In the world of sports, legends are made and celebrated, but sometimes even the greatest among them can face adversity. Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, found himself in an unexpected spotlight during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast in Charlotte.
The incident brought to light the undeniable struggles the Charlotte Hornets endured during Jordan’s tenure as the majority owner. The Bulls star’s transition to the role of an NBA team owner marked a different chapter in his illustrious career.
Jordan purchased the Charlotte Hornets in 2010, becoming the only Black majority owner in the league. Thereby, representing a significant milestone in the world of professional sports.
Yikes 😬 pic.twitter.com/ECtw4E0iSy
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 2, 2023
During the live broadcast of College GameDay, a South Carolina fan seized the opportunity to make a witty remark, holding up a sign that read, “Even Jordan couldn’t win in Charlotte”. While it was a playful jab, it shed light on the Hornets’ struggles under Jordan‘s ownership.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time someone picked out Jordan’s ownership of the Hornets and how he was terrible at it. One of his great friends, Charles Barkley mentioned it even before Jordan sold Hornets.
Barkley said, “Remember the time when I came on a show and said I can’t guarantee you that Michael is going to be a good GM. Michael called me and almost killed me, man!” Notably, the two have had a turbulent friendship since then.
How many times did the Charlotte Hornets make it to playoffs under Michael Jordan?
Michael Jordan’s tenure as the majority owner of the Hornets was a disappointment would be an understatement. Over the course of 13 seasons, they managed to secure a playoff spot only twice, and they never moved past the second round.
The recently concluded 2022-23 season marked the seventh consecutive year the Hornets failed to make the playoffs. Therefore, leaving fans in Buzz City yearning for postseason success. It’s a stark contrast to the legacy Jordan built on the court, where winning was not just a goal but an expectation.
In June, Jordan made headlines by agreeing to sell his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for approximately $3 billion. This transaction signaled the end of an era, as Jordan shifted his focus away from team ownership.
While Jordan’s ownership era was marked by disappointments on the NBA court, there might be hope on the horizon for Charlotte. As North Carolina prepared to take on South Carolina, fans eagerly anticipated a change in fortune.
As the Hornets aim to rebuild and regain their competitive edge, Michael Jordan’s legacy remains intact as a basketball legend. His time as the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets may not have yielded the success many hoped for. However, it exemplifies his commitment to the game and his willingness to contribute to the sport’s growth.
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