History of the Charlotte Hornets

In 1985, the NBA, with 23 teams, was planning to expand by four teams by the 1988–89 season. George Shinn, an entrepreneur from Kannapolis, North Carolina, wanted to bring an NBA team to the Charlotte area, and he assembled a group of prominent local businessmen to head the prospective franchise. The Charlotte area had long been a hotbed for college basketball. The Atlantic Coast Conference's four North Carolina teams had very large and very loyal fan bases in the region, as did local teams UNC Charlotte, Davidson, and Johnson C. Smith. Charlotte was also one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, and was previously one of the three in-state regional homes to the American Basketball Association's Carolina Cougars.

Some critics doubted that Charlotte, then mostly known for banking, could support an NBA team; one Sacramento Bee columnist joked, "The only franchise Charlotte is going to get is one with Golden Arches."{{cite web|url=http://www.jmu.edu/montpelier/issues/winter02/main/hockey.html |title=Montpelier – James Madison University Magazine |work=James Madison University|access-date=January 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827144557/http://www.jmu.edu/montpelier/issues/winter02/main/hockey.html|archive-date=August 27, 2016|url-status=dead}} However, Shinn's ace in the hole was the Charlotte Coliseum, a state-of-the-art arena under construction that would seat almost 24,000 spectators – the largest basketball-specific arena to serve as a full-time home for an NBA team. On April 5, 1987, NBA Commissioner David Stern called Shinn to award the NBA's 24th franchise, to begin play in 1988. Franchises were also granted to Miami, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, and Orlando.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1987/04/23/nba-accepts-miami-charlotte-orlando-twin-cities/f88fe55e-1605-4418-95d1-3822cb35b618/|title=NBA accepts Miami, Charlotte, Orlando, Twin Cities|date=April 23, 1987|access-date=May 3, 2024|work=The Washington Post|url-access=limited|last=Cotton|first=Anthony}} Playing heavily on the area's support of college basketball, the new team ran billboards in the area saying, "Bringing the NBA to Basketball Country!"

Originally, the team was intended to be named the Charlotte Spirit, but a name-the-team contest yielded "Hornets" as the winning choice. That name was derived from the city's fierce resistance to British occupation during the Revolutionary War, which prompted the British commander, Lord Cornwallis, to refer to it as "a veritable hornet's nest of rebellion".{{cite web |last=Lassiter |first=Emily |title=Charlotte Hornets |url=http://blogs.lib.unc.edu/ncm/index.php/2009/08/24/charlotte-hornets/comment-page-1/ |work=University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries |date=August 24, 2009 |access-date=January 25, 2015}}{{cite web |last=Posnanski |first=Joe |title=A brief history of the Charlotte Hornets (and other things) |url=http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/22/a-brief-history-of-the-charlotte-hornets-and-other-things/ |publisher=NBC Sports |date=May 22, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2013}} The name had been used for previous Charlotte sports teams, including a minor league baseball team from 1901 to 1972, and a World Football League team that played there from 1974 to 1975. In addition the Charlotte 49ers and Davidson Wildcats of the NCAA play annually for the Hornets' Nest Trophy.

The team received attention when it chose teal as its primary color, setting off a sports fashion craze in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with many pro and amateur clubs soon following with teal in their color schemes. The team's uniforms were designed by international designer and North Carolina native Alexander Julian, and featured a first for NBA uniforms—pinstripes.{{Cite news|url=https://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/the-making-of-a-classic/|title=The Making of a Classic: An Oral History of the OG Hornets Jerseys|work=Slam|date=11 February 2019|access-date=8 January 2023|last=Jones|first=Ryan}} Similar designs by the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, and Indiana Pacers followed soon after.

Shinn hired Carl Scheer, a longtime NBA executive, as the team's first general manager.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/how-early-hornets-architect-carl-scheer-left-lasting-legacy-all-star-weekend|title=How Early Hornets Architect Carl Scheer Left a Lasting Legacy on All-Star Weekend|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=15 February 2019|access-date=22 January 2023|last=Wash|first=Quinton}} Scheer sought a roster of veteran players, hoping to put together a competitive team as soon as possible, with a goal of making the playoffs in five years. Former college coach and veteran NBA assistant Dick Harter was hired as the team's first head coach.

In 1988, the Hornets and the Miami Heat were part of the 1988 NBA Expansion Draft. Unlike many expansion franchises that invest in the future with a team composed entirely of young players, Charlotte stocked its inaugural roster with several veterans in hopes of putting a competitive lineup on the court right away.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1988_expansion.html|title=1988 NBA Expansion Draft|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=22 January 2023}} The team also had three draft picks at the 1988 NBA draft.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1988.html|title=1988 NBA Draft|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=22 January 2023}}

File:Tyrone Bogues, Duke Chronicle 1985-11-21.jpg), the shortest player in NBA history played for the Hornets from 1988 until 1997]]

In their inaugural season the Hornets were led by ex-Pistons guard Kelly Tripucka, who provided instant offense and was Charlotte's top scorer for the franchise's first two seasons. Other notable players included sharpshooting rookie (and first draft selection) Rex Chapman, a long-distance scoring threat, and floor general Muggsy Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history at 5'3". The Hornets' first NBA game took place on November 4, 1988, at the Charlotte Coliseum, and was a 133–93 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811040CHH.html |title=Cleveland Cavaliers 133, Charlotte Hornets 93 |publisher=Basketball-reference.com |date=1988-11-04 |access-date=2014-01-09}} The opening night lineup included Tripucka, Kurt Rambis, Dave Hoppen, Robert Reid, and Rickey Green. Four days later, the team notched their first victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, 117–105.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198811080CHH.html |title=Los Angeles Clippers 105, Charlotte Hornets 117 |publisher=Basketball-reference.com |date=1988-11-08 |access-date=2014-01-09}} On December 14, in a win over the Indiana Pacers, Tripucka scored 40 points. Tripucka would score 40 points twice more that season. On December 23, 1988, the Hornets really gave their fans something to cheer about, beating Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls 103–101 at the buzzer in Jordan's professional debut in North Carolina.{{cite web |author=Jennifer Armstrong |title=1988 Charlotte Hornets started off with a bang, became wildly popular with their fans |url=http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/03/1998_charlotte_hornets_started.html |work=The Times-Picayune |date=March 14, 2009 |access-date=December 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905123227/http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/03/1998_charlotte_hornets_started.html |archive-date=September 5, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Muggsy Bogues set a club record on April 23, handing out 19 assists in a game against the Boston Celtics. The Hornets finished their inaugural season with a record of 20 wins and 62 losses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1988-89|title=NBA 1988-89 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023}}

Despite concerns that the Coliseum was too big, the Hornets were a runaway hit in their first season, leading the NBA in attendance, a feat they would achieve seven more times in Charlotte. Eventually, the Hornets would sell out 364 consecutive games—almost nine consecutive seasons.{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/e81fd8d010386aaac44de45fb6a40c81|title=Charlotte's sellout streak ends at 364 games|work=AP News|agency=Associated Press|date=26 November 1997|access-date=6 January 2023|location=Charlotte}}

The Hornets' second season was a struggle from start to finish. The team lost their first five games before defeating the Orlando Magic in the first meeting between the two franchises. Members of the team rebelled against Dick Harter's defense-oriented style, and he was replaced mid-season by assistant Gene Littles following a dismal 8–32 start. Despite the change, the team continued to struggle during the second half, suffering through a 3–31 stretch from January through March. In the end, the team took a step backwards, finishing the season with a disappointing {{Win-loss record|w=19|l=63}} record – one game worse than their previous season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1989-90|title=NBA 1989-90 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023}}

In the 1990 NBA draft, the Hornets selected guard Kendall Gill with the 5th overall pick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/06/28/Hornets-take-Gill-in-draft/2261646545600/|title=Hornets take Gill in draft|work=United Press International|agency=United Press International|last=Preston|first=June|date=28 June 1990|access-date=6 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} The team showed improvement during the 1990–91 season. They won eight of their first 15 games, including a 120–105 victory over the Washington Bullets.{{Cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1990-11-14-1990318020-story.html|title=Hornets roll past Bullets Gilliam's 39 points pace 120-105 victory|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=14 November 1990|access-date=6 January 2023|last=Glaser|first=Louis|location=Charlotte}} However, the team went cold, losing their next 11 games and falling to 8–18. The Hornets, who hosted the 1991 NBA All-Star Game, finished their third season with a {{Win-loss record|w=26|l=56}} record.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1990-91|title=NBA 1990-91 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023}} Despite the team's seven-game improvement over the previous season, Gene Littles was fired and replaced by general manager Allan Bristow.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-07-24-sp-207-story.html|title=Bristow to Coach Hornets|work=Los Angeles Times|date=24 July 1991|access-date=6 January 2023}}

With the first pick in the 1991 NBA draft, the Hornets drafted power forward Larry Johnson from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1991/06/26/Hornets-draft-Johnson-No-1/9477677908800/|title=Hornets draft Johnson No. 1|work=United Press International|agency=United Press International|date=26 June 1991|access-date=6 January 2023|last=Taggart|first=Bill|location=Charlotte}} Johnson had an impact season, finishing among the league leaders in points and rebounds, and winning the 1992 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/05/12/Larry-Johnson-named-NBA-Rookie-of-Year/2897705643200/|title=Larry Johnson named NBA Rookie of Year|date=12 May 1992|work=United Press International|access-date=6 January 2023|location=New York}} Additionally, Guard Kendall Gill led the club in scoring, averaging over 20 points per game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHH/1992.html|title=1991-92 Charlotte Hornets Roster and Stat|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=6 January 2023}} The team stayed in contention for a playoff spot until March, but in the end, they finished the season with a record of {{Win-loss record|w=31|l=51}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1991-92|title=NBA 1991-92 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023}} Despite continuing to improve, the Hornets failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

The Hornets were in the lottery again in 1992 and won the second overall pick in the draft, using it to select Georgetown center Alonzo Mourning.{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/11/12/Mourning-signs-with-Hornets/5917721544400/|title=Mourning signs with Hornets|date=12 November 1992|agency=United Press International|access-date=6 January 2023|work=United Press International|location=Charlotte|last=Martin|first=Bruce}} The Hornets now had two 20–10 threats in Johnson and Mourning, who with Kendall Gill, formed perhaps the league's top young trio. The team finished their fifth season at {{Win-loss record|w=44|l=38}}, their first-ever winning record and good enough for the first playoff berth in franchise history.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1992-93|title=NBA 1992-93 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023}} Finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference, the Hornets upset the Boston Celtics in the first round, with Mourning winning the series with a 20-footer in game four.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Pat Jr.|title=ESPN – The Mourning After – Classic |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/classic/news/story?page=add_mourning_alonzo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110230827/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/classic/news/story?page=add_mourning_alonzo |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 10, 2010 |work=ESPN.com |date=June 23, 2006 |access-date=January 9, 2014}} However, the Hornets lacked the experience and depth to defeat the New York Knicks, falling in five games in the second round.{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/05/19/Knicks-105-Hornets-101/6208737784000/|title=Knicks 105, Hornets 101|work=United Press International|date=19 May 1993|access-date=6 January 2023|agency=United Press International|last=Scnabner|first=Dean|location=New York}}

The Hornets finished the 1993–94 season with a {{Win-loss record|w=41|l=41}} record, narrowly missing the playoffs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1993-94|title=NBA 1993-94 NBA Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023}} Despite injuries to both Johnson and Mourning, the two led the team in points-per-game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHH/1994.html|title=1993-94 Charlotte Hornets Roster and Stats|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=6 January 2023}} The following season, the Hornets finished the regular season with 50 wins and 32 losses, and returned to the playoffs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1994-95|title=NBA 1994-95 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023}} Johnson and Mourning again led the team in points-per-game, while also leading the club in rebounding.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHH/1995.html|title=1994-95 Charlotte Hornets Roster and Stats|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=6 January 2023}} However, Charlotte was bounced from the playoffs in the first round, falling to the Chicago Bulls in four games.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-05-05-sp-62725-story.html|title=Hornets Can't Catch the Bulls at Four and Bow Out : NBA playoffs: Charlotte misses two last-second shots and Chicago advances with 85-84 victory.|work=Los Angeles Times|date=5 May 1995|access-date=6 January 2023|location=Chicago|last=Dillman|first=Lisa}}

File:Glen Rice 2010 (cropped).jpg

The Johnson–Mourning era came to an end as the Hornets traded Mourning to the Miami Heat for forward Glen Rice, center Matt Geiger, and guard Khalid Reeves.{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/11/03/Hornets-deal-Mourning-to-Heat/9508815374800/|title=Hornets deal Mourning to Heat|date=3 November 1995|agency=United Press International|work=United Press International|access-date=6 January 2023}} Glen Rice would make an immediate impact after joining the Hornets, leading the team in scoring and points-per-game during the 1995–96 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHH/1996.html|title=1995-96 Charlotte Hornets Roster and Stats|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=6 January 2023}} While Rice and Johnson provided high-powered scoring, Geiger tied with Johnson for the team lead in rebounds, and All-Star guard Kenny Anderson ran the point for the injured Muggsy Bogues. The Hornets were competitive, but failed to qualify for the playoffs during the season, again finishing with a {{Win-loss record|w=41|l=41}} record.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1995-96|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023|title=NBA 1995-96 Regular Season Standings}} Bristow resigned at the end of the season, and was replaced by NBA legend Dave Cowens.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/knack-bigger-picture-bob-bass-brought-culture-confidence-and-excitement-charlotte|title=With a Knack for the Bigger Picture, Bob Bass Brought Culture, Confidence and Excitement to Charlotte|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=22 August 2018|access-date=6 January 2023|last=Wash|first=Quinton}}

The 1996 off-season was again marked by vast changes: Anderson declined to re-sign, Johnson was shipped to the Knicks for power forward Anthony Mason, and the team made a trade on draft day 1996. They acquired center Vlade Divac from the Los Angeles Lakers for the rights to Kobe Bryant, who the Hornets picked 13th in the draft.{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/9dfbf65421881a5d42176bdaaf4d2368|work=AP News|agency=The Associated Press|last=Sheridan|first=Chris|date=15 July 1996|access-date=6 January 2023|location=New York|title=Knicks Acquire Larry Johnson, Sign Houston and Childs}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2020/01/26/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-trade-charlotte-hornets-nba-draft/4582569002/|title=Hornets trading Kobe Bryant to Lakers changed the course of NBA history|work=USA Today|date=26 January 2020|access-date=6 January 2023|last=Yomtov|first=Jesse}} The new-look Hornets were successful, with Divac and Geiger providing the center combination, Mason averaging a double-double, Bogues back at the point, and Rice having the finest season of his career. The team achieved the best season in its history at the time, finishing with 54 victories compared to only 28 losses, and making it back to the playoffs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1996-97|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023|title=NBA 1996-97 Regular Season Standings}} Rice finishing third in the league in scoring, earning all-NBA second team honors, and was also the All-Star Game MVP, setting several scoring records.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997_per_game.html|title=1996-97 NBA Player Stats: Per Game

|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=6 January 2023}} Despite the success during the regular season, the Hornets went down rather meekly to the Knicks in three straight games.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/29/sports/knicks-sweep-away-hornets-and-season-of-doubts.html|title=Knicks Sweep Away Hornets, and Season of Doubts|date=29 April 1997|work=The New York Times|access-date=6 January 2023|last=Wise|first=Mike}}

The 1997–98 season was also successful. Muggsy Bogues was traded two games into the season, and the team picked up point guard David Wesley and shooting guard Bobby Phills.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/11/08/hornets-trade-delk-bogues/|title=Hornets trade Delk, Bogues|work=Tampa Bay Times|date=8 November 1997|access-date=6 January 2023}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-jul-02-sp-8925-story.html|title=The Charlotte Hornets signed free agent point...|work=Los Angeles Times|date=2 July 1997|access-date=6 January 2023}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-20-sp-24342-story.html|title=Hornets Complete Renovation of Backcourt by Signing Phills|date=20 August 1997|access-date=6 January 2023|work=Los Angeles Times}} With Wesley, Phills, Rice, Mason, and Divac, the Hornets romped through the regular season, finishing with a 51–31 record;{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1997-98|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023|title=NBA 1997-98 Regular Season Standings}} Rice had another good season, as he finished sixth in league scoring and earned all-NBA third team honors.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1998_per_game.html|title=1997-98 NBA Player Stats: Per Game

|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=6 January 2023}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1998|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823223823/http://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1998|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 23, 2016|title=NBA History - 1998 Awards|work=ESPN|access-date=6 January 2023}} The Hornets made it to back-to-back playoffs for the first time in franchise history, and advanced to the second round, only to again be stopped by the Bulls.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/180513004|title=Hornets vs. Bulls - NBA Game Summary - May 13, 1998|work=ESPN|access-date=6 January 2023}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/bulls-1998-defeat-hornets-lesson-how-fast-good-teams-can-collapse|title=Bulls 1998 defeat of hornets a lesson in how fast good teams can collapse|work=NBC Sports|date=24 April 2020|access-date=6 January 2023}}

The 1998–99 season was turbulent. The season didn't start until February, as the lockout shortened the regular season to only 50 games.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-season-review-1998-99|title=Season Review: 1998-99|work=NBA|date=13 September 2021|access-date=6 January 2023}} Glen Rice was traded to the Lakers for Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell,{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lakers-grab-rice-in-big-trade/|title=Lakers Grab Rice In Big Trade|work=CBS News|date=10 March 1999|access-date=6 January 2023}} and Dave Cowens resigned midway through the season, with the highest winning percentage among Hornets head coaches.{{Cite news|url=https://greensboro.com/hornets-coach-cowens-resigns/article_831b5730-ba3f-53a8-a9d4-4fa5adac66ac.html|title=Hornets Coach Cowens Resigns|work=News & Record|agency=Associated Press|date=7 March 1999|access-date=6 January 2023|last=Michaux|first=Scott}} He was replaced by former Celtics teammate Paul Silas, who became the franchise's fifth head coach. The team finished the season with a {{Win-loss record|w=26|l=24}} record, but failed to qualify for the playoffs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1998-99|title=NBA 1998-99 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023}}

The 1999–2000 season saw a return to prominence, with the addition of point guard Baron Davis, the third overall draft pick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hornets-sign-baron-davis/|title=Hornets Sign Baron Davis|work=CBS News|date=26 July 1999|access-date=6 January 2023}} The Hornets tore through much of the season, but tragedy struck on January 12, 2000, when fan favorite and top reserve Bobby Phills was killed in an automobile accident.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jan-13-sp-53586-story.html|title=Hornets' Phills Is Killed in Crash|work=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press|date=13 January 2000|access-date=6 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} The Hornets retired his No. 13 on February 9, 2000 (The jersey would be re-hang again when the Hornets returned to Charlotte).{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-bring-bobby-phills-retired-jersey-back-charlotte|title=Hornets to Bring Phills' Retired Jersey Back to Charlotte|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=23 October 2014|access-date=6 January 2023}} After finishing with a {{Win-loss record|w=49|l=33}} record,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1999-00|title=NBA 1999-00 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023}} the team returned to the playoffs, where they lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2000-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-76ers-vs-hornets.html|title=2000 NBA Eastern Conference First Round 76ers vs. Hornets|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=6 January 2023}} The season, however, was overshadowed by events off the court. The team's popularity had begun to sag due to fan discontent with owner George Shinn's personnel moves; he had reportedly traded Mourning and other stars out of an unwillingness to pay market value. Additionally, Michael Jordan, a North Carolina native, began negotiations to become part-owner, but talks collapsed when Shinn refused to grant Jordan control over basketball operations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-05-08-9905080177-story.html|title=It's about control: Jordan pulls out of Hornets talks |work=Chicago Tribune|last=Armour|first=Terrence E.|date=8 May 1999|access-date=6 January 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230106155918/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-05-08-9905080177-story.html |archive-date=6 January 2023 }} Because of this, season attendance dropped to eleventh in the league.

In the 2000–01 season, with the additions of Jamal Mashburn and P.J. Brown,{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2000/1106/861721.html|title=Hornets put their money on Mashburn|date=6 November 2000|access-date=6 January 2023 |work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|location=Charlotte |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106155918/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2000/1106/861721.html |archive-date= 6 January 2023 }} the Hornets managed to return to the playoffs, finishing with a {{Win-loss record|w=46|l=36}} record.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2000-01|title=NBA 2000-01 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023 }} While they upset the third-seeded Heat in the first round and made it to the conference semifinals for the third time in franchise history,{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2001/04/28/hornets-mash-heat-complete-upset-sweep/415642d5-d586-4543-b7de-13f6cee47656/|title=Hornets Mash Heat, Complete Upset Sweep|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=28 April 2001|access-date=6 January 2023|last=Fryer|first=Jenna}} they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in seven games.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nba/bucks/old-school/when-ray-allen-and-glenn-robinson-almost-led-the-2001-milwaukee-bucks-to-the-championship|title=When Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson almost led the 2001 Milwaukee Bucks to the championship|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=24 October 2022|access-date=6 January 2023|last=Dugandzic|first=Matthew}} Despite continuing to play well, their popularity continued to fall, with the team finishing 21st in the league in attendance.

The Hornets returned to the playoffs the following season, finishing the regular season at {{Win-loss record|w=44|l=38}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2001-02|title=NBA 2001-02 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=6 January 2023}} After defeating the Orlando Magic in the first round,{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2002/05/01/davis-and-hornets-put-magic-to-rest/0995f0bc-dbe9-4c4a-b81f-7d0037c18c15/|title=Davis and Hornets Put Magic to Rest|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=1 May 2002|access-date=6 January 2023}} they were upended by the New Jersey Nets in five games in the Conference Semifinals.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/220515017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106155918/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/220515017|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 6, 2023|title=Nets blaze new trail with trip to East finals|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN|location=East Rutherford|date=23 May 2005|access-date=6 January 2023}} The team finished twenty-ninth (last) in the league in attendance, a stark contrast to their earlier years in Charlotte. Before the Hornets were eliminated from the playoffs, the NBA approved a deal for the team to move to New Orleans following the season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-11-sp-hornets11-story.html|title=Hornets on Way to New Orleans|work=Los Angeles Times|date=11 May 2002|access-date=6 January 2023|last=Teaford|first=Elliott}}

Many attributed the Hornets lapse in popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s to the team's owner, George Shinn, who was slowly becoming hated by the fans.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/charhorn/charhornets.html |title=Charlotte Hornets (1988–2002) |publisher=SportsECyclopedia.com |date=February 28, 2015 |access-date=February 28, 2015}} In 1997, a Charlotte woman claimed that Shinn had raped her, and the subsequent trial severely tarnished his reputation.{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/6d27ffb29bc40fffff20444f183e827c|title=Hornets' Shinn Must Face Questions|work=AP News|agency=Associated Press|date=5 December 1998|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Columbia}} The consensus was that while Charlotte was as basketball-crazy as ever, fans took out their anger at Shinn on the team. Shinn was also discontented with the Charlotte Coliseum, which, although considered state-of-the-art when it opened in 1988, had a limited number of luxury boxes.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2889956|title=Last of its kind: Charlotte Coliseum to be demolished Sunday|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=1 June 2007|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} On March 26, 2001, both the Hornets and the Vancouver Grizzlies applied for relocation to Memphis, Tennessee,{{cite web|title=CNNSI.com – NBA Basketball – Hornets to apply for relocation to Memphis – Monday March 26, 2001 05:47 PM |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/2001/03/26/hornets_memphis_ap/ |publisher=SportsIllustrated.CNN.com |date=March 26, 2001 |access-date=December 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020208045826/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/2001/03/26/hornets_memphis_ap/ |archive-date=February 8, 2002 }} which was ultimately won by the Grizzlies. Shinn issued an ultimatum: unless the city built a new arena at no cost to him, the Hornets would leave town. The city initially refused, leading Shinn to consider moving the team to either Norfolk, Louisville, or St. Louis.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/report-hornets-had-agreement-to-move-to-louisville-but-rick-pitino-blocked-the-plan/|date=December 14, 2017|access-date=May 3, 2024|last=Maloney|first=Jake|work=CBS Sports|title=Report: Hornets had agreement to move to Louisville, but Rick Pitino blocked the plan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522033413/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/report-hornets-had-agreement-to-move-to-louisville-but-rick-pitino-blocked-the-plan/|archive-date=May 22, 2022|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/nba-notebook-hornets-discuss-move-to-st-louis-1069798.php|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|date=October 24, 2001|access-date=May 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829022354/https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/nba-notebook-hornets-discuss-move-to-st-louis-1069798.php|archive-date=August 29, 2022|url-status=live|title=NBA Notebook: Hornets discuss move to St. Louis}}

Of the cities in the running, only St. Louis had an NBA-ready arena (Savvis Center, now known as the Enterprise Center) already in place and was a larger media market than Charlotte at the time; also, it was the only one of the four to have an previously had hosted an NBA franchise — the St. Louis Hawks (who moved to Atlanta in 1968). However, Savvis Center was eventually ruled out in large part because it already hosted a National Hockey League team whose primary tenants (the St. Louis Blues) were guaranteed priority for scheduling even if an NBA team moved there. Also, at the time St. Louis already had teams in both of the other two "Big Four" major professional sports leagues — the market was smaller than any other at the time with teams in all four except for Denver, which has proven able to support four teams due to its relative isolation from other major sports markets.

Finally, a new arena in Uptown, which would eventually become the Charlotte Bobcats Arena (later to become Time Warner Cable Arena and now known as the Spectrum Center), was included in a non-binding referendum for a larger arts-related package, and Shinn withdrew his application to move the team. Polls showed the referendum on its way to passage. However, just days before the referendum, Mayor Pat McCrory vetoed a living wage ordinance. The veto prompted many of the city's black ministers to oppose the referendum. They felt it was immoral for the city to build a new arena when city employees weren't paid enough to make a living.[http://charlotte.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A535&comments=yes World Class City, Third World Paycheck] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113092536/http://charlotte.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A535&comments=yes |date=2009-01-13 }}. Creative Loafing, 2001-12-29 After the referendum failed, city leaders devised a plan to build a new arena that did not require voter support, but made it known that they would not consider building it unless Shinn sold the team. While even the NBA acknowledged that Shinn had alienated fans, league officials felt such a demand would anger other owners as it could set a precedent.{{cite web|agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1334984&type=news |title=ESPN.com – Council willing to amend 'new owner' statement |work=ESPN |date=2002-02-16 |access-date=2014-01-09}} The city council refused to remove the statement, leading the Hornets to request a move to New Orleans – a move which would eventually return pro basketball to the city after the Jazz moved to Salt Lake City in 1979. The NBA approved the move and as part of the deal, as well as to avoid a Browns-like lawsuit, the NBA promised that Charlotte would get a new expansion franchise, although unlike the arrangement agreed to in 1996 by the NFL for Cleveland, the NBA also agreed at the time to allow Shinn to relocate the extant Hornets' franchise and history to New Orleans.

Long before the New Orleans relocation, the then-29-team NBA had been seriously considering adding another franchise in order to balance its divisions and conferences. The league soon made it known it would be receptive to placing that team in Charlotte for the 2004–05 season, if an arena deal could be reached.{{cite web |title=Belkin's potential ownership group includes Bird, Carr |url=http://a.espncdn.com/nba/news/2002/0619/1396833.html |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=June 19, 2002 |access-date=January 25, 2015}} Several ownership groups, including one led by former Boston Celtics star Larry Bird, made bids for the franchise.{{cite news |title=Bird, Carr thinking pro hoops in Charlotte? |agency=Associated Press |work=USA Today |date=May 23, 2002 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/stories/2002-05-20-bird-carr-charlotte.htm}} On December 18, 2002, a group led by Black Entertainment Television founder Robert L. Johnson was awarded the franchise,{{cite news |title=Winning NBA bid just the start for Johnson |author=Michael Hiestand |work=USA Today |date=December 19, 2002 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2002-12-18-cover-johnson_x.htm}} with Johnson becoming the first African American majority owner in major U.S. professional sports.{{cite news |title=Johnson will be NBA's first black majority owner |work=ESPN |date=December 17, 2002 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://static.espn.go.com/nba/news/2002/1217/1478643.html}} The rapper Nelly became a minority owner.{{cite news |title=Robert L. Johnson Adds Nelly To Bobcats Ownership Team |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats |date=July 19, 2004 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/nelly_release_040719.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212094614/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/nelly_release_040719.html |archive-date=December 12, 2008 }}

In June 2003, the team was named the Bobcats. The Charlotte Regional Sports Commission "Help Name The Team" effort drew over 1,250 suggestions. The three finalists were Bobcats, Dragons, and the eventual winner Flight, referencing North Carolina's "First in Flight" status due to the Wright Flyer as well as the state's military bases. But "Flight" was eventually discarded by Johnson and the team, being considered too abstract and reminiscent of the then-current Iraq War aerial strikes.{{cite news |title=The making of a name (and logo)|author=Rovell, Darren|work=ESPN |date=May 25, 2004 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/sportsbusiness/news/story?id=1755847}} During the summer of 2003, at a street festival crowd of 7,000 fans, the franchise unveiled "Bobcats" as the team name.{{cite news |title=NBA Expansion Franchise To Be Named Charlotte Bobcats |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats.com |date=June 11, 2003 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/charlottebobcats_061103.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115153931/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/charlottebobcats_061103.html |archive-date=January 15, 2009 }} The bobcat, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, is an athletic, fierce predator indigenous to the Carolinas.{{cite news |title=The Bobcat: Athletic, Fierce, & Hardworking, North Carolina Native Cat Ideal Representation for New NBA Franchise |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats.com |date=June 11, 2003 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/bobcat_fierce.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231161415/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/bobcat_fierce.html |archive-date=December 31, 2009 |url-status=dead }} Since Charlotte was already home to the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League, designer Chris Weiller created the team logo to alay confusion or close comparison. There was suspicion that owner Robert "Bob" Johnson chose "Bobcats" as a play on his name.{{cite magazine |last=Pincus |first=David |title=A Fond Farewell to the Charlotte Bobcats, Who Will Soon No Longer Be the Bobcats |url=http://extramustard.si.com/2014/04/29/farewell-charlotte-hornets-bobcats-name-change-retrospective-michael-jordan |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=April 29, 2014 |access-date=June 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512222133/http://extramustard.si.com/2014/04/29/farewell-charlotte-hornets-bobcats-name-change-retrospective-michael-jordan/ |archive-date=May 12, 2014 }}{{cite web|last=Zegers|first=Charlie|title=Charlotte Bobcats: Profile|url=http://basketball.about.com/od/charlottebobcats/a/bobcats.htm|work=About.com Guide|publisher=New York Times Company|access-date=7 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212072945/http://basketball.about.com/od/charlottebobcats/a/bobcats.htm|archive-date=12 February 2012|url-status=dead}}

The Bobcats hired Bernie Bickerstaff as the first head coach and general manager.{{cite news |title=Jordan: Bickerstaff won't return as coach |work=ESPN |date=March 14, 2007 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2797095}} A new arena to host the Bobcats at uptown Charlotte began construction in July 2003, and the team played its home games at the Coliseum until the new building was ready. After failed attempts at the ballot box to force the team to fully fund the arena, city politicians implemented a hotel and leisure tax in Charlotte to help pay for it.{{cite news |title=Arena bounces back |author=Laura Williams-Tracy |newspaper=Charlotte Business Journal |date=August 9, 2002 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2002/08/12/focus1.html}}{{cite news |title=With new plan and new NBA team, arena project finally heads uptown |author=Erik Spanberg |newspaper=Charlotte Business Journal |date=December 27, 2002 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2002/12/30/newscolumn1.html}}

The Bobcats held their expansion draft on June 22, 2004, picking up youngsters Gerald Wallace, Primož Brezec, and Jason Kapono. They also drafted talented European players Predrag Drobnjak, Sasha Pavlović, and Zaza Pachulia, however they would be cut before the season opener.{{cite news |url=http://www.nba.com/features/expansion_draft2004.html |title=Building the Bobcats |publisher=NBA |access-date=June 30, 2009 |date=June 22, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629164358/http://www.nba.com/features/expansion_draft2004.html |archive-date=June 29, 2010 |url-status=dead }} Shortly after, they traded with the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire the second pick in the 2004 NBA draft, which they used to select Emeka Okafor, a center from Connecticut. The Bobcats' first game of the 2004–05 season took place on November 4 at the Charlotte Coliseum, losing 103–96 to the Washington Wizards.{{cite news |title=Magical night: Bobcats fall to Wizards in debut |work=ESPN |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241104030 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006200430/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241104030 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |date=November 4, 2004 |access-date=June 30, 2009}} Two days later, they won their first game in franchise history over the Orlando Magic, 111–100.{{cite news |title=2 for 1: First win for Okafor, Bobcats vs. Magic |work=ESPN |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241106030 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006200436/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241106030 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |date=November 6, 2004 |access-date=June 30, 2009}} On December 14, the Bobcats beat the New Orleans Hornets 94–93 in overtime in the Hornets first game in Charlotte after their move to New Orleans.{{cite news |title=Cats protect their house in Charlotte in OT |work=ESPN |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241214030 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006200441/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241214030 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |date=December 14, 2004 |access-date=June 30, 2009}} However, the Bobcats mostly struggled during their inaugural season, finishing with a record of 18–64, never winning more than two games in a row.[https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHA/2005_games.html 2004–05 Charlotte Bobcats Schedule and Results] Emeka Okafor performed well, winning the 2004–05 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.{{cite news |title=Emeka Okafor Named 2004–05 NBA got milk? Rookie Of The Year |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/okafor_roy_050504.html |date=May 4, 2005 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308230018/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/okafor_roy_050504.html |archive-date=March 8, 2008 }}

In the 2005 NBA draft, the Bobcats drafted Raymond Felton and Sean May from North Carolina.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_2005.html|title=2005 NBA Draft|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=7 January 2023}} With them, in addition to Okafor and Wallace, the team hoped to build a solid foundation for future success. In their second season, the Bobcats opened the new Charlotte Bobcats Arena with an overtime victory over the Boston Celtics.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/251105030|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107045314/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/251105030|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2023|title=Bobcats open new arena with OT win over Celtics|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=5 November 2005|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} Despite struggling again for most of the year, they managed to close out the season with four straight wins to finish with a record of {{Win-loss record|w=26|l=56}}, an eight-game improvement over their inaugural season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2005-06|title=NBA 2005-06 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=7 January 2023}} After the season, the Bobcats announced that NBA legend and North Carolina native Michael Jordan had bought a minority stake in the team, becoming the second-largest shareholder. As part of the deal, he became head of basketball operations. Though Bickerstaff remained general manager, Jordan had the final say on all basketball matters.{{cite news |title=Michael Jordan to Become Part Owner of the Charlotte Bobcats |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats |date=June 15, 2006 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_jordan_060615.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017180856/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_jordan_060615.html |archive-date=October 17, 2012 }}

The Bobcats showed some improvement during the 2006–07 season, with a playoff-hopeful record of {{Win-loss record|w=22|l=33}} by late February 2007. However, the team went through an eight-game losing streak and dropped their record to {{Win-loss record|w=22|l=41}} by early March 2007. Following the slump, Michael Jordan announced that head coach Bernie Bickerstaff would not return the following season, but would finish coaching the current season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2797095|title=Jordan: Bickerstaff won't return as coach|work=ESPN|date=14 March 2007|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} The Bobcats won 11 of their last 19 games of Bickerstaff's tenure to finish their third season with a {{Win-loss record|w=33|l=49}} record.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2006-07|title=NBA 2006-07 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=7 January 2023}} In three seasons with the Bobcats, Bickerstaff finished with an overall record of 77–169.

Front office and coaching were key focuses for the Bobcats during the 2007 offseason. Rod Higgins was hired as general manager,{{cite news|title=Rod Higgins Named Bobcats General Manager |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats |date=May 31, 2007 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/higgins_gm_070531.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307043753/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/higgins_gm_070531.html |archive-date=March 7, 2009 }} and Sam Vincent was hired as the second head coach.{{cite news|title=Bobcats New Era Begins With Vincent |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats |date=May 25, 2007 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/vincent_coach_070525.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307043350/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/vincent_coach_070525.html |archive-date=March 7, 2009 }} Phil Ford was added to the coaching staff over the summer,{{cite news |title=Bobcats Announce Portion Of Coaching Staff |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats |date=June 7, 2007 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/bobcats_coaches_070607.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307043845/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/bobcats_coaches_070607.html |archive-date=March 7, 2009 }} and another position was filled when Buzz Peterson was hired from Coastal Carolina University to become director of player personnel.{{cite news|title=More Members Added To Basketball Operations Staff |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats |date=June 18, 2007 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/bobcats_coaches_070618.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430100508/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/bobcats_coaches_070618.html |archive-date=April 30, 2009 }} In the 2007 NBA draft, Brandan Wright was selected by the Bobcats with the eighth pick, then traded to Golden State in a deal that sent Jason Richardson to Charlotte.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2007/news/story?id=2920330|title=Jordan, Bobcats hope trade for Richardson nets more clutch play|date=29 June 2007|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Charlotte|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} The Bobcats were unable to capitalize on offseason moves, finishing the 2007–08 season with a disappointing {{Win-loss record|w=32|l=50}} record.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2007-08|title=NBA 2007-08 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=7 January 2023}} The team, which had felt confident the season would end with its first playoff berth, struggled amid rumors of players clashing with the coach.{{cite news |title=Bobcats fire Sam Vincent as coach after one season |agency=Associated Press |work=USA Today |date=April 26, 2008 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/bobcats/2008-04-26-vincent-fired_N.htm}} Only lasting one year, in which he struggled with personnel decisions, Vincent was fired on April 26, 2008.{{cite news |title=Sam Vincent Relieved of Head Coaching Duties |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats |date=April 26, 2008 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_vincent_relieved_080426.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115212517/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_vincent_relieved_080426.html |archive-date=January 15, 2009 }}

On April 29, 2008, the Bobcats hired Basketball Hall of Famer Larry Brown as the third head coach in franchise history.{{cite news |title=Bobcats Name Larry Brown Head Coach |publisher=Charlotte Bobcats |date=April 29, 2008 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_brown_named_coach_080429.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411141701/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_brown_named_coach_080429.html |archive-date=April 11, 2010 }} With the ninth selection of the 2008 NBA draft, the Bobcats selected D. J. Augustin from Texas.{{Cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/38699-dj-augustin-good-things-come-in-small-packages|title=D.J. Augustin: Good Things Come in Small Packages|work=Bleacher Report|date=17 July 2008|access-date=7 January 2023|last=Demby|first=Michael}} On December 10, 2008, a little over a month into the season, the Bobcats traded their leading scorer, Jason Richardson along with Jared Dudley to Phoenix in exchange for Boris Diaw and Raja Bell.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3760914|title=Suns get high-scoring Richardson|work=ESPN|date=11 December 2008|last=Stein|first=Marc}} The trade turned out to be quite successful as the team came very close to reaching the franchise's first playoff berth during the 2008–09 season, but finished four games out of eighth place with a team record of 35 wins and 47 losses.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2008-09|title=NBA 2008-09 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=7 January 2023}} Team members voiced frustration at management for hosting the Charlotte Jumper Classic, an equestrian event, at the end of the season.{{cite news |url=http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/09/bobcats.road.schedule.ap/index.html |title=Bobcats ticked about four-game road trip to close out season |agency=Associated Press |publisher=NBA |date=April 9, 2009 |access-date=June 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412114026/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/09/bobcats.road.schedule.ap/index.html |archive-date=April 12, 2009 |url-status=dead }} The scheduling conflict forced the Bobcats to play their final four games on the road, virtually ending their playoff hopes. Following the season, Robert L. Johnson announced he was putting the team up for sale.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4200269|title=Jordan tipped as possible buyer|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=23 May 2009|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Charlotte}}

File:Michael Jordan in 2014.jpg]]

During the offseason, Gerald Henderson from Duke was chosen by the Bobcats with the 12th pick in the 2009 NBA draft.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/release_henderson_090708.html|title=Bobcats Sign First-Round Pick Gerald Henderson|date=8 July 2009|access-date=7 January 2023|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA}} They traded Emeka Okafor for New Orleans Hornets center Tyson Chandler, and acquired Stephen Jackson and Acie Law from the Golden State Warriors.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4361334|title=Center swap: Okafor for Chandler|work=ESPN|date=28 July 2009|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} On February 27, 2010, Robert Johnson announced the sale of the team to Michael Jordan, making him the first former NBA player to become majority owner of a franchise.{{cite news| url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/02/27/michael.jordan.bobcats/index.html | work=CNN | title=Michael Jordan reaches deal to buy NBA's Bobcats | date=February 27, 2010}}

On April 9, 2010, the Bobcats clinched their first playoff berth with an exciting 104–103 road win over the New Orleans Hornets,{{cite news | url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2014-04-28/defining-moments-in-charlotte-bobcats-history-michael-jordan-hornets-kemba-walker | work=Sporting News | title=Nine defining moments in Charlotte Bobcats history | date=April 28, 2014 | access-date=2015-04-26 | archive-date=2014-12-25 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225081918/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2014-04-28/defining-moments-in-charlotte-bobcats-history-michael-jordan-hornets-kemba-walker | url-status=dead }} finishing the 2009–10 season at {{Win-loss record|w=44|l=38}}, the team's first winning record.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2009-10|title=NBA 2009-10 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=7 January 2023}} Gerald Wallace was a huge factor in the run to the playoffs as he became the first Bobcats player selected as an NBA All-Star.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2010/index|title=NBA All-Star Game 2010|work=ESPN|access-date=7 January 2023}} However, in the first round of the playoffs, the Bobcats were swept by the Orlando Magic, quickly ending their season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/300426030|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711070013/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/300426030|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 11, 2021|title=Magic overcome Howard's foul problems to book ticket for 2nd round with sweep|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|location=Charlotte|date=27 April 2010|access-date=7 January 2023}}

File:Kemba Walker 2011 (cropped).jpg with the ninth pick of the 2011 NBA draft]]

The Bobcats began the 2010–11 season with high hopes following the previous season's success. Despite the departures of key players Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler, the Bobcats started their season hoping to once again make the playoffs. However, they struggled early, and on December 22, 2010, following a dismal {{Win-loss record|w=9|l=19}} start, Michael Jordan announced that Larry Brown had stepped down as head coach.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5947959|title=Coach Larry Brown, Bobcats part ways|work=ESPN|date=23 December 2010|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} That same day, veteran coach Paul Silas returned to Charlotte for the first time since 2001.{{Cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/silas-replace-brown-220900736--nba.html|title=Silas to replace Brown|work=Yahoo! Sports|date=23 December 2010|access-date=7 January 2023|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian}} On February 24, 2011, at the NBA trade deadline, the Bobcats moved to clear salary cap space by sending former all-star forward Gerald Wallace to the Portland Trail Blazers for two first round draft picks, Joel Przybilla, Sean Marks, and Dante Cunningham.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6155334|title=Gerald Wallace traded to Blazers|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=25 February 2011|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} They also sent veteran center Nazr Mohammed to the Oklahoma City Thunder for D. J. White and Morris Peterson.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14905312/oklahoma-city-thunder-sign-center-nazr-mohammed|title=Nazr Mohammed signs with Thunder|work=ESPN|date=5 May 2016|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} Going down the stretch, the injuries to Stephen Jackson and Tyrus Thomas derailed any chances of Charlotte trying to catch the Indiana Pacers, who swept them 4–0 in the regular season to secure the eighth spot in the east. In the end, the Bobcats finished the season with a {{Win-loss record|w=34|l=48}} record, finishing {{Win-loss record|w=25|l=29}} under Paul Silas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2010-11|title=NBA 2010-11 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=7 January 2023}}

On June 13, 2011, the Bobcats hired former Portland Trail Blazers general manager Rich Cho for their own GM and promoted Rod Higgins to president of basketball operations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6659387|title=Bobcats hire ex-Blazers GM Rich Cho|work=ESPN|date=14 June 2011|access-date=7 January 2023}} On the day of the 2011 NBA draft the Bobcats sent Stephen Jackson, Shaun Livingston, and the 19th overall pick to the Milwaukee Bucks. In return, the Bobcats received former Duke star Corey Maggette and the 7th overall pick. They used that pick to draft forward Bismack Biyombo and then drafted Kemba Walker, the NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player, with the 9th pick in the draft.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2011/news/story?id=6697545|title=Stephen Jackson traded to Bucks|work=ESPN|date=24 June 2011|last=Ford|access-date=7 January 2023|first=Chad}} They also traded their 2013 second-round draft pick to the Thunder for 7-footer Byron Mullens and signed sharpshooter Reggie Williams in free agency.{{Cite news|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2011/12/19/thunder-trade-byron-mullens-to-bobcats-for-pick/|title=Thunder trade Byron Mullens to Bobcats for pick|work=NBC Sports|date=19 December 2011|access-date=7 January 2023|last=Helin|first=Kurt}} The Bobcats started the 2011–12 season with a close 96–95 win against Stephen Jackson and the Milwaukee Bucks in their home opener but wins would be scarce after that.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/311226030|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107064711/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/311226030|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2023|title=D.J. Augustin, Kemba Walker help Bobcats slip past Bucks|date=27 December 2011|access-date=7 January 2023|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|location=Charlotte}} In the lockout-shortened season the Bobcats struggled and posted an NBA-worst record of 7–59, losing the last 23 games of the season. In a nationally televised game against the New York Knicks the Bobcats recorded yet another loss as their win rate dropped to 0.106, setting the record for the worst season by an NBA team (because the season was shortened by the lockout, the 1972–73 Philadelphia 76ers kept the record for most losses in a season, with 73). On April 30, 2012, the Bobcats announced that Silas would not return to the team for the 2012–13 season. St. John's assistant Mike Dunlap was named his successor.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/charlotte-bobcats-hire-st-johns-assistant-mike-dunlap-as-coach|title=Charlotte Bobcats hire St. John's assistant Mike Dunlap as coach|work=CBS Sports|date=18 June 2012|access-date=7 January 2023|last=Golliver|first=Ben}}

Despite having the best chance of winning the draft lottery, the Bobcats did not get the first pick. In the 2012 NBA draft, the Bobcats selected Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with the second overall pick.{{Cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1240655-nba-draft-2012-michael-kidd-gilchrist-selected-by-charlotte-bobcats|title=NBA Draft 2012: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Selected by Charlotte Bobcats|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=7 January 2023|date=29 June 2012|last=Dulka|first=Michael}} They also selected Jeffery Taylor with the thirty-first pick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/bobcats-sign-second-round-draft-pick-jeffery-taylor|title=Bobcats Sign Second-Round Draft Pick Jeffery Taylor|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=13 July 2012|access-date=7 January 2023}} They added Ben Gordon, Ramon Sessions and Brendan Haywood.{{Cite news|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHA/2013_transactions.html|title=2012-13 Charlotte Bobcats Transactions|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=7 January 2023}} The Bobcats' first game was against the Indiana Pacers, and they won 90–89 with a heated last minute battle, snapping their 23-game losing streak.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2012/11/2/3593328/pacers-vs-bobcats-2012-results-charlotte-snaps-streak-with-90-89-win|title=Pacers vs. Bobcats 2012 results: Charlotte snaps streak with 90-89 win|work=SB Nation|date=2 November 2012|access-date=7 January 2023|last=Fuhrmeister|first=Chris}} On November 13, 2012, the Bobcats traded guard Matt Carroll to the New Orleans Hornets for power forward Hakim Warrick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2012/11/13/bobcats-hornets-trade-hakim-warrick-matt-carroll/1703399/|title=Hornets trade Hakim Warrick to Bobcats for Matt Carroll|work=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=13 November 2012|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} The team seemed to rebound with a 7–5 start to the season in which 6 of the 7 wins were by 4 points or less. However, they promptly went on an 18-game losing streak from which they never recovered, snapping the streak in a victory at Chicago on New Year's Eve.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.in/nba/recap/_/gameId/400278173/id/400278173/charlotte-bobcats-vs-chicago-bulls|title=Kemba Walker, Bobcats end 18-game skid vs. Bulls|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=1 January 2013|access-date=7 January 2023|location=Chicago}} They finished {{Win-loss record|w=21|l=61}}, the second-worst record in the league.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2012-13|title=NBA 2012-13 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=7 January 2023}} On April 23, 2013, Dunlap was fired, reportedly because the players were turned off by his heavy-handed coaching style. Dunlap would be replaced by former Los Angeles Lakers assistant head coach Steve Clifford.{{Cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1653470-steve-clifford-reportedly-agrees-to-become-head-coach-of-charlotte-bobcats|title=Steve Clifford Agrees to Become Head Coach of Charlotte Bobcats|work=Bleacher Report|date=28 May 2013|access-date=7 January 2023|last=Keeney|first=Tim}}

On May 21, 2013, Jordan announced the franchise had applied to change its name to the Charlotte Hornets for the 2014–15 NBA season, pending a majority vote by the NBA Board of Governors at a meeting in Las Vegas on July 18, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/bobcats-sports-entertainment-applies-change-teams-name-hornets|title=Bobcats Sports & Entertainment Applies to Change Team's Name to Hornets|date=May 21, 2013|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|access-date=May 21, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608024248/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/bobcats-sports-entertainment-applies-change-teams-name-hornets|archive-date=June 8, 2013}} Deputy Commissioner and COO Adam Silver had previously said it could take 18 months, but the fact that the league owned the rights to the Hornets name could speed up the process. The New Orleans Hornets had recently changed their name to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2013–14 NBA season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/21/bobcats-change-name-to-hornets/|title=Jordan: Bobcats changing name to Hornets|work=NBA.com|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc.|date=May 21, 2013|access-date=May 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608110427/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/21/bobcats-change-name-to-hornets|archive-date=June 8, 2013|url-status=dead}} On July 18, 2013, the NBA unanimously approved the Charlotte Bobcats to reclaim the Hornets name at the conclusion of the 2013–14 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2013/news/07/18/board-of-governors-name-change.ap/index.html|title=NBA approves Charlotte's name change|date=July 18, 2013|work=NBA.com|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc|access-date=July 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507082412/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/07/18/board-of-governors-name-change.ap/index.html|archive-date=May 7, 2016|url-status=dead}}

During the 2013 NBA draft, the Bobcats selected power forward/center Cody Zeller with the 4th overall pick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/bobcats-select-cody-zeller-fourth-pick-2013-nba-draft|title=Bobcats Select Cody Zeller With Fourth Pick in 2013 NBA Draft|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=27 June 2013|access-date=8 January 2023}} The Bobcats would also get former Utah Jazz player Al Jefferson during the free agency period.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/bobcats/2013/07/04/al-jefferson-contract-charlotte-utah-jazz-free-agent/2490163/|title=Al Jefferson lands contract with Charlotte Bobcats|date=4 July 2013|access-date=8 January 2023|work=USA Today|last=Amick|first=Sam}}

On November 22, in a widely expected move, the Bobcats announced they would adopt a modified version of the original Hornets' teal-purple-white palette, with black, gray and light blue as accents.{{cite news|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/11/23/4492883/charlotte-hornets-will-bring-back.html|title=Charlotte Hornets will bring back purple-and-teal colors|last=Bonnell|first=Rick|work=The Charlotte Observer|date=2013-11-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018184014/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/11/23/4492883/charlotte-hornets-will-bring-back.html|archive-date=2014-10-18}}{{cite web|title=Purple and Teal Color Palette to Re-Join Hornets Name in Charlotte|url=http://www.nba.com/hornets/purple-and-teal-color-palette-re-join-hornets-name-charlotte|work=NBA.com|publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc|date=November 24, 2013|access-date=November 24, 2013}} The team unveiled its future logo during halftime of their December 21 game against the Utah Jazz, in a ceremony featuring former Hornets players Dell Curry (now the Bobcats' television color commentator), Muggsy Bogues, Rex Chapman and Kelly Tripucka.{{cite web |title=Charlotte Hornets Brand Identity Unveiled |url=http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/charlotte-hornets-brand-identity-unveiled |work=NBA.com |publisher=Turner Sports Interactive, Inc |date=December 21, 2013}} The team then started a campaign to hype the Hornets' return, entitled "Buzz City."{{cite web |last=Windhorst |first=Brian |title=Charlotte Hornets back in 2014-15 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9491180/nba-approves-name-change-charlotte-bobcats |work=ESPN.com |date=July 19, 2013 |access-date=January 25, 2015}} On January 16, 2014, the Bobcats revealed new Charlotte Hornets logo shirts, hats and gear.{{cite magazine |last=Golliver |first=Ben |title=Bobcats unveil new 'Charlotte Hornets' logo shirts, hats and gear |url=http://nba.si.com/2014/01/16/charlotte-hornets-logo-shirts-bobcats/ |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=January 16, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522202855/http://nba.si.com/2014/01/16/charlotte-hornets-logo-shirts-bobcats/ |archive-date=May 22, 2014 }}

On February 20, 2014, the Bucks traded Gary Neal and Luke Ridnour to the Bobcats for Ramon Sessions and Jeff Adrien.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/bucks/release/bucks-acquire-guard-ramon-sessions-and-forward-jeff-adrien-bobcats|title=Bucks Acquire Guard Ramon Sessions and Forward Jeff Adrien From Bobcats Charlotte|work=Milwaukee Bucks|publisher=NBA|date=20 February 2014|access-date=8 January 2023}} The Bobcats clinched a playoff berth for the second time in franchise history on April 5, 2014, when they won a road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-nba-20140406-story.html|date=5 April 2014|access-date=8 January 2023|title=Bobcats clinch playoff berth with win over Cavaliers|work=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press}} On April 10, 2014, the Bobcats signed forward DJ White for the rest of the season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/bobcats-sign-forward-dj-white-remainder-season|title=Bobcats Sign Forward DJ White for Remainder of Season|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|access-date=8 January 2023|date=10 April 2014}} The Bobcats finished the 2013–14 regular season at {{Win-loss record|w=43|l=39}}, their second highest number of wins in a season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2013-14|title=NBA 2013-14 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=8 January 2023}} The Bobcats were swept by defending champions Miami Heat in the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400553079|title=LeBron James scores 31 as Heat complete sweep of Bobcats|date=29 April 2014|access-date=8 January 2023|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|location=Charlotte}} The fourth game was also the last one as the Charlotte Bobcats.

On May 20, 2014, the Bobcats became the second incarnation of the Charlotte Hornets. At a press conference, team officials also announced that the renamed Hornets reclaimed the history and records of the 1988–2002 Hornets, while all of the Hornets' records during their time in New Orleans from 2002 to 2013 remained with the Pelicans.{{Cite news|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2014/05/20/charlotte-hornets-assume-historical-records-from-new-pelicans/|title=Charlotte Hornets assume historical records from New Pelicans|date=20 May 2014|access-date=8 January 2023|work=NBC Sports|last=Feldman|first=Dan}} Charlotte had already been using footage of the original Hornets as part of the "Buzz City" campaign.

To summarize: after the 2002 season, the original Hornets moved to New Orleans. In 2004, Charlotte was granted a new franchise, the Bobcats. After the 2013–14 season, the Bobcats changed their name back to the Hornets and reclaimed the history and records of the 1988–2002 Hornets. As a result, the Hornets are now deemed as having suspended operations from 2002 to 2004, while the Pelicans are deemed as having joined the league in 2002 as an expansion team.

In the 2014 NBA draft, the Hornets had the No. 9 pick from a trade with the Detroit Pistons, which they used to select Noah Vonleh from Indiana.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-select-noah-vonleh|title=Hornets Select Noah Vonleh|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=26 June 2014|access-date=8 January 2023}} In the same draft they acquired UConn Husky Shabazz Napier (24th overall pick), Dwight Powell from Stanford, and Semaj Christon from Xavier in the second round. Napier would later be traded to the Miami Heat for P. J. Hairston from the Texas Legends of the NBA Development League (formerly from UNC), the rights to the 55th pick (Semaj Christon), and their 2019 second-round pick and cash considerations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/11142763/2014-nba-draft-miami-heat-trade-guard-shabazz-napier|title=Heat trade up for Shabazz Napier|work=ESPN|date=27 June 2014|access-date=8 January 2023|last=Windhorst|first=Brian}} Powell and Brendan Haywood were traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Scotty Hopson and cash considerations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11207474/cleveland-cavaliers-acquire-brendan-haywood-dwight-powell-charlotte-hornets|title=Cavaliers acquire Brendan Haywood|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=13 July 2014|access-date=8 January 2023|location=Cleveland}} Christon was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for cash considerations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/06/27/hornets-send-pg-christon-to-okc-for-cash/11446667/|title=Hornets send PG Christon to OKC for cash|date=27 June 2014|access-date=8 January 2023|work=USA Today|location=Charlotte|agency=Associated Press}} The Hornets then traded Hopson to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for cash considerations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-acquire-scotty-hopson|title=Pelicans Acquire Scotty Hopson|work=New Orleans Pelicans|publisher=NBA|date=13 July 2014|access-date=8 January 2023}}

During the 2014 first year of free agency as the renamed Hornets, the Hornets signed former Indiana Pacers shooting guard Lance Stephenson for three years at $27 million with a team option in the third year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11221796/lance-stephenson-charlotte-hornets-3-year-27-million-deal|title=Hornets sign Lance Stephenson|work=ESPN|date=16 July 2014|access-date=8 January 2023|last=Broussard|first=Sam}} The Hornets also signed former Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams to a two-year, $14 million contract.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/07/12/marvin-williams-contract-charlotte-hornets-free-agent-utah-jazz/12585591/|title=Marvin Williams to sign contract with Charlotte Hornets|work=USA Today|date=12 July 2014|access-date=8 January 2023|last=Zillgitt|first=Jeff}} They later added former New Orleans Pelicans guard Brian Roberts, who became the first player in the modern-day Hornets era to play for both the New Orleans Hornets and the Charlotte Hornets.{{Cite news|date=14 July 2014|access-date=8 January 2023|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--hornets-signing-brian-roberts-201625362.html|title=Sources: Hornets signing Brian Roberts|work=Yahoo! Sport|last=Wojanrowski|first=Adrian}} Charlotte finished the 2014-15 season with a {{Win-loss record|w=33|l=49}} record.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2014-15|title=NBA 2014-15 Regular Season standings|work=NBA|access-date=8 January 2023}}

After the stressful first season as the "reborn" Hornets, the Hornets signed and traded for promising young NBA players such as Nicolas Batum, former Knicks star Jeremy Lin, Jeremy Lamb, Tyler Hansbrough, Spencer Hawes and undrafted rookie Aaron Harrison.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13144136/portland-trail-blazers-agree-trade-nic-batum-charlotte-hornets-gerald-henderson-noah-vonleh|title=Blazers trade Nic Batum to Hornets for Gerald Henderson, Noah Vonleh|work=ESPN|date=25 June 2015|access-date=9 January 2023|location=Charlotte}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13224585/free-agent-guard-jeremy-lin-announces-join-charlotte-hornets|title=Source: Jeremy Lin gets Hornets' biannual exception of 2 years, $4.3M|work=ESPN|date=9 July 2015|access-date=9 January 2023|location=Charlotte}}{{Cite news|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/06/25/thunder-trade-jeremy-lamb-to-hornets-for-luke-ridnour/|title=Thunder trade Jeremy Lamb to Hornets for Luke Ridnour|work=NBC Sports|date=25 June 2015|access-date=9 January 2023|last=Highkin|first=Sean}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13298542/tyler-hansbrough-back-carolina-charlotte-hornets|title=Hornets bringing ex-Tar Heels star Tyler Hansbrough back to Carolina|work=ESPN|date=22 July 2015|access-date=9 January 2023|location=Charlotte}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-acquire-spencer-hawes-and-matt-barnes-los-angeles-clippers-exchange-lance-stephenson|title=Hornets Acquire Spencer Hawes and Matt Barnes from the Los Angeles Clippers in Exchange for Lance Stephenson|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=15 June 2015|access-date=9 January 2023}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-sign-free-agent-guard-aaron-harrison|title=Hornets Sign Free Agent Guard Aaron Harrison|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=14 July 2015|access-date=9 January 2023|last=Wash|first=Quinton}} In the 2015 NBA draft, the Hornets selected Wisconsin star Frank Kaminsky with the 9th pick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/6/25/8695377/frank-kaminsky-nba-draft-results-2015-charlotte-hornets|title=2015 NBA Draft results: Frank Kaminsky picked by Charlotte Hornets|work=SB Nation|date=25 June 2015|access-date=9 January 2023|last=Price|first=Satchel}}

Through the first 16 games of the 2015–16 season the Hornets were {{Win-loss record|w=9|l=7}}, including a 7-game home winning streak. This marked first time they were multiple games above .500 since the 2013 season. After Feb. 1, the Hornets went 25–9 in the regular season, which became the third-best winning percentage (.736) in that time span, with only the Warriors and Spurs having better marks. On April 2, the Hornets clinched a playoff spot. The Hornets finished {{Win-loss record|w=48|l=34}}, 3rd overall in the division, with their most regular season victories since the 1999–00 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2015-16|title=NBA 2015-16 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=9 January 2023}} Charlotte earned the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, where they played No. 3 seed Miami in the first round. The Heat cruised by Charlotte in the first two games, however the Hornets won game 3 96–80,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160423/MIACHA/gameinfo.html|title=Hornets snap 14-year playoff drought, beat Heat 96-80|date=April 23, 2016|access-date=April 23, 2016|work=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424065558/http://www.nba.com/games/20160423/MIACHA/gameinfo.html|archive-date=April 24, 2016|url-status=dead}} marking the franchise's first playoff victory since 2002. Charlotte won the next two games, including a close game 5 in Miami, but lost a crucial game 6 at home. Miami promptly beat the Hornets in game 7, ending their 2015–16 season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/117682/how-the-heat-dominated-game-7|title = How the Heat dominated Game 7|date =2 May 2016|work=ESPN}}

The following year's off-season, Jeremy Lin would go to sign with the Brooklyn Nets, Al Jefferson to the Indiana Pacers, and Courtney Lee to the New York Knicks.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/16672051/jeremy-lin-agrees-three-year-deal-brooklyn-nets|department=NBA|date=1 July 2016|access-date=9 January 2023|work=ESPN|title=Sources: Jeremy Lin agrees to 3-year deal with Nets}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/pacers-sign-al-jefferson|title=Pacers Sign Al Jefferson|date=9 July 2016|access-date=9 January 2023|location=Charlotte}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/16712888/courtney-lee-new-york-knicks-agree-4-year-deal|title=Sources: Courtney Lee's deal with Knicks worth approximately $48M|work=ESPN|date=3 July 2016|access-date=9 January 2023}} The Hornets were able to re-sign Nicolas Batum and Marvin Williams, as well as bring in former All-star Roy Hibbert, Marco Belinelli and Ramon Sessions for a second stint.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/16664889/nicolas-batum-agrees-5-year-120-million-deal-stay-charlotte-hornets|title=Nicolas Batum agrees to 5-year, $120M deal to stay with Hornets|work=ESPN|date=1 July 2016|access-date=9 January 2023|last=MacMahon|first=Tim}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2016/07/02/ap-bkn-hornets-free-agency|title=AP source: Hornets re-sign F Marvin Williams to 4-year deal|date=2 July 2016|access-date=9 January 2023|magazine=Sports Illustrated|agency=Associated Press|location=Charlotte}}{{Cite web|url= https://www.slamonline.com/archives/hornets-reportedly-sign-roy-hibbert-one-year-5-million-deal/|title=Hornets to Reportedly Sign Roy Hibbert to One-Year, $5 Million Deal|last=Mutoni|first=Marcel|date=July 5, 2016|website=slamonline.com|access-date=June 8, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/press-releases/hornets-acquire-marco-belinelli-sacramento|title=Hornets Acquire Marco Bellinelli from Sacramento|last=Wash|first=Quinton|date=July 7, 2016|website=Charlotte Hornets|access-date=June 8, 2022}} Hibbert would be traded mid-season to the Milwaukee Bucks with Spencer Hawes for center Miles Plumlee.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/grade-the-trade-bucks-acquire-spencer-hawes-roy-hibbert-for-miles-plumlee/|title=Grade the Trade: Bucks acquire Spencer Hawes, Roy Hibbert for Miles Plumlee|date=2 February 2017|access-date=9 January 2023|work=CBS Sports|last=Herbert|first=James}} Kemba Walker was named an Eastern Conference All-star as a reserve, the first all-star game of his career.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/press-releases/kemba-walker-named-eastern-conference-all-star-reserve|title=Kemba Walker Named Eastern Conference All-Star|date=26 January 2017|access-date=9 January 2023|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|last=Wash|first=Quinton}} The Hornets would finish the season with a {{Win-loss record|w=36|l=46}} record, missing the playoffs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2016-17|title=NBA 2016-17 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=9 January 2023}}

File:Kemba Walker 2019.jpg]]

The Hornets had a successful off-season by sending Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli, and their 41st pick to Atlanta in exchange for Dwight Howard and Atlanta's 31st pick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19692632/atlanta-hawks-trade-dwight-howard-charlotte-hornets|title=Dwight Howard heads to Hornets after one season with hometown Hawks|work=ESPN|date=21 June 2017|access-date=9 January 2023}} In the 2017 NBA draft, the Hornets drafted Malik Monk of Kentucky with their 11th pick. Former Duke guard, Frank Jackson was originally drafted with their 31st pick before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Dwayne Bacon (40th overall pick) and cash considerations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/07/11/pelicans-sign-31st-overall-draft-choice-frank-jackson/103610786/|title=Pelicans sign 31st overall draft choice Frank Jackson|work=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=11 July 2017|access-date=9 January 2023|location=New Orleans}} On July 7, the team signed the 2014 Rookie of the year, Michael Carter-Williams.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/charlotte-hornets-sign-guard-michael-carter-williams|title=Charlotte Hornets Sign Guard Michael Carter-Williams|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=7 July 2017|access-date=9 January 2023|last=Wash|first=Quinton}}

The Hornets started the season with a 90–102 defeat at the hands of Detroit Pistons.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400974700|title=Harris-led Pistons beat Hornets 102-90 in return downtown|work=ESPN|location=Detroit|date=18 October 2017|access-date=9 January 2023|agency=Associated Press}} The Hornets went on to a 3-game winning streak by victories over Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Milwaukee Bucks.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400974856|title=Walker, Monk lead Hornets past Bucks 126-121|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=1 November 2017|access-date=9 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} However, the Hornets went on to lose the next six matches, they managed to stop the losing streak with victory over Los Angeles Clippers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400974979|title=Walker, Hornets beat Clippers 102-87 to snap 6-game skid|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=18 November 2017|access-date=9 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} On 4 February, Walker broke the franchise record for 3-pointers made with 930, surpassing the previous record holder, Dell Curry.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975535|title=Hornets rally from 21 down to beat Suns 115-110|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=4 February 2018|access-date=9 January 2023|location=Phoenix}} On 7 February, Hornets traded Johnny O'Bryant III and two future second round picks to the New York Knicks in exchange for Willy Hernangómez.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-acquire-center-willy-hernangomez-knicks|title=Hornets Acquire Center Willy Hernangomez From Knicks|work=Charlotte Hornets|date=7 February 2018|publisher=NBA|access-date=9 January 2023|last=Wash|first=Quinton}} On February 8, Walker made his second consecutive All-star appearance by replacing the injured Kristaps Porzingis.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/kemba-walker-named-second-consecutive-all-star-game|title=Kemba Walker Named To Second-Consecutive All-Star Game|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=8 February 2018|access-date=9 January 2023|last=Wash|first=Quinton}} The team parted ways with GM Rich Cho on February 20, he was replaced by interim general manager, Buzz Peterson.{{Cite news|title=Hornets to Not Extend Contract of GM Rich Cho|url=http://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-not-extend-contract-gm-rich-cho|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|access-date=9 January 2023|date= 20 February 2018}}{{Cite news|last=Reed|first=Steve|title=Struggling Charlotte Hornets fire general manager Rich Cho|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/02/20/struggling-charlotte-hornets-fire-general-manager-rich-cho|publisher=NBA|work=Charlotte Hornets|access-date=9 January 2023|date=February 20, 2018}} On March 28, Walker surpassed Dell Curry (9,839 points) as the franchise's career scoring leader despite the loss against Cleveland Cavaliers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400975862|title=James ties Jordan's double-figures streak; Cavs top Hornets|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=28 March 2018|access-date=9 January 2023|location=Charlotte}} On April 8, the team announced that they have reached a deal with Mitch Kupchak to become their new general manager.{{Cite news|url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2018/04/08/report-mitch-kupchak-reaches-deal-to-become-gm-of-charlotte-hornets/|title=Mitch Kupchak reaches deal to become GM of Charlotte Hornets|work=NBC Sports|date=8 April 2018|access-date=9 January 2023|last=Helin|first=Kurt}} The Hornets finished their season with {{Win-loss record|w=36|l=46}} record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2017-18|title=NBA 2017-18 Regular Season standings|work=NBA|access-date=9 January 2023}} On April 18, the team announced that they have relieved Steve Clifford from his coaching duties.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23151340/charlotte-hornets-fire-coach-steve-clifford|title=Hornets fire coach Steve Clifford|work=ESPN|date=18 April 2018|access-date=11 January 2023|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian}} On May 9, the team has reached an agreement with San Antonio Spurs assistant coach, James Borrego as their new head coach.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23442225/charlotte-hornets-hire-james-borrego-head-coach|title=Hornets to hire James Borrego as head coach|work=ESPN|date=9 May 2018|access-date=11 January 2023|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian}}

The following season marks the 30th year of The Hornets in the NBA. On June 19, the team announced that Muggsy Bogues would join Dell Curry as the team's ambassador.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/press-releases/hornets-announce-additional-plans-30th-anniversary-celebration-add-spectrum|title=Hornets Announce Additional Plans For 30th Anniversary Celebration, Add Spectrum As Presenting Partner|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=19 June 2018|access-date=11 January 2023|last=Wash|first=Quinton}} Charlotte was selected as the host for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-charlotte-nba-all-star-20170524-story.html|title=NBA announces 2019 All-Star game will be held in Charlotte|work=Los Angeles Times|date=24 May 2017|access-date=14 January 2023|agency=Associated Press}}

On the eve of the 2018 NBA draft, the Hornets traded Dwight Howard in exchange for Timofey Mozgov, two second round picks (the 45th pick in 2018, and 2021 second round pick).{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23851151/dwight-howard-headed-charlotte-hornets-brooklyn-nets|title=Hornets agree to trade Dwight Howard to Nets|work=ESPN|date=20 June 2018|access-date=11 January 2023|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian}} The deal was made official after the moratorium ends on 6 July.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23851151/dwight-howard-headed-charlotte-hornets-brooklyn-nets|title=Brooklyn Nets Complete Trade With Charlotte Hornets|work=Brooklyn Nets|publisher=NBA|date=6 July 2018|access-date=11 January 2023}} Through the draft, the team acquired forward Miles Bridges (12th overall pick), Devonte Graham (34th overall pick), and the draft rights to Lithuanian forward, Arnoldas Kulboka (55th overall pick).{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-acquire-draft-rights-miles-bridges-and-devonte-graham|title=Hornets Acquire Draft Rights to Miles Bridges and Devonte' Graham|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|access-date=11 January 2023|date=22 June 2018}} On July 23, the Hornets acquired Tony Parker from the free agency.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/charlotte-hornets-officially-sign-tony-parker-release|title=Charlotte Hornets sign free agent Tony Parker|work=NBA|date=24 July 2018|access-date=14 January 2023|location=Charlotte}}

The Hornets were {{Win-loss record|w=27|l=30}} as the season reached the All-Star break, after being defeated by the Orlando Magic who were led by the Hornets' former coach, Steve Clifford.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401071537|title=Magic win fifth straight, end 13-game skid vs Hornets|date=14 February 2019|access-date=14 January 2023|location=Orlando|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} Kemba Walker was announced as the starter for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, becoming the third Hornets player to start the All-Star Game, along with Larry Johnson (1993), and Eddie Jones (2000).{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/kemba-walker-named-starter-2019-nba-all-star-game|title=Kemba Walker Named Starter for 2019 NBA All-Star Game|date=24 January 2019|access-date=14 January 2023|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA}} On the final game of the season, the Hornets needed to defeat Orlando Magic and for the New York Knicks to defeat the Detroit Pistons (The latter were also aiming for the eighth seed). Unfortunately, the Hornets were defeated by the Magic, while the Pistons managed to edge the Knicks to claim the eighth seed, meaning that the Hornets missed the 2019 NBA playoffs, marking the third consecutive time the team missed the playoffs. This was also the first time Tony Parker missed the playoffs in his career.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wbtv.com/2019/04/10/hornets-fighting-playoff-spot-seasons-final-game/|title=Hornets eliminated from playoff contention after season's final game|work=WBTV|date=11 April 2019|access-date=14 January 2023|last=Barnett|first=Andrew|location=Charlotte}}

On June 11, Parker announced his retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/tony-parker-announces-retirement|title=Parker announces retirement after 18 seasons in NBA|work=NBA|date=11 June 2019|access-date=14 January 2023}}

The Hornets acquired forwards P. J. Washington (12th pick), Cody Martin (36th pick), and Jalen McDaniels (52nd pick) from the 2019 NBA draft.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/press-releases/hornets-select-pj-washington-12th-pick-2019-nba-draft|title=Hornets Select PJ Washington With The 12th Pick In The 2019 NBA Draft|date=20 June 2019|access-date=14 January 2023|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|last=Wash|first=Quinton}}{{Cite news|date=31 July 2019|access-date=14 January 2023|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/press-releases/hornets-sign-second-round-draft-pick-cody-martin-and-free-agent-caleb-martin|title=Hornets Sign Second-Round Draft Pick Cody Martin and Free Agent Caleb Martin|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|last=Wash|first=Quinton}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/press-releases/charlotte-hornets-sign-jalen-mcdaniels|title=Charlotte Hornets Sign Jalen McDaniels|date=10 October 2019|access-date=14 January 2023|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|last=Wash|first=Quinton}} On July 6, Walker was traded along a future second round pick to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Terry Rozier and a future second round pick through a sign-and-trade agreement, marking the end of Walker's tenure.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/celtics/news/pressrelease/celtics-acquire-three-time-all-star-kemba-walker|title=Celtics Acquire Three-Time All-Star Kemba Walker|work=Boston Celtics|publisher=NBA|date=6 July 2019|access-date=8 January 2023}}

The new season started with a win over Chicago Bulls on October 23, with new draftee Washington scoring 27 points in his NBA debut.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401160625|title=Hornets rookie Washington nets 27 in 126-125 win over Bulls|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|location=Charlotte|date=23 October 2019|access-date=14 January 2023}} The team suffered an eight-game losing streak from January 6 until January 24, which includes the NBA game at Paris against Milwaukee Bucks.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401161311|title=Giannis Antetokounmpo has 30 points, 12 boards as Bucks roll in Paris|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=24 January 2020|location=Paris|access-date=14 January 2023}}

On March 11, the NBA announced the suspension of the season in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-suspend-season-following-wednesdays-games|title=NBA to suspend season following Wednesday's games|date=12 March 2020|access-date=14 January 2023|work=NBA|location=New York}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/coronavirus-pandemic-causes-nba-suspend-season|title=Coronavirus pandemic causes NBA to suspend season after player tests positive|work=NBA|date=13 March 2020|access-date=14 January 2023|last=Aschburner|first=Steve}} The Hornets were {{Win-loss record|w=23|l=42}} when the season was officially suspended.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401161612|title=Hornets top Heat 109-98, as NBA shutdown looms|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=11 March 2020|access-date=14 January 2023|location=Miami}} The Hornets were among eight teams that were not invited to play in the 2020 NBA Bubble, after owner Michael Jordan reportedly stating that player safety should be the priority and that there were no reason for the lottery teams to continue playing.{{Cite news|url=https://www.insider.com/which-nba-teams-wont-play-when-season-resumes-2020-6|title=The NBA is planning to resume the season with 22 teams — here are the 8 teams that didn't make the cut|date=4 June 2020|access-date=14 January 2023|work=Insider Inc.|last=Davis|first=Scott}}{{Cite tweet|author=Shams Charania |user=ShamsCharania|number=1266444677940682757|title=Hornets owner Michael Jordan advocated on the call for player safety, and not simply having players return for meaningless games, sources said. Given the NBA is prioritizing health and safety first and foremost, 30 team return is unlikely}} The Hornets (along with the other uninvited teams) however, are allowed to hold voluntary workouts with campus settings.{{Cite tweet|author=Shams Charania |user=ShamsCharania|number=1295881694105477120|title=The NBA and NBPA have reached agreement for the eight franchises who were not part of Orlando restart to conduct voluntary group workouts while residing in campus settings}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-teams-not-invited-to-disney-bubble-will-hold-voluntary-workouts-from-campus-settings-per-report/|work=CBS Sports|date=18 August 2020|title=NBA teams not invited to Disney bubble will hold voluntary workouts from campus settings, per report|access-date=14 January 2023|last=Quinn|first=Sam}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/hornets-create-their-own-bubble-in-charlotte/275-cfd8d430-1fe7-4fa1-9374-076874054ced|title=Hornets create their own "bubble" in Charlotte|work=WCNC Charlotte|date=24 September 2020|access-date=14 January 2023|last=Carboni|first=Nick|location=Charlotte}}

{{Update section|date=February 2023}}

With the 3rd pick of the 2020 NBA draft, the Hornets select guard LaMelo Ball. Ball previously played with two high schools in the United States: Chino Hills, and Spire Academy, before stints with Lithuanian League team, BC Prienai and Australian League team, Illawarra Hawks before declaring for the NBA draft.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-draft-grade-hornets-select-lamelo-ball-with-no-3-overall-pick/|title=2020 NBA Draft grade: Hornets select LaMelo Ball with No. 3 overall pick|date=18 November 2020|access-date=16 January 2023|work=CBS Sports|last=Quinn|first=Sam}} In the same draft, the Hornets also selected Duke center Vernon Carey Jr. (32nd pick) and College of Charleston guard Grant Riller (56th pick), whilst acquiring Nick Richards from the Pelicans.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-select-lamelo-ball-3rd-overall-pick-2020-nba-draft|title=Hornets Select LaMelo Ball, Vernon Carey Jr. and Grant Riller in 2020 NBA Draft|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=18 November 2020|access-date=16 January 2023}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/report-pelicans-trade-42nd-overall-pick-to-hornets|title=Pelicans trade Nick Richards to Hornets|work=NBA|date=19 November 2020|access-date=18 January 2023}} On November 29, the Hornets waived Nicolas Batum's $27.1 million contract for 2020-21 season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/how-hornets-waiving-nicolas-batum-impacts-gordon-hayward-sign-and-trade|title=How Hornets Waiving Nicolas Batum Impacts Gordon Hayward Sign and Trade|date=29 November 2020|access-date=18 January 2023|work=NBC Sports Boston|last=Hartwell|first=Darren}} On the same day, the team officially acquired forward Gordon Hayward, 2023 and 2024 second-round draft picks from Boston Celtics, through a sign-and-trade deal, while the Hornets sent Celtics their conditional 2022 second-round draft pick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30416502/charlotte-hornets-complete-sign-trade-boston-celtics-acquire-gordon-hayward|title=Charlotte Hornets complete sign-and-trade with Boston Celtics to acquire Gordon Hayward|work=ESPN|date=30 November 2020|access-date=18 January 2023}} The following day, the team officially signed Ball.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/press-releases/charlotte-hornets-sign-lamelo-ball|title=Charlotte Hornets Sign LaMelo Ball|work=Charlotte Hornets|publisher=NBA|date=November 30, 2020|access-date=February 8, 2023}}

The Hornets were defeated by the Cavaliers in the first match with new draftee Ball going scoreless on his debut.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/game/cha-vs-cle-0022000010|date=December 23, 2020|title=LAMELO SCORELESS IN DEBUT, CAVS OUTLAST HORNETS IN OPENER|access-date=February 19, 2023|work=NBA|agency=Associated Press|last=Withers|first=Tom|location=Cleveland}} Three days later, the Hornets were defeated at home by the Thunder with the scoreline of 109–107 after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the tie-breaking jumper with only 1.4 seconds left.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401267182|title=Gilgeous-Alexander jumper lifts Thunder past Hornets 109-107|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=December 26, 2020|access-date=February 19, 2023|location=Charlotte}}

Charlotte ended the 2020-21 season with a 33-39 record, allowing them the 10th seed and to play their first NBA play-in tournament game, which they would end up falling short against the Indiana Pacers, losing 117-144.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401326988/hornets-pacers|date=May 19, 2021|title=Sabonis leads Pacers past Hornets 144-117 in play-in round|access-date=April 29, 2025|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} LaMelo Ball would be named the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year, becoming the third in Charlotte’s history alongside Larry Johnson and Emeka Okafor.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/lamelo-ball-named-2020-21-kia-nba-rookie-year|date=June 16, 2021|title=LaMelo Ball Named 2020-21 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year|access-date=April 29, 2025|work=NBA|agency=Associated Press}}

During the 2021 NBA draft, the Hornets picked up guard James Bouknight with the 11th pick and Scottie Lewis with the 56th pick. {{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/press-releases/charlotte-hornets-select-player-james-bouknight-11th-overall-pick|date=June 16, 2021|title=Hornets Select James Bouknight With 11th Overall Pick|access-date=July 29, 2021|work=NBA|agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-select-scottie-lewis-56th-overall-pick|date=July 30, 2021|title=Hornets Select Scottie Lewis with 56th Overall Pick|access-date=April 29, 2025|work=NBA|agency=Associated Press}}The Hornets also traded a future first-round pick to the New York Knicks for forward Kai Jones with the 19th pick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/knicks-trade-19th-pick-to-hornets-kai-jones|date=July 30, 2021|title=Hornets acquire No. 19 pick in trade with Knicks|access-date=April 29, 2025|work=NBA|agency=Associated Press}} Just a few days after the draft, Kelly Oubre Jr. officially signed with the Hornets for 2 years, $25 million.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/reports-kelly-oubre-jr-reaches-2-year-deal-with-hornets|date=August 7, 2021|title=Hornets officially sign Kelly Oubre Jr.

|access-date=April 29, 2025|work=NBA|agency=Associated Press}}

In the 2022–23 NBA season, the Hornets faced numerous injuries across their team, resulting in a disappointing season with a 27–55 record, ranking as the fourth lowest in the league. Despite this, Mark Williams showed great promise.

Their subpar performance led to them securing the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, which they used to draft Brandon Miller.

On June 16, 2023, Michael Jordan declared his intention to sell his majority share in the team to a consortium led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall. The deal, valued at $3 billion, received NBA approval on July 23, 2023.{{Cite web |last=CBS Sports. Retrieved July 29, 2023. |first=Maloney, Jack. |title=Michael Jordan's 13-year run as NBA team owner ends, per report |date=3 August 2023 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/michael-jordans-13-year-run-as-hornets-owner-ends-as-franchise-completes-3-billion-sale/}}

In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Hornets brought in forward Tidjane Salaün with the 6th overall pick and guard KJ Simpson with the 42nd overall pick.{{Cite web |last=NBA. Retrieved April 1 2025. |title=Charlotte Hornets Select Tidjane Salaün Sixth Overall In 2024 NBA Draft |date=26 June 2024 |url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/charlotte-hornets-select-tidjane-salaun-sixth-overall-in-2024-nba-draft}}{{Cite web |last=NBA. Retrieved April 1 2025. |title=Hornets Select KJ Simpson 42nd Overall In 2024 NBA Draft |date=27 June 2024 |url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/hornets-select-kj-simpson-42nd-overall-in-2024-nba-draft}}

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Category:Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets