Christmas – everyone’s favorite day of the year, a time for joy whether spent with family and friends or taking advantage of a well-deserved break from work. Fond memories of one exceptional Christmas persist – 1998 brought not only clothes and shoes but also a Nintendo 64 with Kobe Bryant NBA Courtside. The game captivated me from 9 am until 12 am the next day! As age advances, an appreciation for sentimental gifts like candles, cologne, or perfume grows. For basketball enthusiasts, the joy lies in watching NBA hoops all day and night.
Unfortunately, for the devoted Charlotte Hornets fans, this Christmas is a time for reflection on the team’s history rather than celebration of the current season. With a 7-18 record, they hold the 3rd worst position in the East. This editorial does not aim to challenge the team or provide false hope for a seemingly over season; instead, it’s a moment to reminisce about the best gifts the organization has bestowed upon its fan base.
The Gift Of An NBA Expansion Team
The journey began in 1985 when the NBA sought to expand by four new teams. George Shinn collaborated with prominent businessmen in Charlotte to bid for a team, backed by the city’s rich basketball history and rapid growth. Charlotte, a former regional home of the ABA Carolina Cougars, had some uncertainty about securing an NBA team. However, the state-of-the-art Charlotte Spectrum Arena, a 24,000+ venue, clinched the deal. Charlotte and Miami were awarded the 24th and 25th franchises in the NBA. For the first five seasons, the Hornets finished 1st in attendance in four of those years, endearing the team to fans and making them a national favorite.
The Gift Of Marketing Icons ft. “Grandmama” and Mugsy Bogues.
The Hornets made impactful selections in the 1988 expansion draft with the 2nd and 3rd picks. Dell Curry, originally the 15th overall pick by the Utah Jazz, and Tyrone “Mugsy” Bogues, the 12th overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft, became integral to the team’s popularity. Despite the challenges faced by being an expansion team, the Hornets struck gold with the #1 pick in the 1991 NBA draft, selecting Larry Johnson from UNLV. With Dell Curry’s three-point shooting, Mugsy Bogues’ remarkable impact despite his height, and Larry Johnson’s “grandmama” persona, the Hornets became a must-watch team.
The Gift Of Drafting Pretty Good Players.
Larry Johnson’s immediate impact was followed by the selection of Alonzo Mourning in the 1992 NBA draft, solidifying the team’s roster. Despite a rough patch in subsequent drafts, including the notable pick of Kobe Bryant, who never played for the organization, Charlotte rebounded with successful point guard selections like Baron Davis, Raymond Felton, D.J. Augustin, Kemba Walker, and LaMelo Ball. The foundation was laid for building a contender. Unfortunately, They haven’t done so.
The Gift Of Having The Best Color-way In The NBA.
Boasting the best colorway in the NBA, the Hornets’ purple and teal uniforms are not just a personal bias but a widely acknowledged fact. From current to retro jerseys and the unique court design, the Hornets’ aesthetic excellence is further elevated by their affiliation with Michael Jordan, the team’s majority owner from 2010-2023.
In Conclusion.
Despite the sporadic successes and challenges the Hornets have faced over the years, they have provided fans with memorable moments. Much like Christmas, fans were grateful to witness the team’s performances night after night, consistently delivering a product worth sharing. Merry Christmas to everyone!
West Coast Hoops 