On the most recent episode of The Bird Calls podcast, a listener — Wiliam C. Smith (@wcs21usn on Twitter) — asked Preston Ellis, Oleh Kosel, David Grubb and myself if we could add any former Pelican/Hornet to this current roster who would it be and why. Without hesitation I spit out 2002-03 Jamal Mashburn.
Mashburn’s tenure in New Orleans was so sadly abrupt. He totaled 105 games in two seasons including just 19 contests in that second campaign. Plagued by injuries for most of his career, he probably succumbed to the insane workload he had in 2002-03: 40+ minutes per game and playing all 82 and all 4 playoff games that season.