[LUnpretty11]

Tonight marks the return of BuzzCity. The Hornets are officially back and the beloved team will take the court for the first time since 2002. The Bobcat years were marked with losing, and a fan base that did not support any part of the organization.

The fans voted, and the organization listened. It was a no-brainer from top to bottom. The result? A rejuvenated city, season ticket sales are #2 in the NBA for this season, a top team in the Eastern Conference, and a commitment from ownership to continue to improve every facet of Charlotte basketball.

I am not from Charlotte, but I cannot help but be pulled into the nostalgia that is, Charlotte Hornets.

Every fan in attendance for tonight's game will be welcomed with a commemorative ticket to mark the historic night. The fans wore tuxedos for the first Hornets game back in 1988 (it was a true black and white event), so fans will be receiving tuxedo t-shirts for tonight's game to relive that first ever game.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p ... P2Gq34f6zU

[youtube]

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[rhezick]

I love it. Born and raised in NC for 13 years, my dad and I would trek from Fayetteville to Charlotte to see several Hornets games with 'Zo and Larry Johnson. Just as significant but even less talked about is the fact that all the history goes back to us. I don't think this has ever been done before. So all records, stats, etc from 88-02 come back to Charlotte and are merged with everything done with the 04-present Charlotte team.

[LUnpretty11]

I love it. Born and raised in NC for 13 years, my dad and I would trek from Fayetteville to Charlotte to see several Hornets games with 'Zo and Larry Johnson. Just as significant but even less talked about is the fact that all the history goes back to us. I don't think this has ever been done before. So all records, stats, etc from 88-02 come back to Charlotte and are merged with everything done with the 04-present Charlotte team.

This is correct. The only thing similar is the Cleveland Browns. But never has an organization left the city, started a new team with a different name and changed back to the original name. The Hornets were very pleased to announce that all Charlotte stats will return to Charlotte and continue through the Bobcat years as rhezick mentioned.

[Purple Haize]

I loved the Rex N Effects, Kelly Tripucka Mugsy Bogues era. But MJ has a track record of being a horrible executive so I don't see the win totals being much higher than when Earl Cureton roamed the paint

[lynchburgwildcats]

I loved the Rex N Effects, Kelly Tripucka Mugsy Bogues era. But MJ has a track record of being a horrible executive so I don't see the win totals being much higher than when Earl Cureton roamed the paint

He appears to be getting better. He actually didn't make 100% horrible moves by bringing in Al Jefferson and Lance Stephenson. Resigning Kemba Walker to 48 million over four years could be crippling. He's just not going to get it done as the starting PG for a team that expects to do anything more than be a low to middle of the pack playoff team with zero realistic chance of ever accomplishing anything of note in the playoffs.

[LUnpretty11]

Couldn't disagree more with the last two posts. MJ has done a phenomenal job allowing Rich Cho take over, and it shows from the Big Al/Lance signings. Big Al finished 7th in the MVP voting last year, Charlotte has never had anyone in the top 10... ever. Kemba is continuing to master his craft. Sky is the limit for him now that he has good players around him and a great coaching staff. Do not be shocked if this team wins 48+ games and locks in a home court playoff series.

But, this thread is about tonight. A historic night for pro sports. I look forward to posting after it's all over.

[Purple Haize]

Couldn't disagree more with the last two posts. MJ has done a phenomenal job allowing Rich Cho take over, and it shows from the Big Al/Lance signings. Big Al finished 7th in the MVP voting last year, Charlotte has never had anyone in the top 10... ever. Kemba is continuing to master his craft. Sky is the limit for him now that he has good players around him and a great coaching staff. Do not be shocked if this team wins 48+ games and locks in a home court playoff series.

But, this thread is about tonight. A historic night for pro sports. I look forward to posting after it's all over.

Lance Stephenson is toxic and a cancer in the locker room. He is neither stable nor consistent enough to build a team around. Kemba is a nice player but they over paid a lot. Big Al is a big 'meh'. I'm not sure how much Cho can do. Wherever MJ goes, it's all about MJ.

[SuperJon]

Couldn't disagree more with the last two posts. MJ has done a phenomenal job allowing Rich Cho take over, and it shows from the Big Al/Lance signings. Big Al finished 7th in the MVP voting last year, Charlotte has never had anyone in the top 10... ever. Kemba is continuing to master his craft. Sky is the limit for him now that he has good players around him and a great coaching staff. Do not be shocked if this team wins 48+ games and locks in a home court playoff series.

But, this thread is about tonight. A historic night for pro sports. I look forward to posting after it's all over.

Spoken like a loyal employee.

[adam42381]

season ticket sales are #2 in the NBA for this season

Not even close. They have the 2nd most NEW season ticket holders behind Cleveland. Huge difference.

[rhezick]

I loved the Rex N Effects, Kelly Tripucka Mugsy Bogues era. But MJ has a track record of being a horrible executive so I don't see the win totals being much higher than when Earl Cureton roamed the paint

He appears to be getting better. He actually didn't make 100% horrible moves by bringing in Al Jefferson and Lance Stephenson. Resigning Kemba Walker to 48 million over four years could be crippling. He's just not going to get it done as the starting PG for a team that expects to do anything more than be a low to middle of the pack playoff team with zero realistic chance of ever accomplishing anything of note in the playoffs.

Hindsight is always 20/20 but DANG! If what he did to close out that game just now is any indication...that's money well spent!

[LUnpretty11]

season ticket sales are #2 in the NBA for this season

Not even close. They have the 2nd most NEW season ticket holders behind Cleveland. Huge difference.

Yes, I know. And Charlotte was #1 for the first 6.5 months tickets were on sale... until LBJ signed with the Cavs.

[LUnpretty11]

Couldn't disagree more with the last two posts. MJ has done a phenomenal job allowing Rich Cho take over, and it shows from the Big Al/Lance signings. Big Al finished 7th in the MVP voting last year, Charlotte has never had anyone in the top 10... ever. Kemba is continuing to master his craft. Sky is the limit for him now that he has good players around him and a great coaching staff. Do not be shocked if this team wins 48+ games and locks in a home court playoff series.

But, this thread is about tonight. A historic night for pro sports. I look forward to posting after it's all over.

Spoken like a loyal employee.

Maybe, or like the employee that predicted the playoffs last year and sees more in this team than most.

[thepostman]

I think most people see the Hornets as a playoff team in the east (which isn't saying much) and heading in the right direction. Anymore then that is reaching.

[LUnpretty11]

Couldn't disagree more with the last two posts. MJ has done a phenomenal job allowing Rich Cho take over, and it shows from the Big Al/Lance signings. Big Al finished 7th in the MVP voting last year, Charlotte has never had anyone in the top 10... ever. Kemba is continuing to master his craft. Sky is the limit for him now that he has good players around him and a great coaching staff. Do not be shocked if this team wins 48+ games and locks in a home court playoff series.

But, this thread is about tonight. A historic night for pro sports. I look forward to posting after it's all over.

Lance Stephenson is toxic and a cancer in the locker room. He is neither stable nor consistent enough to build a team around. Kemba is a nice player but they over paid a lot. Big Al is a big 'meh'. I'm not sure how much Cho can do. Wherever MJ goes, it's all about MJ.

Spoken like a true pessimist.
Lance is a gamble, but it's a 2 yr contract with a 3rd yr team option which is brilliant on the organizations part in case all goes wrong.
Small market teams have to overpay to keep quality players i.e. see Big Al's contract.
Speaking of Big Al - "Meh"? I'm not exactly sure how you come up with that kind of response about someone who finished in the top 10 in the MVP voting and took his team to the playoffs.
Cho has done a lot, especially with Rod Higgins out of the way now. He is a great basketball mind and is able to get deals done that the organization could have not been able to make happen in the past.

[LUnpretty11]

In regards to last night....

I will try and post the pregame video when it becomes available. I haven't ever been much of an NBA fan until last year (obvious reasons), but the pregame video gave me goosebumps. Couldn't help but get caught up in the moment.
Crowd was incredible. Cannot even begin to compare the loyalty and excitement from the Hornets fan base vs. Bobcats. Doors had to open an extra 30 minutes early to accommodate the large crowd.
Pregame ceremonies started at 6:45, which featured several of the original Hornets. Dell Curry got the loudest ovation from the crowd.
The fans were engaged throughout the whole game even when the Hornets were down 24. The place was deafening as the team made their comeback in the 4th qtr.
Kemba's 3 before the buzzer to tie was unbelievable.
Kemba's jumper to win it in OT was the perfect ending to the Hornets comeback.
Nobody left the building for at least 10-15 minutes after the game was over as they continued to cheer and chant "Let's Go Hornets".
One of the coolest sporting event experiences I have ever witnessed.

[Purple Haize]

Couldn't disagree more with the last two posts. MJ has done a phenomenal job allowing Rich Cho take over, and it shows from the Big Al/Lance signings. Big Al finished 7th in the MVP voting last year, Charlotte has never had anyone in the top 10... ever. Kemba is continuing to master his craft. Sky is the limit for him now that he has good players around him and a great coaching staff. Do not be shocked if this team wins 48+ games and locks in a home court playoff series.

But, this thread is about tonight. A historic night for pro sports. I look forward to posting after it's all over.

Lance Stephenson is toxic and a cancer in the locker room. He is neither stable nor consistent enough to build a team around. Kemba is a nice player but they over paid a lot. Big Al is a big 'meh'. I'm not sure how much Cho can do. Wherever MJ goes, it's all about MJ.

Spoken like a true pessimist.
Lance is a gamble, but it's a 2 yr contract with a 3rd yr team option which is brilliant on the organizations part in case all goes wrong.
Small market teams have to overpay to keep quality players i.e. see Big Al's contract.
Speaking of Big Al - "Meh"? I'm not exactly sure how you come up with that kind of response about someone who finished in the top 10 in the MVP voting and took his team to the playoffs.
Cho has done a lot, especially with Rod Higgins out of the way now. He is a great basketball mind and is able to get deals done that the organization could have not been able to make happen in the past.

The fact that Indiana, another small market team, didn't really fight that hard to keep Stephenson should speak volumes. It wouldn't have been a big deal for them to give him what he wanted but didn't. Why? Because he's not worth the head ache.
Big Al for his career is still Meh
I like Cho, but with Jordan in the front office I don't forsee anything good based on past performance. At least he won't try to throw a uniform on! (I think)

And how am I a pessimist? I loved the old Hornets and like the fact they were able to get their name back. I think they are doing a great job marketing. I can see the team making the playoffs which will make the rest easier to renew. I just don't see them doing much past that

[Cider Jim]

Darn, I thought this thread was going to be about the mighty Lynchburg College Hornets.

[LUnpretty11]

Haha Purple, to be fair, you aren't quite a cup half full kinda guy. As someone on the outside looking in, I see where you are coming from 100%. Things are rapidly changing and so is the level of involvement from all different directions. I can say with confidence that Jordan is getting out of the way and allowing Cho to do work, and it shows. It is easy to see this organization as not doing anything special due to its abysmal track record over the last 10 years. Opening Night was a great start of a rejuvenated franchise, fan base and a front office focus to achieve excellence. It takes time, so I'm excited to watch it unfold this year.
If anyone heads down to CLT, send me a PM. Would love to meet up.

[Purple Haize]

Haha Purple, to be fair, you aren't quite a cup half full kinda guy. As someone on the outside looking in, I see where you are coming from 100%. Things are rapidly changing and so is the level of involvement from all different directions. I can say with confidence that Jordan is getting out of the way and allowing Cho to do work, and it shows. It is easy to see this organization as not doing anything special due to its abysmal track record over the last 10 years. Opening Night was a great start of a rejuvenated franchise, fan base and a front office focus to achieve excellence. It takes time, so I'm excited to watch it unfold this year.
If anyone heads down to CLT, send me a PM. Would love to meet up.

I'm just a 1/2 Glass kinda guy! And may take you up on the offer if I get to Charlotte. I think the Charlotte market has much more potential now than in the past. IF Jordan could just be a fugure head that would be great

[RubberMallet]

the hornets won't truly compete in the east for some time. their 3 best players are meh.

[lynchburgwildcats]

Couldn't disagree more with the last two posts. MJ has done a phenomenal job allowing Rich Cho take over, and it shows from the Big Al/Lance signings. Big Al finished 7th in the MVP voting last year, Charlotte has never had anyone in the top 10... ever. Kemba is continuing to master his craft. Sky is the limit for him now that he has good players around him and a great coaching staff. Do not be shocked if this team wins 48+ games and locks in a home court playoff series.

But, this thread is about tonight. A historic night for pro sports. I look forward to posting after it's all over.

Winning 48+ games in the East isn't anything that impresses me. I'll be impressed if they get 55 wins or more. The East is garbage, 48 in the East is like 40 at best in the West.

[lynchburgwildcats]

I loved the Rex N Effects, Kelly Tripucka Mugsy Bogues era. But MJ has a track record of being a horrible executive so I don't see the win totals being much higher than when Earl Cureton roamed the paint

He appears to be getting better. He actually didn't make 100% horrible moves by bringing in Al Jefferson and Lance Stephenson. Resigning Kemba Walker to 48 million over four years could be crippling. He's just not going to get it done as the starting PG for a team that expects to do anything more than be a low to middle of the pack playoff team with zero realistic chance of ever accomplishing anything of note in the playoffs.

Hindsight is always 20/20 but DANG! If what he did to close out that game just now is any indication...that's money well spent!

One game, against the worst team in the NBA last year. Yes, the Bucks were even worse than the 76ers. And he happened to get roasted by Brandon Knight nearly all game, nearly gave up a triple double to him!

[lynchburgwildcats]

Al Jefferson is pretty good. ALways has been a good stat stuffer, finally helped put together some wins last year. In reality, he's more of a A2 player though. Teams rarely compete for anything in the postseason without at least an A1 and an A2 player, unless that A1 player is on a separate plane all to himself like LeBron. The rest of the team is a bunch of role players, or worse, on a true competitor.

[rhezick]

Haha Purple, to be fair, you aren't quite a cup half full kinda guy. As someone on the outside looking in, I see where you are coming from 100%. Things are rapidly changing and so is the level of involvement from all different directions. I can say with confidence that Jordan is getting out of the way and allowing Cho to do work, and it shows. It is easy to see this organization as not doing anything special due to its abysmal track record over the last 10 years. Opening Night was a great start of a rejuvenated franchise, fan base and a front office focus to achieve excellence. It takes time, so I'm excited to watch it unfold this year.
If anyone heads down to CLT, send me a PM. Would love to meet up.

I'm just a 1/2 Glass kinda guy! And may take you up on the offer if I get to Charlotte. I think the Charlotte market has much more potential now than in the past. IF Jordan could just be a fugure head that would be great

Definitely more potential. It was the 47th largest city when the Hornets opened their doors in 1988. Now... 16th, ahead of Detroit (not saying much granted) Seattle, Boston, etc. But yes, Jordan needs to continue letting Cho make the calls.

[rhezick]

In regards to last night....

I will try and post the pregame video when it becomes available. I haven't ever been much of an NBA fan until last year (obvious reasons), but the pregame video gave me goosebumps. Couldn't help but get caught up in the moment.
Crowd was incredible. Cannot even begin to compare the loyalty and excitement from the Hornets fan base vs. Bobcats. Doors had to open an extra 30 minutes early to accommodate the large crowd.
Pregame ceremonies started at 6:45, which featured several of the original Hornets. Dell Curry got the loudest ovation from the crowd.
The fans were engaged throughout the whole game even when the Hornets were down 24. The place was deafening as the team made their comeback in the 4th qtr.
Kemba's 3 before the buzzer to tie was unbelievable.
Kemba's jumper to win it in OT was the perfect ending to the Hornets comeback.
Nobody left the building for at least 10-15 minutes after the game was over as they continued to cheer and chant "Let's Go Hornets".
One of the coolest sporting event experiences I have ever witnessed.

This... I wish I could have been there, and plan to take my boys one day, but the support shown is the key. Yea, I'm not stupid enough to think we'll be better than we are. Maybe a 4th or 5th seed at most this year. But it's not about that, or Lance, or anything else, other than recreating what was once one of the best fan bases ever. Even when the Hornets lost by 40 to the Cavs in '88, the place was rocking. Cool to get a first hand account of how it went!