Despite Michael Jordan‘s successful record on-court, some of his off-the-court endeavors have not been as fruitful. The Eastern Conference side Charlotte Hornets, owned by Jordan, is one that is not sitting well with the legend. Adding more misery to a side that has been underperforming, Hornets’ star LaMelo Ball is out with an injury due to a fractured ankle. The North Carolina side is currently in the 14th position in the Eastern Conference.
Anguished by the lackluster displays of the Hornets and the constant misfortunes that befall its players, fans recently took digs at Michael Jordan. They went to the extent of demanding His Airness to sell the Hornets off or rebuild the roster. Moreover, two NBA legends have recently discussed the prospects of rebuilding the Hornets, hinting at one piece of the puzzle.
They could be one of the big teams
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The French basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama is widely speculated to be the first pick in the 2023 NBA draft. The talk of the town is that numerous NBA teams are tanking for the 19-year-old. Expounding on Wembanyama’s prospects in the NBA, the Boston Celtics legends Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have recently revealed that they wish to see the 7-footer play for the Hornets. The Celtics stars think MJ’s team has enough space for the 19-year-old to fit in and flourish.
In an episode of SHOWTIME Basketball, Paul Pierce asked Garnett, where would he like to see Wembanyama play. The former MVP replied, “Let me be honest. I am a huge Melo Ball fan. But I would love to see the big fella play with a guard that’s that spectacular like that. Melo is in same conversation with Ja. He is like new money. I think if you could get him in a situation where he could be young and they could run and gun. They could be one of them teams.”
Let’s just keep circulating this till major names pick up on the narrative and then it’s on ESPN to the point the NBA script writers make it happen. https://t.co/qOhRvxmnk4
— The Crown Club 👑 (@CrownClubCLT) March 13, 2023
Paul Pierce was in complete agreement with his former teammate. Speaking of Wembanyama’s prospects in the league Pierce said, “To see if the Kid develops, to see if it will re-energize him. So I say like the best will be Charlotte. I would love to see MJ get a ticket-seller like that and I finally get Charlotte to be a perennial playoff team.”
A vestige of hope for Michael Jordan
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael Jordan is evidently having a tough time as the owner of the Hornets. Given the outcries of the fans and the general mayhem plaguing the Hornets, MJ needs to step up against this sea of troubles. If MJ plans to rebuild the team, fresh blood like Wembanyama could be the answer.
WATCH THIS STORY: How much did Michael Jordan earn from the Hornets’ ownership?
If a towering center like Wembanyama joins forces with a guard like LaMelo Ball, fans will be witnessing nothing short of a visual spectacle. Can Jordan and his team break the vicious cycle? Let us know in the comments below.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad