In line with what most believed, last night was a formality in terms of what was said by the organization and David Silver. A name change is possible, the NBA is fully backing it, they're just waiting on the Bobcats to file the proverbial (or literal, not really sure) paperwork.
One of the bigger comments of the night came from Silver, when he said rebranding would take a total of about 18 months.
But our friends at Bring Back the Buzz and We Beelieve (see previous post) pointed out the interesting fact that there is a good chance that, while it may take 18 months, we could already be well within that window of time.
Michael Jordan and the Charlotte organization can not come out and say plainly that they're taking back the Hornets name legally until the end of the season for the New Orleans Hornets, and they wouldn't do it before the end of the season of the Bobcats, if for no other reason than to keep selling as much Bobcats gear as they can before it becomes useless.
You can bet in 10 years, people won't be wearing "retro" Bobcats hats and shoes. It will die and turn to dust, so it's a fire sale. If Jordan came out and said publicly, "in 2013-14 we are going to be the Charlotte Hornets," there goes probably six figures worth of merchandise.
So, what this is right now is a chess match between management and the public. It's clear as day which way this game is going, but still, right now it's a matter of getting your pieces set into place to maximize strategical effectiveness.
Silver seemed very upbeat about the organization as a whole, mentioned nothing about an NBA takeover (see: New Orleans Hornets), and was completely on board and open about the name change.
It's not really news, but it's something.
It's also worth noting that Silver certainly met with CLT management prior to the "town hall" meeting, and they could easily have told him to clam up about the name because it's not going to happen. The fact that management seemed content to let Silver be open and honest, and even hopeful about a name change is a good sign.
There are a few more events lined up within the next couple of days to cap the Bobcats' season. A fan meeting before the game tomorrow (4/17), the final game of the season (also tomorrow), the release of Jordan's Grape line tomorrow, and a huge open house on thursday, April 18th.
We're likely going to have to buckle up and wait until the 18th to hear any news on the front, but it's only 2 days away. I can live.
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