Michael Jordan’s ownership tenure with the Charlotte Hornets has come to an end. With the recent sale of the team to a group led by Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, a new chapter begins for the iconic NBA franchise. However, Jordan’s legacy as the team’s majority owner leaves a bitter taste, marked by a string of disappointing seasons and questionable decisions.
When Jordan took over the Hornets in 2010, fans held high hopes for the team’s resurgence. As a highly regarded basketball genius, it was assumed that Jordan would use his acumen to elevate the franchise to new heights. Unfortunately, those expectations were never met, and the team finds itself in a similar position to when Jordan assumed ownership.
Under Jordan’s reign, the team’s lackluster performance became a defining attribute. The Hornets’ win-loss record since Jordan’s takeover has shown little improvement. Last season’s record of 27-55 is hardly indicative of a revitalized franchise. Despite possessing players like LaMelo Ball, one of the league’s most electrifying point guards, the team has struggled to create an exciting brand of basketball that appeals to fans.
One of the major factors contributing to the Hornets’ ongoing struggles is Jordan’s vice-like grip on basketball operations. His tenure as the decision-maker has been riddled with poor choices in drafting and free agency. Selections such as Adam Morrison, Brandan Wright, and D.J. Augustin failed to live up to expectations, with each pick highlighting Jordan’s questionable judgment. The list of disappointing choices continued with players like Michael-Kidd Gilchrist, Cody Zeller, Frank Kaminsky, and Malik Monk. These picks only perpetuated the team’s mediocrity.
Jordan’s misguided decision-making extended beyond the NBA draft. His questionable moves in free agency, such as the signing of Nicholas Batum and Gordon Hayward, only added to the team’s woes. The lucrative contract offered to Batum failed to motivate the player, while Hayward’s persistent injuries limited his impact on the court.
Realizing his limitations, Jordan eventually relinquished control of basketball operations to Mitch Kupchak, a former Lakers executive. Since Kupchak’s arrival in 2018, the team has seen relatively more success in the draft, with players like Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball, and P.J. Washington showing promise. However, Jordan’s final act as franchise decision-maker, selecting Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson in the 2023 draft, remains uncertain.
For many fans, the frustration stemming from Jordan’s ownership lies in the conflict between their enduring love for the legendary Bulls player and their disappointment in his ineffective leadership. The constant hope for change, fueled by memories of Jordan’s greatness on the court, made it genuinely agonizing to witness the team’s continuous struggles.
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