Charlotte Bobcats 2012 NBA Season Preview:
Michael Jordan’s not on the court, but as GM he has created a Bobcats team in his image: tough and gritty, but with a whole lotta finesse. The team is led by a tough veteran in guard Stephen Jackson, but their future is in point guard DJ Augistin and power forward Tyrus Thompson. Together they field a team that’s capable of scoring on any part of the court at any time, making them one of the more exciting teams in the NBA to watch.
Recommended Bobcats Games
Bobcats vs. Chicago Bulls (April 18) Derrick Rose brings Michael Jordan’s former team to face his new team.
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS FRANCHISE FACTS:
Founded: 2004
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Stadium: Time Warner Cable Arena
Conference: Eastern Conference
Division: Southeast Division
Mascot: Rufus
Dancers: Lady Cats
Notable Players: Emeka Okafor
See Also:
Charlotte Bobcats Playoff tickets
Charlotte Bobcats Season Preview History
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS EXPERIENCE:
Although dedicated Charlotte Hornets fans might be disappointed by the franchise's move to New Orleans, the expansion team that followed shortly after the deal might just grow into one of the most successful in the Southeast Division. The Bobcats were officially established in 2004, exactly two seasons after the Hornets relocated. Although the new team is still in its early years, it managed to qualify for postseason play in 2010 and came close the following year.
After the departure of the Hornets, the NBA promised to fill the void, and many ownership groups rushed to the opportunity, creating fierce competition for the top bid. Even a group led by Larry Bird made an offer. However, a group led by Black Entertainment Television founder Robert Johnson was awarded ownership rights to the franchise. This move actually made him the first African American majority owner in U.S. professional sports. Hip hop artist Nelly became a co-owner of the new Charlotte team. One of the most popular decisions that the new ownership made was the naming of the team, which goes right along with the feline-themed moniker of the NFL's Charlotte Panthers.
The Bobcats' expansion draft occurred on June 22, 2004, bringing valuable players like Predrag Drobnjak and Gerald Wallace into the fold. Although the team got off to a somewhat shaky start in its first few games, Charlotte residents were happy when the Bobcats took a point lead to defeat the New Orleans Hornets in overtime of a December game during its inaugural season.
After undergoing several changes over the next few years, the primary focus of Bobcats owners was coaching. Sam Vincent was hired in the 2007 offseason, resulting in a complete change of management. After a horrible season, the team's struggles with the new coach contributed to the hiring of Larry Brown. Since this decision was made, the team showed steady improvement.
In the 2009 draft, the Bobcats obtained Gerald Henderson from Duke, as well as seasoned NBA players like Tyson Chandler and Acie Law. More good news came in 2010 when Robert Johnson decided to sell the team to basketball legend Michael Jordan, who had been a part of the ownership group for four years and is native to North Carolina. Fans have a new reason to become enthusiastic about the franchise, paving the way for a healthy future for the Bobcats.
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