CHARLOTTE, NC — Hornets owner Michael Jordan took over the teams’ Twitter account today, building the buzz for the official return of Charlotte’s original NBA name. MJ also sat down to talk about rebuilding the brand, and reconnecting with Queen City.
“I know what it means to the city of Charlotte'” says Hornets owner Michael Jordan. “I know what it means to the Hornets, and the name and the organization.”
Hornets owner Michael Jordan heard the call. The Queen City wanted its team back.
“That name is ingrained here in Charlotte,” says Jordan. “They never wanted it to leave. It left without their permission.”
The team that Cy Bahakel, founder of Bahakel Communications and owner of WCCB Charlotte, helped bring in 1987 left for New Orleans in 2002. But the Hornets name, and the community buzz that come with it, are back.
“The feedback that we’ve gathered from them, and the relationship that we’ve built with them, has enabled us to continue to move this franchise in a positive direction,” says Jordan.
Charlotte is excited about the return of the Hornets, and the season opener Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. But the bottom line is this: it’s winning that will keep the fans coming. And nobody knows more about winning than Michael Jordan.
A disastrous seven win season is in the past. The Hornets organization is trending. 43 wins and a playoff appearance last year. Some key off-season moves. The six-time NBA champ is even talking about getting ring number seven.
“Some of the decisions that we have made as of late has changed people’s perspective about where we’re heading and what kind of organization we are,” says Jordan.
MJ is known as the ultimate competitor. He’s taken some hits during his post-playing career. But Jordan’s legendary drive is taking root throughout the organization.
“That appetite of what it takes to win, and not get complacent with just making the playoffs,” says Jordan. “Then we’re going to get over that hill.”
Other original Hornets investors include Felix Sabates, George Shinn and Rick Hendrick.
We will have live coverage of Wednesday night’s season opener on WCCB News at Ten.
