Established
2004
City
Charlotte
League History
2004 - Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
2014 - Present / Charlotte Hornets
2004 - 2013 / Charlotte Bobcats
Nickname
Hornets - The Charlotte Hornets have been a staple of the NBA since their inaugural season in 1988, and they’ve become one of the most popular teams in the league. But what many fans may not know is that before they were known as “the Hornets,” they were called “the Bobcats.”
The origin story behind this team's nickname dates back to 1974 when George Shinn founded a professional basketball team for his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. He named it after its original mascot – an anthropomorphic bobcat named Hugo, who dressed up like a cowboy and rode on horseback at halftime shows during games. The name stuck with the franchise until 2002 when Shinn rebranded them as the Charlotte Hornets due to fan demand for something more exciting than just being associated with cats!
There are two stories about how exactly this transition happened: One version claims that it was inspired by New Orleans' own NBA franchise, which had recently changed its name from Jazz (a reference to musical heritage) to Pelicans (a reference to Louisiana state bird). Another version claims that Michael Jordan suggested changing it because he felt "Hornets" would be more intimidating than "Bobcats." Regardless of which story you believe, both versions point towards an effort made by the ownership group and front office staff alike to ensure their beloved hometown team had an identity worthy enough for national recognition!
Whatever way you look at it - one thing is sure; The switch from Bobcats To Hornet has undoubtedly paid off over time! Not only did switching help create some much-needed buzz around town, but it also allowed them access to markets outside NC where people could easily recognize & connect with them better, thanks mainly due its association w/ MJ & other legendary players who played or coached under him during his tenure here between 2014-2020. It looks like decision-makers knew precisely what they were doing all those years ago when making such a bold move away from traditional cat mascots...and we can all thank our lucky stars now too!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
Arena
2017 - Present / Spectrum Center
2008 - 2016 / Time Warner Cable Arena
2005 - 2008 / Charlotte Bobcats Arena
2004 - 2005 / Charlotte Coliseum
Owner
2010 - Present / Michael Jordan
2004 - 2010 / Robert L. Johnson
- 2013
- 2014
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The Return of the “Hornets” to Charlotte
On May 21, 2013, Jordan officially announced the organization had submitted an application to change the name of the franchise to the Charlotte Hornets for the 2014 – 2015 NBA season, pending a majority vote for approval by the NBA Board of Governors at a meeting in Las Vegas on July 18, 2013. The NBA announced, on July 18, 2013, ... -
Bobcats changed their name to the Hornets
To restate and clarify a confusing series of events: after the 2002 season, the original Hornets moved to New Orleans. In 2004, Charlotte was granted a new franchise, the Bobcats. After the 2013 – 2014 season, the Bobcats changed their name to the Hornets and reclaimed the history and records of the 1988 – 2002 Hornets. As a result, the ...
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets, formerly known as the Charlotte Bobcats, are a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The franchise was founded in 1988 and is currently part of the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division. The Hornets, previously known as the Bobcats, have been an integral part of the NBA since their inception, making several playoff appearances and even reaching the playoffs during their inaugural season. Throughout its history, the team has featured some of basketball’s most legendary players, including Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, and Muggsy Bogues.
The original incarnation of the Hornets played from 1988-2002 before they relocated to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in the 2002–03 season, where they became known as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets for two seasons (2005–07). During this period, under head coach Paul Silas, the team, then known as the Charlotte Bobcats, made it to two consecutive postseasons (2001 & 2002). However, they were unable to make it past the first round both times due to injuries or lack of depth on the roster at that time. Following another relocation back home after the 2005-06 campaign, the Charlotte Bobcats took over for the next four seasons until the name reverted to the "Hornets" prior to the 2014-15 campaign.
Since then, the current version of the Hornets, formerly known as the Charlotte Bobcats, has seen much success while playing under head coach Steve Clifford, with Kemba Walker leading the way as he averages 22 points per game alongside Nicolas Batum, who provides valuable support off the bench averaging 13 ppg & 5 assists per contest. With solid core pieces like these, plus other critical contributors like Marvin Williams & Cody Zeller, the future looks bright for this squad, which could very well lead them deep into the postseason come springtime if all goes according to plan.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
13 / Bobby Phills
*Blue is this team’s history