Back in 2023, after 13 years with the team, Michael Jordan sold his team, the Charlotte Hornets, previously known as the Charlotte Bobcats. This sudden decision left Hornet fans in disbelief. To make matters even worse, Jordan never really gave a satisfactory explanation for this bold decision of his. But now a year later, it seems we finally have some insight into why he made that bold move.
This Friday, former Lakers GM and Charlotte’s ex-President Mitch Kupchak hopped on NESN’s “Hold My Banner Show” with Travis Thomas and Ountae Campbell. On the show, he discussed various NBA insights including details about his former boss, Michael Jordan. Mitch shed light on why Jordan might have decided to sell the team for $3 billion to Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall.
The Real Reason Michael Jordan Sold the Hornets
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On the show, Mitch was very straightforward about the fact that selling the team was always a part of Jorden’s plan. Jordan shared this information when Mitch joined the team as the general manager. He said, “When I took the job I knew, at least he told me down to road he was gonna look to sell the team”. But even Mitch admitted he didn’t expect it to happen so soon, adding, “I think it came a couple of years earlier than I thought.”
via Imago Michael Jordan
Mitch believes it was the sudden changes in the NBA rules that kept bugging Michael. It was an open secret that Jordan was deeply invested in how the game was played and constant rule changes might have disrupted his vision for the team. As Mitch put out, “I am not sure going forward that he was comfortable with the direction the NBA was heading” He didn’t stop there, adding, “There is no way to actually verify that the NBA with the salaries and the rules and all the exposure and player maintenance, I think, quite frankly that stuff has bothered me a lot too”.
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Mitch made it clear that the NBA today is nothing like it was 30 years ago. He believes six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan represents a golden era of discipline, grit, and dedication, a time when legends shaped the game. But today’s generation thinks differently. Mitch summed it up perfectly on the show, saying, “But he is old school. I’m not sure he would fit into today’s players, you know, the way it is today.”
Michael Jordan’s chemistry with the Hornets
It was 2010 when Michael Jordan bought the majority shares of the Charlotte Bobcats from Robert L. Johnson. Four years later, in 2014, he brought back a sense of history by renaming the team the Charlotte Hornets, a nod to the city’s basketball roots. Though this team never made it to the finals, it was a team of emotion, it was a team that was led by a legend himself. This team under Jorden’s supervision gave fans some nail-biting moments and also some heart-breaking ones.
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When Michael Jordan stepped down as the majority owner of the Hornets, his words carried the weight of 13 incredible years. At the press conference, his voice was heavy with emotion as he said, “The opportunity to be the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets in my home state of North Carolina for the last 13 years has been a tremendous honor.” He added, “I’m proud of all that the organization accomplished, the exciting on-court moments, the return of the Hornets name, Charlotte hosting the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, and HSE becoming a true pillar of this community. Through the years, the unwavering commitment, passion, and loyalty of our Hornets fans has been incredible.”
Jordan also shared his optimism for the future, saying, “As I transition into a minority ownership role, I’m thrilled to be able to pass the reins to two successful, innovative, and strategic leaders in Gabe and Rick.” It was a heartfelt farewell, one that left fans reminiscing about the legacy he built while looking ahead to what’s next for the Hornets.