Charlotte Hornets History: The next stage of the team’s history will be judged by whether it can turn individual talent into a consistent winner, advance beyond the early playoff rounds, and ultimately compete for an NBA championship. Charlotte has the arena, the history, and the support to remain an important NBA market. The next challenge is establishing the winning tradition that has eluded the franchise. NBA report on the 2023 ownership change NBA franchise records and Hall of Fame listings Editorial note: The Hall of Fame section distinguishes players who appeared for Charlotte from those whose Hall of Fame induction was primarily based on their Hornets achievements. Awards and Legacy The Charlotte Hornets are one of the NBA’s most recognizable franchises, known for their distinctive teal and purple colors, passionate Carolina fan base, and exciting players. From the original team’s arrival in 1988 to the return of the Hornets name in 2014, the franchise has experienced remarkable popularity, ownership changes, memorable playoff runs, and the continuing pursuit of its first NBA championship. Although the Hornets have yet to reach the NBA Finals, their history includes outstanding players, Hall of Fame talent, memorable coaches, and one of the most recognizable identities in professional basketball. This article covers the franchise’s ownership, home arenas, Basketball Hall of Fame players who wore the Hornets uniform, NBA awards won as Hornets, and the people who have shaped its legacy. The Beginning of the Charlotte Hornets Charlotte joined the NBA as an expansion franchise for the 1988–89 season. Businessman George Shinn led the effort to bring professional basketball to Charlotte, North Carolina. The original Hornets quickly developed a loyal following. Their teal-and-purple identity, colorful uniforms, and exciting basketball helped make the team a major part of Charlotte’s sporting culture. The team’s early years included the development of young stars such as Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, and Muggsy Bogues. During the 1990s, the Hornets became a competitive playoff team and one of the NBA’s most popular young franchises. However, disputes over a new arena and the team’s relationship with the city eventually led to relocation. In 2002, the franchise moved to New Orleans, taking its basketball history with it. Charlotte received a replacement expansion franchise, the Charlotte Bobcats, which began play in 2004. The Bobcats became the Charlotte Hornets again in 2014, restoring the name and much of the identity associated with the original team. The NBA’s franchise history therefore requires an important distinction: the original Hornets moved to New Orleans, while the present Charlotte franchise began as the Bobcats. All Charlotte Hornets and Bobcats Principal Owners. The ownership history reflects the franchise’s transition from its original expansion years to the Bobcats era and the present-day Hornets organization. Owner or ownership group Years Significance George Shinn 1988–2002 Founding owner of the original Charlotte Hornets. Robert L. Johnson 2002–2010 Founded the Charlotte Bobcats expansion franchise and became its first principal owner. Michael Jordan 2010–2023 Took majority control of the Bobcats in 2010 and oversaw the return of the Hornets name in 2014. Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall 2023–present Led the group that acquired majority control from Jordan in August 2023. Ray Wooldridge was also a significant partner in the original Hornets’ ownership during its later period. The modern ownership group includes additional investors, such as former minority investors and public figures J. Cole and Michael Jordan’s ownership was particularly historic: he became the first former NBA player to become the majority owner of an NBA franchise. His tenure also brought the Hornets name back to Charlotte, although the team did not win a playoff series during his majority-ownership era. In August 2023, the sale of the majority stake to the group led by Plotkin and Schnall was finalized. Jordan retained a minority investment. Plotkin and Schnall became co-chairmen of Hornets Sports & Entertainment, with the team’s governorship arranged to rotate between them. All Arenas Called Home by the Hornets The franchise has played its home games in two principal buildings in Charlotte, although the current arena has operated under several names. Arena name Years used Historical significance Charlotte Coliseum 1988–2002 Home of the original Hornets and their most successful 1990s seasons. Charlotte Coliseum 2004–2005 Temporary home of the newly established Charlotte Bobcats. Charlotte Bobcats Arena 2005–2008 New downtown arena opened for the Bobcats. Time Warner Cable Arena 2008–2016 Renamed during the Bobcats era and the early return of the Hornets identity. Spectrum Center 2016–present Current downtown Charlotte home arena. The original Charlotte Coliseum became famous for its atmosphere and large crowds. The move to the downtown arena brought the franchise into a modern basketball and entertainment facility closer to Charlotte’s city center. The current venue is known as Spectrum Center. It also hosted the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, a major event for the franchise and the city. Basketball Hall of Fame: Who Was Inducted as a Hornet NONE NBA Rookie of the Year Award Won as a Hornet Larry Johnson — 1991–92 Larry Johnson won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in his first season with Charlotte after being selected first overall in the 1991 NBA Draft. He averaged 19.2 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s most promising young forwards. His strength, athleticism, and personality helped make the young Hornets a must-watch team. Johnson’s arrival gave Charlotte a franchise centerpiece and helped build the excitement surrounding the Hornets during the early 1990s. He NBA All-Star multiple times while playing for Charlotte. NBA Most Valuable Player Award Won as a Hornet The Charlotte Hornets have never had a player win the NBA regular-season Most Valuable Player (MVP) award while playing for the franchise. The Hornets have had star players and All-Stars, but no player has won the league’s overall regular-season MVP award as a member of the team. That… Continue reading Charlotte Hornets History: Owners, Home Arenas, Hall of Famers, Awards and Legacy
