The **Charlotte Hornets** is a professional basketball franchise in the NBA's Eastern Conference Southeast Division, competing at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and known for its passionate fanbase rooted in the city's "Hornet's Nest" moniker from the American Revolutionary War.[1][6] Founded in 1988 as an expansion team by George Shinn, the Hornets quickly became an NBA attendance leader, averaging over 23,000 fans per game in their early years at Charlotte Coliseum, fueled by stars like **Larry Johnson** (1992 Rookie of the Year), **Alonzo Mourning** (two All-Stars), Muggsy Bogues, and Kemba Walker (all-time leading scorer).[1][3][4] They reached Eastern Conference Semifinals in 1993 and 1997 but relocated to New Orleans in 2002 amid ownership disputes, becoming the Pelicans.[1][2] Charlotte received an expansion franchise in 2004 as the **Bobcats**, owned by BET founder Robert L. Johnson—the first African American majority owner in major U.S. sports.[2][3] **Michael Jordan** joined as minority owner and GM in 2006, gaining majority control in 2010 after a dismal stretch, including the NBA's worst winning percentage (.106) in 2011–12.[2][3][4] Rebranded Hornets in 2014 (after New Orleans shed the name), the team posted a franchise-best 48 wins in 2015–16 and earned playoffs in 2013–14 and 2015–16, but never advanced past the first round.[2][3] Notable achievements include Rookies of the Year: Emeka Okafor (2005), **LaMelo Ball** (2021), and Johnson; yet the franchise has just 10 playoff appearances since 1988, no division titles, and frequent rebuilds.[2][3][5] Jorda