Thursday, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Hornets will have a new look next season. (USA TODAY Sports)The new nickname, colors and logo will be used during the 2013-14 season. The colors will be blue, gold and red. Yahoo! Sports first reported the expected change Dec. 4. The Hornets had been expected to change their identity since being purchased by Tom Benson on April 14."

From Yahoo Sports

We've all heard of Michael Jordan's once charging Chicago Bulls, of the dynasty that could have been if Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady brought a championship to the fast and lethal Toronto Raptors, but for the New Orleans Hornets to change their name to the New Orleans Pelicans, to me, makes no sense.

Perhaps if I research about the Pelican, I might find distinguishing and redeeming qualities that might give light to why the new owner of the team wants to change its name. Here's what I found out about Pelicans so far:

• they often hunt cooperatively
• relationship between pelicans and people has often been contentious... they have suffered from habitat destruction, disturbance and environmental pollution, and three species are of conservation concern
• in ancient Egyptian walls, it was a protective symbol against snakes
• the pelican was thought to be particularly attentive to her young, to the point of providing her own blood by wounding her own breast when no other food was available... as a result, the pelican came to symbolize the Passion of Jesus

So a little bit of research will bring up the qualities of an animal that thrives on teamwork, an animal that fights for survival, an animal that protects, and an animal that symbolizes self-sacrifice. These are traits that are admirable if you think about it. And perhaps the owner wanted fans to think and broaden their imagination.

Still, from a passionate standpoint, I don't think the Pelican is as exciting as a charging bull or a slashing raptor. But name changes are commonly made whenever a team or a company is changing leadership or direction. Can Eric Gordon and Robin Lopez take this newly named team to the next level? Or will the drastic change in name also signify a drastic change in roster in order to build up a team that can live up to the symbolism of the Pelican? That, remains to be seen in the years to come.