For as long as I can remember I’ve been a fan of basketball. In my younger years the excitement of playing kept my attention for many winters and summers inbetween soccer seasons. I started out mostly interested in the frenzy that is college basketball and March Madness. My cousin and I, along with the other Marchers of Madness would have our brackets to try and “guess” the final four and tournament champion, for a grand prize of twenty-five bucks. Hey, it was plenty of money when your ten, eleven years old, and the majority of your income is geared towards buying the latest comic books and baseball cards.
It wasn’t until my teenage years when I became intrigued and mesmermized by the larger-than-life world of the NBA. A league dominated by stars, and I was lucky enough to see the grandaddy of them all, Michael “Air” Jordan. I first became a witness to legendary in his second string of three straight title runs. I was hooked to the “stardom” of the NBA. The athleticism, the camaraderie between the likes of Jordan, Pippen, Barkley, Drexler, Olajawon, John Starks, Ewing, Reggie Miller, Stockton and Malone and on and on and on. How they all seemed to mutually hate and love each other on the court. Not seeming to worry about contracts and rumors when it came to winning a basketball game. Competition. At its best.
I had no particular team that I liked, I just loved to watch it. And then, as luck may have it, in 2002, the Charlotte Hornets made the move to the Crescent City and become a team that I hold right next to my beloved Saints, though I’m not an avid football fan. Baron, Magloire, and Mashburn(remember that team?). I couldn’t think of anything better. Wait, let’s skip the Dan Dickau year, couple more…we just drafted Chris Paul, best player available, now lets get rid of Baron, one more year. NOW. This is what I have been waiting for, a team I can call my OWN with my fellow New Orleanians that we can cheer to victory that represents the good that the city has to offer. Magical year in 2008. I think we can do ’em one better this year.
3 responses to “My Love Affair With The Hornets”
Totally share that love with you man and I really think the city is embracing this team. No worries about them leaving, probable new ownership, and a contender that is built for the long term. No reason not to love this team and no reason to think that this run is a fluke. Monty has set a foundation, along with Dell Demps, and this team is something to be proud of.
Good post! Thanks for sharing.
Hey man living in Austin now, I was thrilled when I found this site and pleasantly surprised to find you guys we’re really in tune to what is going on with the team. Your articles on the team are much the same as my thoughts and some friends that love the team just the same. I have a friend who lives in Boston now and is another reader who enjoys what you guys do. So thanks man, and GO HORNETS!!!
My story is like yours, except I’m more of a football fan and never really took the time to understand basketball until my post-Katrina civic pride made me buy tickets. Luckily, I sit next to a patient and smart man who helped me baby-step my way to some understanding.
And don’t worry, we are here to stay.