Michael Jordan Must Take Hands-Off Approach As Charlotte Hornets Owner

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Charlotte Hornets Owner Michael Jordan Should Remove Himself From All Personnel Decisions
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Michael Jordan is the best NBA player of all time, but he hasn’t been able to sustain that type of success as owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan bought a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats, as they were called at the time, in 2006 as the team was set to begin its third season in existence. In 2010, Jordan bought out majority owner Robert L. Johnson to become the majority owner of the franchise.

Since Jordan took charge of team personnel decisions in 2006, the Bobcats/Hornets are a combined 282-440, a winning percentage of just 39 percent. The franchise has had only two playoff appearances during his tenure, 2009-10 and 2013-14, but the team got swept in both series. Zero playoff wins in nine seasons would get any general manager fired; that’s why I believe Jordan should try a hands-off approach and let general manager Rich Cho and the Hornets front office make all of the personnel decisions. Jordan has swung-and-missed on so many players, such as Corey Maggette, Lance Stephenson and Tyrus Thomas in free agency, and Adam Morrison and D.J. Augustin in the NBA Draft.

Entering the 2015 NBA Draft last week, it was clear that the Hornets’ biggest need was shooting, but the team decided to go with Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky despite receiving an offer of six total draft picks, four first-rounders and two second-rounders, from the Boston Celtics so they could move up and draft Justise Winslow. I like Kaminsky and what he brings to the table, but the fact that Jordan rejected this type of offer shows that he isn’t fit to make personnel decisions. Kaminsky could end up being a solid role player, but he’s not going to be a star. Think of the type of talent the Hornets could’ve accumulated with two first-round picks for the next four seasons.

The Hornets were dead last in the NBA last season, as they shot just 31 percent from three-point range as a team. With free agency officially starting on Wednesday, I would expect the Hornets to be heavily courting Arron Afflalo, Wesley Matthews, Anthony Morrow and possibly even J.R. Smith, but what do I know?

As great a player as Jordan was, he just isn’t a good talent evaluator, and he doesn’t know how to construct a roster. He probably will never admit to that fact, but if he ever does, that will be the day the Hornets become serious contenders. Until then, the franchise will be mired in mediocrity, with little to nothing for fans to get excited about.

Jason Fletcher is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.

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