Charlotte Hornets Are Back: See the Team Then and Now
This photo was posted to the Charlotte Hornet's official Instagram account on May 20, 2014, with the caption, "WE'RE BACK, #BUZZCITY!" (@hornets/Instagram)
It's been 12 years since the Charlotte Hornets played an NBA game.
But now the buzz is back.
Charlotte's original and beloved NBA franchise left the city in 2002 to move to New Orleans, replaced by the Charlotte Bobcats.
Mugsy Bogues of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball during an NBA game at Charlotte Coliseum in 1989. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
But Bobcats Chairman Michael Jordan and team executives wanted the old name back - and today announced that from this point forward the Charlotte Hornets are back in North Carolina.
"Today is truly an historic day for our franchise, our city and our fans as we mark the official return of the Charlotte Hornets," Jordan said. "Thanks to our fans who were the driving force behind the Hornets name returning. We are thrilled to be able to bring the Hornets name back to the Carolinas."
Welcome back to the NBA, Hugo the Hornet. Now check out how the team has changed since they played their last game in 2002.
Guard Dell Curry of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball down the court during a game on Nov. 8, 1996, at the US Air Arena in Landover, Md. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets forward Larry Johnson during a game on Dec. 20, 1994. (Eugene Garcia/AFP/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets' guard David Wesley acknowledges the crowd as the Hornets defeated the New Jersey Nets on May 9, 2002. (Nell Redmond/AFP/Getty Images)
Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Bobcats reacts after scoring against the Miami Heat on April 26, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets mascot 'Hugo' leads the players onto the court at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C., May 9, 2002. (Chuck Burton/AP Photo)