What do LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Peirce, Carmelo Anthony, Joe Johnson, Deron Williams, Andrew Bogut, Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, Tim Duncan, Derrick Rose, Brandon Roy, Marc Gasol, David Lee, Danny Granger, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Andre Iguodala, Rodney Stuckey, Yao Ming, Gilbert Arenas, Tyreke Evans, Al Jefferson, Monta Ellis, and Brook Lopez all have in common? They are the face of their franchise. They represent their respective team and are what sports call "franchise players". Some teams have better franchise players than others and a few have two or even three but nevertheless each team has one. Except for the Charlotte Bobcats. We can make the argument that Stephen Jackson is the franchise player for Charlotte but outside of him there really isn't anyone else. And besides Jackson is not a franchise caliber player. Yes he does bring scoring. Yes he does bring defense. Yes he does bring play making. Yes he does bring experience. And most of, yes he does bring leadership. But Captain Jack can not potentially carry a team. It's just out of the question. For the first few years in Charlotte, the obvious franchise player was Emeka Okafor, but he hasn't developed much since and failed to reach his expectations. Gerald Wallace is the team's only all star in the club's history but he would be a better third option for a contender. The team has gone through it's history without any history and because of this reason we will now know of them as the "Charlotte (Enter Team Name Here)". This drought, however, looks like it will come to a near closing once the team finally clinches a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history.
When Michael Jordan, the president of basketball operations, named Larry Brown to the head coach position for this team it was predicted that a roster rehaul was in order. Sooner rather than later the (Enter Team Name Here) began making it's makeover. Along with drafting DJ Augustine, Alex Ajincia, and Gerald Henderson; Jordan managed to move Matt Caroll, Adam Morrison, Jason Richardson, Shannon Brown, Ryan Hollins, Flip Murray and Emeka Okafor for Tyrus Thomas, Boris Diaw, Tyson Chandler, DeSagana Diop, and Stephen Jackson.
Then immediately the culture of the Charlotte (Enter Team Name Here) changed when Michael Jordan became the majority owner of this franchise. Obviously the roster features a supporting cast of players directed by a hall of fame head coach in Larry Brown. The path of the team is unknown. And Jordan's status in the front office is unclear. It's likely he'll hire a new personnel, including a new GM and possibly head coach if Brown decides to leave, as MJ should be a very busy owner trying to turn this ball club around.
Before the (Enter Team Name Here) were established as an expansion franchise, there were already issues with the team. The previous majority owner, Bob Johnson, dealt with lots of criticism surrounding the team and the city. He was accused of naming the franchise after himself but has since declined any truth behind that. He also was criticized for not investing in his own club and acquiring the proper talent that would obviously cost a high price but would likely lead into great reward; being a winning team. After Jordan's ownership was approved by Commissioner David Stern and the league office, Johnson felt the need to express the frustration with the city, the fans, and it's business owners. Not to mention how George Shinn was forced to move the former Charlotte Hornets to the city of New Orleans because of reasons including poor attendance and problems with it's home arena.Throughout their short stint, the (Enter Team Name Here) have constantly faced the problem of lack of attendance. What I suggest is the team cuts Stephen Graham and Jordan signs himself while rocking the number 23 jersey. Not only will the team sales in uniforms rise but their attendance will rocket into the sky as most Carolina residents will fill the stands for a chance to see the one and only Michael Jordan playing as the very first team owner/player. Or Jordan can possibly sit back and relax as an owner and recruit big name free agents, such as the likes of LeBron James or Dwyane Wade, to play for him while his godliness presence presents an unbelievable opportunity players their ages can only dream of.
In recent years I have always had somewhat of a fascination by the (Enter Team Name Here) and have always kept them on my playoff predictions in the preseason with the exception of this season. Finally the year I slept on them, this underdog unit looks like they'll enjoy their ride into the postseason and for once they can begin to build some history.
Heading into the playoffs the only consistency the (Enter Team Name Here) have managed to accomplish is their ability to be inconsistent. They have proved that they can defeat the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics, and the Los Angeles Lakers but meanwhile continue to lose against teams below .500, including two losses to the low sorts of the New Jersey Nets. Although their record on the road doesn't do their team's talent justice, if they can toughen up and manage to get things together they could pull off a first round upset.
If Jordan can give the "Jordanians" the desire and drive he once had then he can once again begin a new era in the NBA as an owner and erase any mistakes he had in the past questioning his decision making as a man in the front office. He can take this team further than he may even know. But don't worry. I think he knows how pressure tastes.
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