Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets
Name	Charlotte Hornets
Founded	1988
History	Charlotte Hornets (1988–2002, 2014–present) / New Orleans Hornets (2002–2005) / New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (2005–2007) / New Orleans Hornets (2007–2013) / New Orleans Pelicans (2013–present)
Arena	Spectrum Center
Location	Charlotte, North Carolina
Colors	Teal, purple, gray, white
Owner	Michael Jordan
General manager	Mitch Kupchak
Head coach	Steve Clifford
League	National Basketball Association
Conference	Eastern Conference
Division	Southeast Division
Championships	None
Conf titles	None
Div titles	None
Retired numbers	6 (13, 33, 30, 2, 1, 41)

Charlotte Hornets. The Charlotte Hornets are an American professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, competing in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association. The franchise was established in 1988 as an expansion team, enjoyed significant popularity in the 1990s, relocated to New Orleans in 2002, and was subsequently re-established in Charlotte in 2014 after the original New Orleans franchise was renamed. The team plays its home games at the Spectrum Center in uptown Charlotte and is currently owned by Hall of Fame player Michael Jordan.

History

The franchise was awarded to Charlotte in 1987, with its inaugural season commencing in 1988 under the guidance of head coach Dick Harter. Early stars like Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning led the team to its first playoff appearances in the early 1990s. The era under coach Allan Bristow and later Dave Cowens featured memorable playoff runs, including a trip to the 1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Following relocation to New Orleans in 2002, the Charlotte Bobcats were established as a new expansion team in 2004. After the New Orleans franchise rebranded in 2013, the Bobcats reclaimed the Hornets name, history, and records from 1988–2002 in 2014, a move celebrated by the Charlotte community. Recent history has been marked by rebuilding efforts under the ownership of Michael Jordan and the leadership of general manager Mitch Kupchak.

Franchise records and retired numbers

The all-time franchise scoring leader is Kemba Walker, who also holds records for three-pointers made and steals. Other notable record holders include Larry Johnson for rebounds and Muggsy Bogues for assists. The organization has retired six numbers in honor of key figures from its history: 13 (Bobby Phills), 33 (Alonzo Mourning), 30 (Dell Curry), 2 (Larry Johnson), 1 (Muggsy Bogues), and 41 (Glen Rice). Team single-game records include points scored by Kemba Walker and rebounds grabbed by Larry Johnson.

Players

Notable current players include LaMelo Ball, the 2021 Rookie of the Year, and Terry Rozier. Historically, the team has been defined by stars from its first incarnation such as point guard Muggsy Bogues, power forward Larry Johnson, and center Alonzo Mourning. The 1990s also featured sharpshooter Dell Curry and All-Star Glen Rice. The post-2014 era has seen impactful players like Kemba Walker, a three-time All-Star, and Nicolas Batum. The team has selected key players in the NBA draft such as Baron Davis and Emeka Okafor.

Home arenas

The original Hornets played from 1988 to 2002 at the Charlotte Coliseum on Tyvola Road, an arena famous for its loud crowds and sellout streaks. Upon the franchise's return in 2014, the team moved into its current home, the Spectrum Center (originally Charlotte Bobcats Arena), located in the uptown district. This modern arena, which opened in 2005, also hosts major events like the All-Star Game and the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament. The Charlotte Bobcats also played at the arena from 2005 to 2014.

Rivalries

A historic and heated rivalry exists with the Miami Heat, fueled by numerous playoff meetings in the 1990s and early 2000s, including a memorable 1995 first-round series. Geographic proximity has fostered a natural division rivalry with the Atlanta Hawks. The team also shares competitive histories with other Eastern Conference foes like the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls, with notable postseason games against both franchises. The shared history with the New Orleans Pelicans, stemming from the 2002 relocation, adds a unique layer to their occasional matchups.

Culture and mascot

The team's distinctive teal and purple color scheme, created by designer Alexander Julian, became a national phenomenon in the late 1980s and 1990s. The official mascot is Hugo the Hornet, a energetic figure who performs acrobatic dunks and interacts with fans. The "Hive" is a popular moniker for the team's passionate fan base and the Spectrum Center atmosphere. Game entertainment features the Honey Bees dance team and the musical energy of DJ Dr. Zog.

Ownership and management

The franchise's original owner was George Shinn, who moved the team to New Orleans in 2002. The expansion Charlotte Bobcats were initially owned by Robert L. Johnson, founder of BET. In 2010, a majority stake was purchased by Michael Jordan, who became the first former NBA player to become a majority owner of a franchise. The basketball operations department is led by President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Mitch Kupchak. The current head coach is Steve Clifford, who is in his second stint leading the team after previously coaching from 2013 to 2018.

Category:National Basketball Association teams Category:Sports in Charlotte, North Carolina Category:Companies based in Charlotte, North Carolina