Bill Simmons: ‘I’m not sure’ New Orleans should have NBA team

Bill Simmons has been outspoken about keeping the Trail Blazers in Portland. He doesn’t feel quite the same way about the Pelicans remaining in New Orleans.

Speaking with former Pelicans reporter Justin Verrier on “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Simmons questioned whether New Orleans has ever shown that it can support a successful NBA franchise.

“We still don’t have evidence that the NBA works in New Orleans,” Simmons said. “You could blame the owners. You could blame the city. It’s not a big enough market, whatever you want to say, but it’s just never worked.”

Simmons noted that New Orleans has had multiple opportunities with professional basketball. The Jazz played there from 1974-79 before moving to Utah. The current franchise arrived from Charlotte in 2002, temporarily played in Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina and returned in 2007.

“I don’t think this franchise has ever been successful there,” Simmons said. “There’s nothing you can point to and be like, ‘See, for those three years, that’s when it was kicking ass.’ It’s just never worked.”

The Pelicans have made the playoffs nine times in 22 seasons, winning two series. They have never reached the Western Conference finals.

Simmons contrasted New Orleans with Portland and Memphis. He argued that the Blazers have a long history and deep connection with their market, while the Grizzlies have become ingrained in Memphis despite its size. New Orleans, he said, is different.

“I’m not sure they should have an NBA team,” Simmons said. “New Orleans would be the one I think you have to look at, unfortunately.”

To be clear, Simmons wasn’t reporting that the Pelicans are considering relocation.

He was arguing that if the NBA is going to question whether one of its markets works, New Orleans should receive more scrutiny than Portland.