Breaking Bad - A Charlotte Bobcats Association

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Breaking Bad - A Charlotte Bobcats Association



A couple of weeks ago OS user janmagn started a story Rebuilding?-No, just building - 'What if' Dynasty.
This instantly intrigued me. I am a big Orlando Magic fan, and I always wondered, what if we drafted Emeka Okafor instead of Dwight Howard? All the conutations that played out over the last few years may have been so different. I decided to read into the history of the Bobcats, and it really had me interested. The expansion of a franchise from scratch, a General Managers dream, or nightmare as it turned out. The list of protected players, and the trials and tribulations in founding a core roster to compete, and reinvigorate the Charlotte fanbase who had just lost their beloved Hornets to New Orleans.

I delved depper into research and discovered a few more twists along the way. That was it, I was sold. I'm going to turn back the hands of time, and make the Charlotte Bobcats mine.

Strap in, sit back and relax. Here is a journey down memory lane, from my point of view, and with a few big twists. But don't be worried, I won't lose all sense of realism, all the same rules and restrictions that applied to the Bobcats will be in play here too. I think I can do a better job than they did.

Here we go Charlotte NC, we're Breaking Bad memories.

This will be played on NBA 2K14 for PC.

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NBA moves closer to putting expansion team in Charlotte

October 08, 2002 10:00 pm

NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA moved a step closer Tuesday to putting a team back in Charlotte, appointing an expansion committee to look at ownership groups willing to pay the expected price of at least $300 million.

The league's Board of Governors ended a two-day meeting at which they were briefed on the prospects of adding a new franchise. One prospective ownership group includes Larry Bird and M.L. Carr, but the league said there is no front-runner for the new team, which could begin play in 2004-05.

Charlotte lost its NBA franchise when the Hornets moved to New Orleans after last season. Since then, at least three groups have said they would like to bring a team back to Charlotte, and deputy commissioner Russ Granik said the league is near agreement with city officials on a deal to build a new arena with an NBA team as the primary tenant.

"It's a very positive step, but I don't think we can say yet that it's a done deal," Granik said.

The Board of Governors, comprised of a representative from each of the 29 teams, also approved a change in the bylaws for the WNBA, allowing for non-NBA ownership groups to pursue WNBA franchises in non-NBA cities. Currently, the league owns all the teams, and with the exception of the Charlotte Sting, all WNBA teams are operated by the NBA teams in their cities.

In another development, the owners approved the opening of a leaguewide credit operation, to be run by JP Morgan Chase, from which each team would be entitled to borrow up to $100 million.

Commissioner David Stern said he did not sense opposition from any of the 29 owners to putting another team in Charlotte. Two or three prospective ownership groups are expected to meet with the expansion committee, which will be comprised of Jerry Colangelo of Phoenix, Larry Tanenbaum of Toronto, Joe Maloof of Sacramento, Lewis Katz of New Jersey, Stan Kroenke of Denver and George Shinn of New Orleans.

"There is no front-runner," Granik said.

While a new arena is built, a new team could play one season in the Charlotte Coliseum, which lacks the luxury and club suites the Hornets needed to make money, Granik said.

Steve Belkin, the key player in one of the investment groups trying to bring an expansion team to Charlotte, said his group is the sentimental favorite because it includes Bird and Carr.

Bird, who would be the team's general manager, has visited with city and business leaders in Charlotte. Carr, who would work in community relations, spent the summer running the WNBA's Charlotte Sting. Former Celtics general manger Jan Volk is also part of the group.

Other groups expressing interest are one headed by Black Entertainment Television founder Robert Johnson and another led by Miami Heat minority owner Bob Sturges.

"I think they have to treat everyone fairly. That's the only fair way to approach it," said Belkin, adding that he has heard the expansion fee will be at least $300 million.

Stern and Granik would not discuss a prospective expansion fee, although they said the 29 owners believe they should receive "a marketplace fair price."

An agreement was reached last month to sell the Boston Celtics for $360 million, but Belkin does not believe that should be a benchmark for a new team in Charlotte.

"Boston is one of the league's largest markets, and Charlotte is certainly not Boston. The Celtics are one of the league's premiere franchises," he said.

Stern said the addition of a 30th franchise would have no effect on his plan to expand into Europe — possibly by the end of this decade.

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Board of Governors approves expansion franchise in Charlotte

NEW YORK— The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the league's 30th team Friday, granting an expansion team to Charlotte to be owned by billionaire Robert L. Johnson.

The team will begin play in the 2004-05 season.

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome Charlotte back into the NBA, since we appreciate how supportive their fans have been in the past," commissioner David Stern said.

"We are particularly excited to have Robert Johnson as our newest owner. Bob has shown a great understanding for building a new company, and we are confident in his ability to develop a strong NBA organization."

The approval of the Board of Governors, with one representative of each of the 29 ownership groups, was considered a formality.

Only one owner, Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks, expressed public reservations over whether expanding to 30 teams was a sound idea.

The new team will replace the Hornets, who left Charlotte after last season and relocated to New Orleans.

Johnson also takes over ownership of the WNBA's Charlotte Sting, effective immediately.

He was chosen last month by the NBA's expansion committee, getting the nod over a group led by Boston businessman Steve Belkin that included Hall of Famer Larry Bird. The price of the new franchise was $300 million.

Johnson is the founder and chief executive officer of Black Entertainment Television, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. He becomes the first black majority owner of a major American professional sports franchise.

In 2000, Johnson sold BET to Viacom for approximately $3 billion. The all-stock transaction made Johnson the second largest individual shareholder in Viacom behind its chairman, Sumner Redstone.

Johnson's team will play its inaugural season in the Charlotte Coliseum and move to a new $260 million arena to be constructed for the 2005-06 NBA season.

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NBA Expansion Franchise To Be Named Charlotte Bobcats

June 11, 2003, Charlotte, N.C.

The National Basketball Association’s 30th franchise will be named the Charlotte Bobcats, it was announced today by team owner Robert L. Johnson. NBA Commissioner David Stern and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory joined Johnson as the new team’s name, logo and colors were unveiled to fans at a team-hosted basketball street festival in the center of Uptown Charlotte.

“It is with great pride that I introduce the newest symbol of the City of Charlotte,” said Johnson, whose team will begin play in the NBA’s Eastern Conference during the 2004-2005 season. “Please welcome your Charlotte Bobcats.”

“With a name, logo and colors that are unique in the world of professional sports, the identity of the new Charlotte Bobcats delivers a strong message that professional basketball is back and here to stay in the Carolinas.”

The Charlotte Bobcats logo depicts the spirit of the new franchise, illustrating the team’s aggressive hopes and aspirations. The logo draws on the distinctive ears of the cat, featuring the animal’s sleek profile as if poised for attack with ears drawn back and fangs displayed.

The cat profile and Bobcats word mark are retained within the outline of the logo, with the name Charlotte placed across the top. A robust orange, referred to as Bobcats Orange, fills the cat profile and is the primary color of the logo. A rich blue, referred to as Bobcats Blue, along with black and sliver, joins Bobcats Orange in making up the four colors of the new team’s identity.

“The Charlotte Bobcats team will be as athletic, fierce and hard-working as the bobcat itself,” noted Johnson, who referred to the animal that is being used for the first time asthe name of a professional sports franchise. “No one wants to meet up with a bobcat in the woods, and that’s the feeling we intend to create on the court with our team’s new identity.”

Bobcats, indigenous to the Carolinas but infrequently seen because of their stealth and nocturnal habits, are fierce and swift. They attack with the aid of an expansive 10-foot leap, making them an ideal representative for Charlotte’s new NBA entry.

The team’s name, logo and colors were selected following a six-month process that included various forms of fan feedback, a series of creative phases and a thorough analysis of merchandise opportunities, game presentation possibilities and licensing considerations.

“This naming announcement is one more part of the new and exciting chapter that we have begun with the NBA and Bob Johnson,” said Mayor McCrory. “Charlotte is well-known, in part, because of our NBA connection and I look forward to seeing the new Charlotte Bobcats logo and colors throughout the city, nation and world, but most especially on the backs of the players who will call Charlotte home and become a part of the fabric of the community.”

Input from the Charlotte community was an important factor in the development of the new team’s identity. The process tipped off with the aid of the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission, which netted over 1,250 team name suggestions in their “Help Name the Team” effort. Following focus groups with Charlotte-area residents and meetings with business and civic leaders, the team announced three nickname finalists in May – Charlotte Bobcats, Charlotte Dragons and Charlotte Flight.

To unveil the Charlotte Bobcats new identity, the city closed off streets in the center of Uptown Charlotte – just two blocks from the site of the city’s new arena which will be the future homeof the Bobcats – for the midday unveiling and basketball street festival that featured interactive basketball games, live entertainment, vendors and team giveaways.Fans at the street festival also learned more about the elusive bobcat and its history in the Carolinas from representatives of the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission.

The new franchise will introduce the team’s mascot late this year. The club’s new uniforms will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2004.

The Charlotte Bobcats of the National Basketball Association and the Charlotte Sting of the Women’s National Basketball Association are owned by Robert L. Johnson. The NBA announced on December 18, 2002 that Johnson would become the owner of both the NBA expansion franchise in Charlotte and the Sting. The Charlotte Bobcats, who select fourth in the 2004 NBA Draft following an expansion draft of players from other NBA teams, will play their inaugural season in 2004-2005 at the Charlotte Coliseum before moving to Charlotte’s new Uptown arena beginning with the 2005-2006 NBA season.

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Bobcats name Michael Jordan as GM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan will be the general manager of the expansion Charlotte Bobcats, two team sources said yesterday.

Jordan was introduced at a Bobcats news conference today.

Karl Hicks, already a member of the Bobcats' front office, will be named assistant GM. Gary Brokaw will be named director of player personnel.

Charlotte vice president Ed Tapscott was not available to discuss the hires.

The Bobcats, replacing the Hornets, begin play in 2004-05.

Jordan, 40, ended his latest comeback last month and expected to return as president of basketball operations for the Wizards, a position he held for one season before his two-year stint as a Wizards player. But Washington owner Abe Pollin decided instead to show his most famous employee the door.

Pollin and Jordan met privately with their lawyers and Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, also part-owner of the Wizards, who brought Jordan into the fold with much fanfare in 2000.

The Wizards later issued a brief statement to say Jordan was out. The greatest player in basketball history saw the Washington phase of his career end not in the bang of the playoffs but in the whimper of a one-page release.

But Robert Johnson has granted Jordan a reprieve just 3 months after his release. The North Carolina alum returns to Charlotte to give the new franchise some big time recognition, and hopefully some basketball nous. Time will tell if Jordans spell in the front office will be more successful than his time with the Wizards.


Notes

The NBA plans to switch to six five-team divisions for the 2004-05 season, when the Bobcats become the league's 30th team.

The Charlotte Bobcats will play in the South East Division, along with the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards

The NBA will realign along geographic lines. New Orleans will move from the East to the West, and Charlotte will be in the East.

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Summary Of Expansion Draft Rules

SUMMARY OF EXPANSION DRAFT RULES

A. Player Selection

The Charlotte Bobcats Expansion Draft will take place on June 22 (if the NBA Finals extend to seven games, it will be June 23), prior to the 2004 NBA Draft on June 24.

The Bobcats will select a minimum of 14 players who are under contract or restricted free agents for the 2004-05 season.

The Bobcats may select no more than one player from each team.

The Bobcats can only select players that are left unprotected by an NBA team.

Each of the 29 NBA teams may protect a maximum of eight players on its roster who are under contract or are restricted free agents at the conclusion of the 2003-04 season.

Each of the 29 NBA teams will designate the players on its roster who are eligible for selection by the Bobcats.

Each of the 29 NBA teams must designate at least one player on its roster to be eligible for selection by the Bobcats, even if the team does not have eight players under contract or as restricted free agents for the 2004-05 season.

Any player under contract selected by the Bobcats will immediately be placed on the Bobcats roster.

Any eligible restricted free agent selected by the Bobcats shall immediately become an unrestricted free agent.

Unrestricted free agents are not eligible to be protected nor are they eligible to be selected by the Bobcats.

B. Pre-Expansion Draft Trades

Teams will be permitted to enter into pre-Expansion Draft trades involving players or draft picks in which Charlotte agrees to select or not select certain unprotected players in return.

C. Salary Cap

Charlotte will be permitted to select players in the Expansion Draft without regard to the Salary Cap.

Charlotte will have a Salary Cap in its first season equal to 66% of the Salary Cap applicable to the rest of the league and a Salary Cap in its second season equal to 75% of the Salary Cap applicable to the rest of the league. This approximates to $27 Million Dollars this season.

Charlotte will be permitted to sign any restricted free agent it selects in the Expansion Draft using the same “Bird,” “Early Bird” or “Non-Bird” Exception that the player’s prior team would have had.

Compensation paid to a selected player under a contract protected for lack of skill will be excluded from Charlotte’s Team Salary if the player’s contract is terminated (via the waiver procedure) prior to the start of the 2004-05 season.

A team with a Team Salary above the Salary Cap will receive a Trade Exception to replace a player (other than a restricted free agent) selected from its unprotected list.

D. Post-Expansion Draft Transactions

A team will not be permitted to reacquire a player that it loses in the Expansion Draft prior to the expiration of one year from the date of the Expansion Draft, unless the player is waived and not claimed by any other team.

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Fledgling Bobcats make their picks, build solid base.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Choosing an assortment of players with varying profiles and salaries, the Charlotte Bobcats began stocking their roster last night by selecting 19 players in the expansion draft.

Center Alonzo Mourning of New Jersey returns to Charlotte as a former Hornet, forward Scottie Pippen of Chicago and forward Gerald Wallace of Sacramento were the most experienced players among the Bobcats' selections.

Mourning, a twelve-year NBA veteran, has the joint highest salary of any of the players picked - $5.44 million for next season. Mourning who played for 3 years as a Charlotte Hornet is now 34 and in the winding down of his career. He will be expected to mentor the young Bobcats in this transitional phase. He will also help get the ex Hornet fans out in numbers. Mourning has one year remaining on his contract.

Pippen, the renowned former teammate of Jordan, is also slated to earn $5.4 Million this season. Many have speculated that Pippen was as good as retired, but when Michael came calling, Scottie just couldn't say no. Pippen hasn't got much left in the tank, but he will also help mentor promising forward Gerald Wallace. An intriguing reunion, and one certainly to put people in seats like Mourning.

"What we want is players who need an opportunity to show they can play," said Michael Jordan, the Bobcats' general manager. "Players talk all the time - they want playing time, and they want to know their role. We can guarantee both. Bringing Zo back to Charlotte is very important. Having Scottie come here from Chicago for one more season is vital too. We need role model's and leaders from day one. These young Cats can learn from the best."

Among the other selections by the Bobcats were promising Juan Dixon from Washington, Bucks forward Brian Skinner, and young sharpshooter Jason Kapono from the Cavaliers.

"We think this young man is the sleeper of this selection," Jordan said of Kapono, played 41 games and started 3 in his first NBA season, although he led the team in three-point field goal percent at 47.7%

Each NBA team was allowed to protect up to eight players but had to make at least one player available to Charlotte.

The Bobcats drafted nine restricted free agents, thereby making them unrestricted free agents. They were Seattle guard Richie Frahm, Miami center Loren Woods, Denver guard Jeff Trepagnier, Golden State guard J.R. Bremer, New Orleans guard Maurice Carter, and Portland swingman Desmond Ferguson.


Charlotte's Expansion-Draft Picks will follow in full tomorrow.

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Atlanta Hawks Draft Carmelo Anthony with #3 Pick.

In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Atlanta Hawks have made a franchise-altering decision by selecting Carmelo Anthony with the 3rd overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. This unexpected selection has instantly transformed the future outlook of the Hawks and has fans buzzing with excitement.

Carmelo Anthony, the highly touted small forward from Syracuse University, brings a unique blend of scoring prowess and versatility to the court. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, impressive athleticism, and ability to create his own shot, Anthony is widely regarded as one of the most talented prospects in this year's draft class.

With this strategic move, the Atlanta Hawks have signaled their intent to rebuild and reshape their roster around the dynamic scoring ability of Carmelo Anthony. His arrival promises to inject a much-needed offensive spark into a team that has struggled to find consistent scoring options in recent years.

Anthony's impact at Syracuse was undeniable, leading the Orange to a National Championship in his freshman year. His ability to rise to the occasion in big moments and his unwavering confidence have already established him as a player destined for greatness.

By drafting Carmelo Anthony, the Atlanta Hawks have not only added a prolific scorer but also a player who possesses the potential to become the face of their franchise. With his size, skill set, and natural scoring instincts, Anthony has all the tools to become a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.

The selection of Anthony at the #3 spot comes as a surprise to many, as most mock drafts projected him to be taken within the top two picks. However, the Hawks' front office, led by General Manager, believed in the immense talent and potential that Anthony brings to the table, making him the centerpiece of their rebuilding efforts.

The addition of Carmelo Anthony to the Atlanta Hawks instantly bolsters their offensive firepower and raises expectations for the upcoming season. Fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness his electrifying scoring ability alongside the Hawks' existing young talent.

With the 2003 NBA Draft now in the books, the selection of Carmelo Anthony by the Atlanta Hawks has undoubtedly shaken up the league and set the stage for an exciting new era in Atlanta. The future is bright for the Hawks, as they look to rise from the depths of the league standings and reclaim their position as a playoff contender.