Almost 25 years after the Jazz left for Utah, the NBA returned to New Orleans as the Hornets dissatisfied with Charlotte moved to the Crescent City. Ironically when the Hornets played their first game in New Orleans on October 30th, their opponents were the Utah Jazz.

With Baron Davis scoring 21 points with ten rebounds, it would be a successful debut for the Hornets who won 100-75. The Hornets took a quick liking to their new surrounding as they won their first ten games at home on the way to a 16-7 start.

However, the Hornets would be slowed by a midseason injury to Baron Davis as they went 3-13 from mid-December to mid-January. At the trade deadline, the Hornets would acquire Kenny Anderson from the Seattle Supersonics to help take the pressure off Davis, who was hampered all season with a back injury.

With the added help, the Hornets were able to end the season on a strong note winning seven of their last ten on the way to finishing in second place with a strong record of 47-35. However, just as the playoffs were starting, Baron Davis back would act up again.

Making matters worse, Jamal Mashburn would suffer a dislocated finger in Game 2, as the Philadelphia 76ers raced out to a 3-1 series lead. The Hornets would force a sixth game, but in the end, the injuries to Davis and Mashburn who played but were not 100% would take their toll as the 76ers won in six games.

After the season, the Hornets would stun their fans and most experts by firing Coach Paul Silas.