After being labeled as the laughing stock of the NBA the past few years, the Charlotte Hornets have finally appeared to swing the momentum of their franchise, in terms of their name, appearance, and of course their product on the hardwood. The identity and team from the 7-59 season in 2011-12, which was statistically the worst season in NBA history, now seems like light years ago. With added pieces to the roster, a fresh new set of uniforms, and the return of the Hornets name in Charlotte, they have suddenly become one of the more entertaining and compelling franchises to cover in the association.
Bringing back “Buzz City” was a tremendous move by Michael Jordan and the ownership group, and the modernized teal and purple color scheme gives the Hornets a unique and iconic appearance. I can’t emphasize enough how odd it is to write that the Charlotte franchise is energetic and has the NBA “buzzing,” especially after the miserable, dull, and ugly seasons of the Charlotte Bobcats in recent history. With the likes of Byron Mullens and Derrick Brown (who?) playing over twenty minutes per game, professional basketball in Charlotte was just flat out awful. Remember when there were serious conversations and debates over whether the Anthony Davis-led Kentucky Wildcats could defeat the dreadful Bobcats? That must have been tough to hear for Bobcats fans, especially since North Carolina is known so well for its prestigious basketball. Duke and UNC arguably hold the most famous and engaging rivalry of all-time in college basketball. However, it’s important to note that those days are over in Charlotte; the Hornets are back with dynamite jerseys, an incredible honey comb themed home floor, and a highly competitive roster.
Last offseason, the Bobcats’ two most important acquisitions were Big Al Jefferson and Steve Clifford. Yes, a coach. After one unsuccessful season with Mike Dunlap drawing up the playbook, no one expected anything from the Bobcats who were “still terrible” and had yet another coach. How much of a difference could one coach not named Phil Jackson have on a team that has a dearth of talent? Well, those ideas were shut down as the Bobcats kept winning. After hovering around .500 nearly all season, the Bobcats finished with a very surprising record of 43-39 and earned themselves a spot in the playoffs as the seventh seed in the East. Clifford’s defensive, grind-it-out style proved to be very effective for a team who desperately needed to find ways to win without relying solely on talent. Personally, he was the most deserving candidate for Coach of the Year; by changing the basketball culture of a team that struggled so mightily over the past few seasons and developing them into a young playoff team. Clifford deserved to be rewarded. Of course, much credit is owed to the players, specifically Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson who both had fantastic seasons and remained consistent offensive forces on a nightly basis.
Maybe I’m just a sucker for the underdog, but I believe these Hornets are legit. While they aren’t in the category with Cleveland or Chicago, the Hornets have the potential to be right in the mix with the likes of Washington, Toronto, Miami, and Brooklyn. The addition of Lance Stephenson is exactly what they needed; a high energy offensive threat who can also be relied on for defense and intensity (and blowing in the ear of Lebron, if that counts). Al-Jeff, Kemba, and Stephenson form a solid, well-balanced big three, and the contributions of role players like Gerald Henderson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Gary Neal will certainly help. And who knows, maybe one of the two Indiana power forwards – Cody Zeller or Noah Vonleh – will pan out. In addition to the exciting new visual identity of the Charlotte Hornets, fans should be anxious to see how successful they are on the court.
The revival of the Hornets has electrified the NBA fans of Charlotte, and has them buzzing about the new changes. The new jerseys, logos, and court were fantastically designed and approved by the Hornets’ marketing department; all kudos to them for bringing back Buzz City in a modern fashion. The presence of Kemba Walker, Al Jefferson, Lance Stephenson, and Coach Clifford have completely altered the basketball reputation, and it’s been for the better. Instead of being embarrassed to be associated with the Charlotte NBA franchise, fans can now say they root for the Hornets with pride. Buzz City is BACK.
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