Oh, what could have been in Charlotte.
Michael Jordan's underwhelming 13-year tenure as the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets came to an end last year after a majority stake in the franchise was sold for approximately $3 billion.
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No. 23's disappointing reign in Charlotte was in stark contrast to his legendary run as a player, when he won six NBA championships as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
But in a parallel universe, Air Jordan's parting gift with the Hornets was a $500million valued asset.
The San Antonio Spurs won the lottery -- literally and figuratively -- in 2023 after landing the No. 1 pick in that year's draft.
The basketball gods were clearly looking down on the Spurs as the franchise -- which has already had its fair share of success in the modern era -- was given first dibs on generational talent and super-prospect Victor Wembanyama -- arguably the most hyped teenager since LeBron James.
It was a franchise-altering twist of fate that could have been -- and perhaps should have been -- the perennially impoverished Hornets.
Charlotte received the No. 2 pick in the draft, putting them within touching distance of a 7ft 4in French phenom who would have rejuvenated their entire organization.
MJ's Hornets missed out on Wemby by a single pick, and to nobody's surprise he ended up with the Spurs.
It was a cruel blow to the Hornets -- who drafted Brandon Miller with their second overall pick -- in more ways than one.
The then-teenage Wemby was projected to be worth almost 16 times the value to the franchise as he would earn in guaranteed money from his rookie contract.
Speaking on ESPN's NBA Countdown, former NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that an anonymous team president told him that drafting the French superstar could add up to $500m in value to a franchise.
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Wemby signed a $55m four-year contract as a rookie, earning him $12.1m during his Rookie of the Year debut season.
The 20-year-old 'unicorn' averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 71 games in the 2023/24 season. He also had an NBA-leading 3.6 blocks per game and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
He also led all NBA rookies in scoring, rebounding and blocks per game average, and became the first player in NBA history to score 1,500 points (1,522), block 250 shots (254) and hit 100 3-point shots (128) in a single season.
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The Olympic silver medalist already has multiple endorsements, including with Louis Vuitton and Nike, and may even become the first $1billion player from NBA contracts alone.
But the Spurs still endured a disastrous season, even with Wemby in the lineup.
They lost 18 consecutive games between November and December, which is the longest losing streak in franchise history, and finished 14th in the Western Conference, missing out on the playoffs.
The Hornets, under new ownership, didn't fare much better, finishing with a 21–61 record and 13th in the Eastern Conference.
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Jordan, who still retains a minority stake in the Hornets, sold his majority stake to a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall.
His Airness purchased the franchise in 2010, back when it was called the Charlotte Bobcats, for $275 million.
"The opportunity to be the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets in my home state of North Carolina for the last 13 years has been a tremendous honor," Jordan said at the time of the sale.
"I'm proud of all that the organization accomplished: the exciting on-court moments, the return of the Hornets name, Charlotte hosting the 2019 NBA All-Star Game and HSE becoming a true pillar of this community. Through the years, the unwavering commitment, passion and loyalty of our Hornets fans has been incredible.
"As I transition into a minority ownership role, I'm thrilled to be able to pass the reins to two successful, innovative and strategic leaders in Gabe and Rick. I know the Hornets organization is in great hands moving forward. I'm excited about the future of the team and will continue to support the organization and the community in my new role in the years ahead."
All in all his tenure was pretty forgettable.
In 13 seasons under his leadership, Charlotte went 423-600, made just three playoff appearances and did not win a single series.
The-then Bobcats also went 7-59 during the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season -- the worst record in NBA history, both in terms of fewest wins and lowest winning percentage.
Jordan was ultimately unable to instil a winning culture into the Hornets and they remained one of worst teams in the NBA under his watch.
