Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan had numerous successes throughout his playing career.
Jordan retired a perfect 6-for-6 in his NBA Finals appearances, which is part of the reason his resume stacks up against just about any other player in NBA history.
But as an owner, Jordan's teams have hardly had the same level of success. The Hornets have made the playoffs just twice since Jordan took over as majority owner of the then-Charlotte Bobcats in 2010.
Still, according to Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak, Jordan will do whatever it takes to build a winning franchise:
#Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak on Michael Jordan: "He wants to win, Ok? And if we can do something to get into the playoffs (in the future) and advance in the playoffs, payroll will not be an issue. Even the tax won't be an issue for him."
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) February 19, 2020
Kupchak also said finally having cap space available this summer will give them financial flexibility he hasn't had in his shirt time with the #Hornets. They can go in a number of directions. But also said they will be smart with it, likely won't go after a big free agent.
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) February 19, 2020
Of course, part of the reason the Hornets are in this position is due to questionable personnel decisions, and Jordan is partially to blame.
Poor drafting resulted in selections like D.J. Augustin, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Frank Kaminsky, and Malik Monk, among others. Not to mention, the Hornets signed guys like Nicolas Batum to huge contracts.
This summer also marked a strange crossroads for the Hornets. They seemed likely to at least offer Kemba Walker a max contract, even if he moved on from the franchise given a desire to win. Walker was eligible for a supermax contract worth $221 million, but the Hornets reportedly didn't even offer $170 million over five years due to luxury tax concerns.
Yet, they proceeded to sign mostly unproven and inefficient point guard Terry Rozier to a three-year, $58 million contract almost immediately thereafter.
Charlotte is 18-36 this season, though there are some reasons for optimism. Devonte' Graham is a candidate for Most Improved Player, while Miles Bridges is still a promising player. Rozier has actually played fairly well, and PJ Washington should make one of the All-Rookie teams.
Still, Jordan and Kupchak are going to have to be more vigilant with respect to basketball decisions in the coming years. Not to mention, they will have to spend to get better.
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