Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has recently reflected on his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, stating, “Chicago Bulls wasn’t my brightest time.” This confession comes as Jordan marks the end of an era following the sale of his majority stake in the Hornets in 2023, a significant chapter in sports history filled with promise but also challenges.

Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has recently reflected on his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, stating, “Chicago Bulls wasn’t my brightest time.” This confession comes as Jordan marks the end of an era following the sale of his majority stake in the Hornets in 2023, a significant chapter in sports history filled with promise but also challenges.

Jordan’s journey as the first former player to own an NBA team began in 2010 when he acquired the franchise. This landmark moment made him the only African-American majority owner in the league, igniting high hopes among fans craving success reminiscent of his playing days with the Chicago Bulls. “I plan to be very hands-on with this business,” he declared, emphasizing his personal connection to Carolina and the sport.

While Jordan’s initial enthusiasm soared, the reality of franchise ownership proved to be a daunting task. Under his guidance, the then-Bobcats made a brief playoff appearance during his first season, igniting optimism among loyal supporters. However, subsequent years saw the rebranding of the team back to the Hornets in 2014, a move aimed to rekindle past glories and connect with dedicated fans.

Sadly, the anticipated turnaround did not materialize. Over his 13-year ownership, the Hornets won only 41.7% of their games and made the playoffs just three times, with each playoff run ending in the first round. Compounding the disappointment were controversial decisions in the NBA draft, notably the missed opportunities to select stars like Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard, creating a palpable sense of regret among fans.

The franchise struggled with coaching instability as well, cycling through five different head coaches during Jordan’s tenure. Despite the on-court challenges, the former Bulls’ star managed to foster a deeper connection within the community. Ramon Sessions, who played for the Hornets, reflected on Jordan’s influence, stating, “I know the wins and losses weren’t what everybody wanted, but he touched a lot of people.”

As Jordan transitions away from ownership, new majority owners Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall now face the daunting task of reshaping the future of the Charlotte Hornets. While his time as an owner may not have mirrored the glory of his playing career, Michael Jordan’s impact on the franchise and the NBA landscape remains indelible. His legacy continues to resonate in Charlotte as the team embarks on a new chapter.

Jordan’s journey as the first former player to own an NBA team began in 2010 when he acquired the franchise. This landmark moment made him the only African-American majority owner in the league, igniting high hopes among fans craving success reminiscent of his playing days with the Chicago Bulls. “I plan to be very hands-on with this business,” he declared, emphasizing his personal connection to Carolina and the sport.

While Jordan’s initial enthusiasm soared, the reality of franchise ownership proved to be a daunting task. Under his guidance, the then-Bobcats made a brief playoff appearance during his first season, igniting optimism among loyal supporters. However, subsequent years saw the rebranding of the team back to the Hornets in 2014, a move aimed to rekindle past glories and connect with dedicated fans.

Sadly, the anticipated turnaround did not materialize. Over his 13-year ownership, the Hornets won only 41.7% of their games and made the playoffs just three times, with each playoff run ending in the first round. Compounding the disappointment were controversial decisions in the NBA draft, notably the missed opportunities to select stars like Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard, creating a palpable sense of regret among fans.

The franchise struggled with coaching instability as well, cycling through five different head coaches during Jordan’s tenure. Despite the on-court challenges, the former Bulls’ star managed to foster a deeper connection within the community. Ramon Sessions, who played for the Hornets, reflected on Jordan’s influence, stating, “I know the wins and losses weren’t what everybody wanted, but he touched a lot of people.”

As Jordan transitions away from ownership, new majority owners Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall now face the daunting task of reshaping the future of the Charlotte Hornets. While his time as an owner may not have mirrored the glory of his playing career, Michael Jordan’s impact on the franchise and the NBA landscape remains indelible. His legacy continues to resonate in Charlotte as the team embarks on a new chapter.