Normally, new ownership in the NBA brings fortune to a team. Mark Cuban turned the Mavericks on to a winning path just as he took over the team in 2000. Then, Steve Ballmer followed suit and helped the Clippers get better. But Michael Jordan failed to do the same for the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets).
This is not to suggest that MJ is not trying. True, he has had a tough time picking valuable drafts, but he is trying to involve himself more with the team. Even last year, the world saw the Bulls legend showing up to watch multiple Spectrum Center games. And now, he is again making a point in the offseason.
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Michael Jordan keeping a close eye on the Hornets
Recently, the 6x NBA Champion showed up at a Hornets workout session. He was wearing the all-red as if it was to take the feel of his Bulls days where he would intimidate his fellow teammates with demanding practice sessions.
In the last 11 seasons, the Hornets qualified for the playoffs just twice and got eliminated in the first round on both occasions. So now, they’d want to bring something for their owner to feel proud.
Michael Jordan at a recent Hornets workout. 🐐
(via triggshotit__/IG) pic.twitter.com/YQ9XfsHEAr
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 20, 2021
The upcoming preseason of the Hornets begins with an October 5 game against the Magic. Then, they’ll play three more games to finally begin the regular season against the Pacers and later meet their toughest test against the Nets (Oct 25th).
So it’s really good for them to have Air Jordan taking time to keep an eye on their practice. Coach James Borrego would not mind having a voice on the court that can send chills down the spine of new entrants.
Read more – Charles Barkley Once Sparked Controversy By Picking Allen Iverson Over Michael Jordan
Is MJ the worst owner ever?
At the beginning of 2012, the Charlotte franchise was struggling with the league’s worst start. They were 3-21, sitting at the bottom of the table, with a losing streak of 11 games. It was then that MJ’s ownership fell under the scanner and his decision-making faced heat.
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Then, his #2 draft selection of largely unknown Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and the #9 pick of Frank Kaminsky further spotted his resume. If all that wasn’t already enough, a $120 million max extension handed out to Nicolas Batum further proved disastrous. So yes, his journey as an owner has had more bad than good decisions.
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Now, MJ will rely on LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre Jr, and Gordon Hayward to bring something worthy of a pat on the back. Do you think the Hornets can pull a turnaround? Help us know in the comments section below.
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