My Idea for a new look Charlottte Bobcats/Hornets.

[DCAWFAN]

At first i was against the idea of changing the name back to the hornets. But after this season I am all for the idea of a Charlotte Hornets 2.0. Bring back the Teal and purple. Hell bring back Jump by Van Halen as a pre game song. I used to remember going to Hornets game as kid (mid/late 90s) and one of my favorite parts of the game was hearing jump before the tip at the hive. While the name change isn't necessary, it would get people finally excited about the team for once. Not only would a name change need to occur, but I think it would need to occur within the next two seasons if not by next season if possible. It would also require a lot of cards to fall in place in the draft, most importantly winning the lottery and picking up davis. I also beleive we need to use DJ, TT, and magette and we need to trade up for another top 10 draft pick this year and at all costs IF possible convince Crash to retire here. Not only would crash help bring back fans, but in comination with a name change it could have a huge affect. With our other Top 10 draft pick we should take Marcus Teague or if not avalible take the best SG avalible.
That would leave us with a line up of
PG-Teague/Kemba
SG-Hendo/2013 Lottery Pick
SF-Crash/UPS
PF-Smack/White
C-Davis/Mullens
OR
PG-Kemba/2013 Lottery Pick
SG-2012 Lottery Pick/Hendo
Sf-Crash/UPS
PF-Smack/White
C-Davis/Mullens
Input is greatly appreciated.

[dav7z]

I donn't know where to start ? First crash is 30 and its no way hes coming back hear . 2nd Crash comands too much money and in no way fits in with kids starting a rebuild . Hes not old enough to just become a mentor. Teague another point ? Felton, DJ, Kemba and now Teague . Its about time to let someone devolope. This team has far more pressing needs than drafting another point . This is a weak draft for points and at best hes the 2nd or 3rd best point . With a free agent market loaded with points from all stars to cheap solid guys who is proven . Makes no sence to me at all.

Next a name change will do nothing to attendance . Winning and putting a good product on the floor is going to bring in fans . See most people don't care if its a Hornet , Bobcat or even a horse as a friggin mascott . If the oeganization is run right and the team wins is all that matters . Exactly what is exicting about a name change its done nothing for NO and they have had better players . Its sparked no fan instrest. AT ALL FOR THEM.

With the free agent class as it is do you really expect DJ, to net a first roiund pick , Damn , We would have to give up our first round pick to get rid of Maggs or TT . So if you planing on useing those three players to get another first you may as well forget it . No way that will happen .

Our best options are useing Hendo whitch i wouldn't do or Mully and the 31st pick might work . It took us years to get in this mess and a name change isn't goiing to get us out.
Another thing you best not count on a 2013 Portland pick its protected and odds are less than 50% we see that pick in 2013.

[DCAWFAN]

Eh. It was just an idea i had didn't really research into it. As for the name. Sure a new name won't mean that much, but it sure as hell wouldn't hurt.

[dav7z]

Eh. It was just an idea i had didn't really research into it. As for the name. Sure a new name won't mean that much, but it sure as hell wouldn't hurt.

I have no problem with a name change . It by its self in no way sparks enough fan instrest to make much differance . Making smart moves from hear on out is what its going to take.

[JGib23]

Dav7z- NO hasn't changed names yet - so I'm confused by your comments about it doing nothing for them. Despite the fact that they haven't changed your wrong to say "it's sparked no fan interest AT ALL FOR THEM". They have ran stories in national publications, their message boards have been filled with excited fans suggesting names, developing jerseys, logos, etc. I would say TOm Benson "gets it" and has ignited his fan base by giving them what they have been asking for ever since the team moved. They want their own identity, they are tired of being called the Charlotte Hornets. After 10 years the Hornets name is still more synonymous with Charlotte than it is with New Orleans. Tom Benson is going to give the fans what they want. That's how you build excitement in your team without needing to get luckynwith ping pong balls or convincing a superstar to sign with you( both of which- the odds are greatly stacked against us)

My .02- The name change would absolutely increase attendance. I would buy either 2 or 4 season tickets the day the name changes. It's not just about being the Hornets again that would get people excited, it would be a huge signal to the community that MJ listens to what the fans think is important and values the fans opinion more than the he values the money the change would cost.

The name change also could have a positive effect that could domino into some fringe fans giving the team a shot by merchandising. Currently, the Bobcats rank dead last in merchandising. That means there are less Bobcats jerseys, shirts, hats, etc than any other team. What that means is there are very little conversations sparked about the team by strangers on the light rail, in the mall, or walking down the street. There is no "buzz". Some people will argue that winning or a star will increase merchandise sales- I personally disagree. I wouldn't buy an Anthony Davis Bobcats jersey because I think the jerseys, logo, etc are hands down the worst in the NBA. Our merchandise is ugly. The Blue looks washed out and dingy when it's brand new. The orange is hideous. We could win the NBA championship and they team (as bobcats) wouldn't make $1 on merchandise from me.

As far as building our team. I think we need to be very conservative this offseason with our cap space. I would like to amnesty Tyrus but, I think the new coach will be encouraged to bring out his best and see if we can get some return that investment.
I would let DJ walk for any price higher than his QO, unless it's a one year deal at a higher price that won't effect our long term cap flexibility.
I would like to sign a between PG like Andre Miller that can be a leader on the court and make sure that everyone is in the right spot on offense and more importantly that will get the ball to the guys in position to score..... pass first PG that's not a midget that gets killed on Defense would be worth a few wins alone.

Sign a legit 3 point threat that will stretch the defense. We don't have a 3 point threat on our team. Sure we have some guys that will knock down a few but, we have no one to strike fear in our opponent from behind the arc.

We get killed on the birds but, either Anthony Davis or Thomas Robinson would help that tremendously.

There are many things wrong with this organization both on the court and off.

A name change won't fix everything on the court but, I firmly believe that fixing everything on the court won't matter if no one cares about the team. It can't be argued that the team fanbase is on life support. Our attendance is bad (buoyed only by give-aways) and our merchandise doesn't inspire very many people to purchase it.

U