It’s Personal…Probably
We know that Michael Jordan took just about everything personally as a player. As Vice President of Hornets basketball Operations? He’s getting there.
Michael Jordan has been the Hornets VP of basketball operations for almost two decades now and since then, the Hornets have only reached the playoffs twice (2013-14, 2015-16). During these times Jordan has been the brunt of jokes in regards to his decision-making when eying talent. Now, of course, drafting is never easy, but as bad as the Bobcats/Hornets were you would think that MJ would pick the right guys for the team right?
If you said yes, go look up some Adam Morrison highlights. Painful right? Anyway, Jordan has had his fair share of draft blunders like Morrison, he also was responsible for drafting Michael-Kidd Gilchrist who’s jump shot was for whatever reason not a concern for Charlotte. Missing out on players like Brook Lopez (08') and Jrue Holiday (09') is also brutal to look back on.
If we go back to the days when MJ worked in the Wizard's front office, we remember him drafting Kwame Brown (WHO IS NOT A BUST BY THE WAY). So it’s not all that surprising that Jordan still struggles with putting together quality teams… until now.
With me being a basketball addict of sorts, loving to write about anything that enters my mind. It’s hilarious to think that maybe Jordan has listened to all of our constant criticisms of him being terrible at player selections, and he’s now taking it… personal… no?…Y’all not rocking with that one? My apologies. I mean he did draft Kemba Walker who owns almost all of Charlotte’s records so maybe we should cut him some slack.
Charlotte is still looking to get back to the playoffs, but Jordan and Mitch Kupchak have both been “locked-in” with their front office decision-making in the past few years. Kentucky Forward, P.J. Washington (21': 12.9 PPG & 6.5 RPG) was drafted 12th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, is only 22, and can be placed at the 3,4 & 5 positions depending on matchups.
The one and only, LaMelo Ball (21': 15.7 PPG, 6.1 APG & 5.9 RPG) was selected third overall by the Hornets in 2020 and is currently the reigning ROY. A born scorer and gifted passer, LaMelo played overseas early in his career which he’s already proved can be an advantage for him.
This past season, the Hornets were must-see TV with guys like Terry Rozier (20.4 PPG) and Miles Bridges (12.7 PPG) constantly making noise with their big games and insane dunks. The Hornets also had a stellar draft this year as they selected UCONN Guard, James Bouknight with the 7th pick, and acquired Texas Center, Kai Jones after a draft trade with the New York Knicks. Jordan and Mitch Kupchak both deserve to pat themselves on the back as this Hornets squad is shaping up nicely. A young squad with unlimited potential, they recently signed G/F, Kelly Oubre to a team that is already filled with high flyers.
They still have lots of work to do if they want to get back to the playoffs, but it's great to see that they are hard at work in that front office, drafting and signing the right players. They clearly know how they want this team to look and it’ll be exciting to see if they can make a playoff run next season or if they’ll bow out in the “Play-In” again.
