Goodbye Bobcats, Welcome back Hornets!

Just in case you haven't heard, the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats are officially undergoing a name change.  It may not be a big deal in the rest of the country, but for around these parts this is BIG.  Yes, the Hornets name is coming back to where it belonged in the first place.

Michael Jordan is set to have a press conference here in Charlotte later today with the announcement.

Now a lot of the critics say it won't matter what the team is called as long as the talent on the team "sucks".  True, it has been tough being a NBA fan in this city over the last 10 years or so.  The Charlotte Bobcats have really struggled to find their place in the city and with the fans after the original Hornets owner, George Shinn, moved the team in 2002 to New Orleans.

The team has positioned themselves to (hopefully) get a few good draft picks this year.  They are still searching for a coach after firing 1st year coach Mike Dunlap last month.  Free agents are a must and there is room underneath the salary cap is starting to be made.  There is a lot that remains unseen with Michael Jordan and this team.  Will the purple and teal return?  Will the old mascot, Hugo the Hornet return?  Will people show up to the games and support this team?

I believe the answers to all of the above are yes.  It will take several seasons before this team can contend for a playoff spot, but I'm confident that the name change is a step in the right direction.  The Hornets were the hottest ticket in town in the early 90's and while time has moved on and things have changed, it's nice to see that the Buzz is coming back to Charlotte.

In closing I'll leave you with this video clip from the 1993 Playoffs that is truly a piece of Charlotte sports history.