email to STH's about the team from Rod Higgins (no hornets content, btw)

[ncstamey]

doesn't say a whole lot but I figured some of you guys might want to see what it says... sent to encourage early season ticket renewals





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The midway point of the 2012-13 season is upon us and I want to personally thank you for supporting our franchise as we continue to reshape this team into one that can sustain success and ultimately compete for a championship.

Rebuilding projects are always tough and every team has gone through similar processes before, but we remain confident and secure in our long-term plan. We knew the journey would take time, patience, and a strategic approach that revolves around free agency, scouting, drafting, trade opportunities, and player development. Today I want to update you on our progress of each.

Free Agency: We have worked diligently to improve our team's salary cap situation and starting this summer we will have upwards of $20 million to spend on players. We will be using this flexibility to add the best free agents possible including max-level players that may become available.

Scouting/Analytics: As an organization, we are committed to utilizing every possible tool at our disposal to improve our scouting capabilities. We have invested more resources over the past two (2) seasons by adding people and technology to create an elite scouting and analytics department. Our entire scouting staff was in Charlotte recently for a midseason retreat to present and upload information for General Manager Rich Cho and me into our extensive database. They have been hard at work to identify the best possible players for us to add to our team, not only through the draft but also through other avenues such as free agency and trades.

Draft: The investment in the scouting/analytics department has helped us have consecutive successful drafts. We have also worked to accumulate draft picks to add to the young core of our team. Over the next two (2) years alone, we will likely have four (4) first-round draft picks.

Trade Opportunities: We are continuing to actively evaluate trade opportunities to improve our team. We have had dialog with every team in the NBA and will aggressively pursue players and assets that will help us achieve our goal.

Player Development: We are absolutely committed to developing the potential of our young players. Coach Dunlap's offseason program and the participation of the players has created a culture of hard work that will pay dividends for our team.

The aforementioned is both our reality and our future. We want you to remain a vital part of our team by staying committed and taking advantage of all the new and exciting things available to you as a season ticket holder by renewing your account today.