The miserable existence of the Charlotte Bobcats is going to end after the 2013-2014 season, according to reports. The NBA will grant approval of the Bobcats' name change today, and will begin the countdown until the Charlotte Hornets return to the league.
Since 2005 when the Bobcats became an NBA team, they have posted the worst winning percentage in league history (.346) and have compiled a total record of 250-472. In a ten-season span the Bobcats have only reached the postseason once, have never won a division crown, nor have they made it beyond the first round of the playoffs.
When the organization applied for their re-naming, owner Michael Jordan made the team's case saying, "Let's bring the buzz back, and bring that energy back on the basketball court and make this city proud again."
The Bobcats are expected to "share" the history of the moniker with New Orleans, who have renamed themselves the Pelicans. The name change is taking effect in 2014-2015 in order to allow the team to come up with new jerseys, logos and merchandise. There is no word on whether the Hornets will retain the old-school teal and purple color scheme that has endured well after the team ceased to exist.
While fans never warmed to the Bobcats team name or the somewhat bland uniforms, they seem excited about the return to Hornets glory. The biggest problem remains the roster, however, and a great deal of pressure will be heaped on rookie center Cody Zeller to help bring the Bobcats/Hornets up from the doldrums of the cellar.
As the fourth overall pick in the most recent draft, Zeller was selected over higher-ranked prospects like Nerlens Noel and Alex Len. He joins an exceptionally young core of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist ,19, and Bismack Biyombo, 20. The latter two players have proven offensively challenged, making Zeller a crucial cog if the team is to improve.
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