Michael Jordan: Worst Owner in the NBA

I’ve been conspicuously absent from the blog lately, and for that, I apologize. To make it up to you I’m treating you with two helpings of the best sports analysis on the Internets. I’m also going to give you a little teaser about what you can expect from me next (I’m really excited about it)!

"You couldn't manage a bowl of Jell-o"

I think it’s pretty clear that we have bold opinions at Hammertime, and I’m about to express a bold one. Michael Jordan is the worst owner in the NBA. Michael Jordan is the best basketball player of all time. Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is certifiably insane. I thought that the move from the court to the front office would be a nice one for His Airness. Who better to evaluate talent and assemble a team than the most talented and decorated player of all-time?

Jordan has demonstrated a propensity for drafting players who suck and putting together teams that suck even worse. Let’s take a look at some Jordan’s drafting blunders. Jordan took control of the Bobcats basketball operations in June of 2006 so we don’t have to look far for his first mistake. 

If THIS guy can go #3 in the NBA
Draft, I have hope!

1) Adam Morrison: Make no mistake Morrison was a great college player, but was a major bust in the NBA. The 2006 Draft was remarkably weak, but the Cats certainly could have done better in this spot.

2) D.J. Augustin: Augustin never provided much during his time in Charlotte, and there were plenty of other good players on the board at the time.

3) Bismack Biyombo: The Bobcats traded for Biyombo, but that was a waste. Cleary Jordan thought enough of him to acquire him, but he has been nothing more than a project. The verdict is still out on this player but the Bobcats need proven commodities, not guys they hope will pan out down the road.

Bismack block shot!

4) Cody Zeller: Zeller hasn’t yet taken the court so I could be wrong on this one. I believe that Alex Len or Ben McLemore have games better suited for the NBA and would have addressed the teams needs better.

On top of the team’s drafting problems, Jordan has also demonstrated a propensity for being cheap. The Bobcats have not paid a penny in luxury tax since the team’s inception. I know high spending does not always correlate to wins, (i.e. the New York Knicks for the better part of the last decade) but it is certainly disappointing to see the group of no names the Bobcats run out there from game to game.

The NBA is filled with poor owners, but Michael Jordan has taken a bad franchise and basically stuck it in neutral. It is going to take a lot more than changing the team’s name back to the Hornets to rejuvenate this team. Winning a few games would help and for that to happen, the approach from the top needs to change.

TEASER: College Football season is nearly upon us, and I could not be more excited. This is my favorite time of year, and I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know to prepare for the season. We’ll have some bold predictions and highlight the teams and players to watch this season.

-Andy