The Truth Behind Pro Sports in North Carolina

North Carolina is the undisputed hotbed of college sports, with successful programs of Wake Forest, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke and NC State dominating the landscape. In the last 20 years, professional sports tried to make its mark in the Tar Heel State, but has had limited success over the years.

Fortunately, no Major League Baseball team has ever expanded to North Carolina, to this point.

The starting five of the final Hornets team
in Charlotte.

The National Basketball Association first made its mark in the state by bringing the Hornets to Charlotte. Capitalizing on the popularity of college hoops, the Hornets debuted in the NBA in 1988 to high fanfare. They dominated league attendance during their early years, and it reached its peak during the mid-90s, when players such as Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues and Glen Rice proudly wore the pinstriped teals. However, owner George Shinn's sexual abuse scandal and a failed new arena deal resulted in a sharp decline in attendance, and in 2002, Shinn moved the Hornets to New Orleans. The NBA then promised a new team in the city.

While the Hornets were at their peak of popularity in Charlotte, the National Football League's Carolina Panthers debuted in the 1995 season. In just their second season, they made it to the playoffs, and in their ninth, made it to Super Bowl XXXVIII, losing to the New England Patriots. In recent years, however, the Panthers faded into prominence, bottoming out in 2010 with a 2-14 mark. In the 2011 NFL draft, they added quarterback Cam Newton, and rebounded somewhat from last year's dismal performance. Unlike the Hornets, the Panthers have been consistently popular in Charlotte, averaging around 72,000 fans at the Bank of America Stadium. However, on the field, they haven't been able to consistently put together a consistent culture of winning.

The Carolina Hurricanes moved from Hartford, Connecticut (as the Whalers) to North Carolina in 1997. The Hurricanes have enjoyed decent success since the relocation, earning two trips to the Stanley Cup Finals and winning it all in 2006. However, the Hurricanes also had its fair share of frustrations, such as being one of only a few teams to miss the playoffs a year after winning the Stanley Cup. Attendance is normally below average when they're enjoying a losing season, but above when they're having a winning campaign and a playoff appearance. The Hurricanes missed the playoffs in 2012, but there are positives on the horizon.

Finally there were the Charlotte Bobcats. Debuting in 2004, the Bobcats haven't been able to draw crowds like the Hornets did in their heyday, and even on the court they haven't been consistent either. They made the playoffs in 2010, upon Michael Jordan's purchase of the team, but things went downhill since, posting the NBA's worst record this year. The Bobcats are currently one of the NBA's most undervalued teams, and coupled with low attendance figures and underachieving teams, it is possible that Charlotte may lose its NBA team again.

If you're from North Carolina, you may as well cheer for either the Tar Heels or the Blue Devils rather than the Bobcats, the Panthers or the Hurricanes. College sports will remain a hit in the Carolinas, but not in professional sports. 

NBA Midseason Report (Part 1)

We've reached the All-Star Break aka the midpoint of the NBA season. Some teams have so far exceeded expectations, others didn't. We look at all 30 teams at a glance on how the first half of the season has been.

Atlanta Hawks

Al Horford went down with a shoulder injury that ended his season, yet the Hawks have adapted to his absence, with a 20-14 record at the break. Joe Johnson remains an All-Star player, while Josh Smith stepped up his game. Then again, are they ready to take it to the next level?

Boston Celtics

Aging team whose days were numbered. A fragile bench, injuries and creaky legs led to an uninspiring 15-17 record at the break. No longer championship contenders at this point, so expect Danny Ainge to pull the plug at season's end.

Charlotte Bobcats

Sixteen straight losses led to a mediocre 4-28 mark. Nothing to say. Michael Jordan is not a good executive.  The Bobcats are too young and too immature, and no effort has been made to add All-Star talent to keep Bobcats fans happy. 

Chicago Bulls

Not even Derrick Rose's extended absences have prevented the Bulls from surging to a 27-8 mark at the break. Luol Deng finally broke out, while Richard Hamilton fulfilled the Bulls' needs of an shooter. Defense remains a Bulls hallmark of success, and should continue so until the season's end.

Cleveland Cavaliers

After a frustrating rookie debut, Kyrie Irving started to make his mark in Cleveland. The Cavs are 13-18 at the break, on the cusp of the top eight. Irving and Tristan Thompson are the future of the franchise in transition, as they look to move on from LeBron.

Two Jordans

Michael Jordan just celebrated his 49th birthday yesterday. Even at this age his look remains recognizably the same, from the shaved head to the trademark 'Gene Simmons' tongue that exudes confidence in every play. But what was different is the success level he had achieved as a basketball player and then as an executive.

Jordan the player has been known for his crowd-pleasing dunks, scoring exploits, clutch moments, defense and all-around leadership. That blend produced five MVP awards, six NBA championships, six Finals MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year award, ten scoring titles, 14 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA team berths, nine All-Defensive team berths, a Rookie of the Year award, and three All-Star Game MVP awards. This Jordan introduced the baggies, the shaved head look, and even his sneakers which had become popular and synonymous with him.

Jordan the executive, however, has been more of a failure when it comes to managing the daily operations of a team. As Wizards president, he drafted a bust in Kwame Brown in 2001, and then as the majority owner of the Bobcats, his lack of pursuit towards big-name talent as well as failed attempts at rebuilding has cost the Bobcats games and fans as well. Jordan's post-playing career has been rather decent at best, compared to his success on the hardwood.

Now it seems better that Michael Jordan will be remembered more for his playing exploits than his front-office duties. Well let's hope that His Airness would find a way to improve in his front office job, in order to add to his legend.