At Only 35YO, Hornets New VP Wants To Rewrite Michael Jordan’s Legacy: “Put My Head Down”

Michael Jordan had arguably the most iconic and legendary career in the NBA. However, the same can’t be said about his tenure post-retirement as an executive and co-owner. At the time, Black Jesus helmed the majority stake at the franchise with his winning legacy behind him. In Jordan’s 17 seasons with the Hornets, he saw 600 losses and only three playoff appearances.

In the end, unfortunately, MJ sold his stake in the Hornets last year, signaling the end of an era. This prompted a franchise rebuild, and the management is trying very hard to step away from the shadow of MJ’s tenure. The appointment of Jeff Peterson as their new executive VP of Basketball Operations is a step in this new direction.

At just the age of 35, the dynamic former assistant general Manager for the Brooklyn Nets, Peterson was behind the Brooklyn Big Three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Peterson recently made an appearance on the latest episode of the ‘Woj Pod’. When asked about his rise to the top so quickly, the Charlotte Hornets executive VP of Basketball Operations said, he said, “It was never a goal of mine, quite frankly. I just kinda took the approach of ‘put my head down and keep working’. Help the team I was on that day, do whatever I could.”

Jeff Peterson was also asked how he would enhance the former Michael Jordan franchise when he just has 21 games left in the season and if he has a priority list. To this, Peterson replied, “I wake up every morning now, and sometimes, again, it’s still a bit surreal, and I have to shift that lens, like, wait, no, these are the things that I have to get accomplished today.” He also emphasized that he knows he can’t do it all alone, and is also keen on building great staff support.

This is the mentality that led Peterson from an intern at the Atlanta Hawks to where he is now. The Charlotte Hornets can only hope that he will end the playoff drought that MJ fell short of. But, work ethic wasn’t a problem for Michael Jordan, who is known as one of the biggest workaholics in the world. So what went wrong?

ALSO READ – Michael Jordan Sees Further $750,000,000 Growth; Remains Untouchable to Fellow Billionaire LeBron James

An Analysis of the Shortfalls of the Charlotte Hornets under Michael Jordan

Skeptics of the Michael Jordan tenure in Charlotte might draw parallels with his time at the Washington Wizards. While his playing career there was underrated, his executive decisions were questionable. Overshadowed by the infamous Kwame Brown pick, his stint in Washington raised concerns. Transitioning to Charlotte in 2006, he faced challenges with an expansion team.

Despite occasional glimmers of hope, including a playoff appearance, Jordan’s management struggled. The 2010-2011 season marked a regression, and subsequent drafts reflected missed opportunities and poor decisions. Charlotte’s misfortunes, compounded by Jordan’s choices, defined his time as an executive. So do you think Peterson can take the Hornetts where Michael Jordan could not? Let us know in the comments down below.

ALSO READ – Michael Jordan’s One Advice Destroyed NBA Veteran’s Misconception: “Scored 50 on the Memphis…”