On Wednesday, the Charlotte Hornets will play a game without Michael Jordan as their majority owner for the first time in 4,970 days. This marks the end of an era for the franchise, as Jordan was not only associated with it but also ran the team. The NBA Board of Governors approved the sale of the Hornets this summer to a group led by Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, resulting in the end of Jordan’s 13-year run at the forefront of the team. However, he will remain a minority owner.
During Jordan’s tenure, the Hornets had a mediocre record, winning 41.7 percent of their games and making the playoffs only three times. They also underwent a name change and five coaching changes. Despite the lack of success on the court, Jordan made an impact off the court, engaging in various community events and philanthropic activities.
The Athletic spoke to 12 former players who shared their experiences playing for the Bobcats and Hornets under Jordan’s ownership. They recalled being starstruck by Jordan’s presence and the honor of meeting and interacting with him. Players admired his involvement and dedication to the team, as well as his commitment to the community.
Overall, Jordan’s ownership of the franchise left a lasting impression on the players, even if it didn’t result in significant on-court success. As the Hornets embark on a new era without Jordan, they will surely miss his iconic presence and the unique perspective he brought as both a star player and owner.