<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The franchise formerly known as the New Orleans Hornets considers Oklahoma City its temporary home, with an emphasis on the word temporary. But owner George Shinn has an option to stay in Oklahoma City for an extra season, and it's already becoming clear that the team's temporary home might be more viable than New Orleans as an NBA city. Shinn and NBA commissioner David Stern both spoke at length Thursday to ESPN.com regarding the future of one of the league's most troubled franchises, allowing for an early handicapping of what's ahead for the Hornets. Stern and Shinn both sounded committed to returning to New Orleans, though Shinn made the point that the ultimate decision on the team's future rests with the league's board of governors. "It'll depend on the circumstances, and I'll have to wait and see," Shinn told ESPN.com. "But our goal is to come back. I'm working closely with David Stern on this, and if you know David Stern like I know David Stern, you don't mess with the pope." Shinn said he wants to do his part to rebuild New Orleans, but he has questions about how much the population base might shrink. He has already paid out more than $4 million in refunds to ticket holders who wanted their money back. Shinn also brought up the story of a friend from the New Orleans banking community who moved to Houston after Hurricane Katrina and subsequently decided to make his relocation permanent. "People in New Orleans accepted us in a positive way, and I have to return the favor. We're going to do our part to make that city come back," Shinn said. But speaking of the viability of Oklahoma City as an NBA city, Shinn couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "This is a unique place and a really well-kept secret. I've been extremely impressed," Shinn said. "It reminds me a lot of the early days in Charlotte."</div> ESPN.com I think the Hornets owe it to the fans to stay in New Orleans. How would you feel if your favorite team moved away? That's how it'll feel to the fans of the Hornets. They moved away from Charlotte a few seasons ago and now possibly a permanent move to Oklahoma City? I really don't think they'll move, but it certainly is food for thought.
I disagree with you on this one MrJ. Although, I love the city of New Orleans, and prefer the name New Orleans Hornets over Oklahoma City Hornets there would be major benefits for the Hornets as a organization to switch cities. The fact remains that before this whole thing the Hornets where not receiving any support from the fans in New Orleans, and where almost ready to be put into another financial whole by having to move the team for a second time in the last five years. This situation that took place although tragic for the city, and its people was basically a get out of jail free card for the Hornets. Now they could move the team without having to worry about the financial situation due to the money they would get from the insurance they had on the arena. I can see that the NBA does not want to abandon the city of New Orleans during this tragic time, but at the end of the day they are running a business. From what has been shown thus far should they move the team to Oklahoma City, or another location such as Las Vegas they would sell more tickets, as well as make more money. This Hornets team by moving to a different location could also buy themselves a few years pressure free of expectations as they rebuild, and mature. The city they would move to would most likely just be excited to have a NBA team, and not demand much from them for a couple seasons.
I think the fans of Oklahoma City were just trying to support the Hornets on their home opener. I don't see ticket sales being signifficantly improved than they were in New Orleans. The reason why the Hornets aren't getting any support is because they're simply not a good team. Even when they just moved to New Orleans they were just a decent team at best. When they made the playoffs their first two years in New Orleans, they got knocked out the first round. So, no, when you're a mediocre team at best you're not going to get much support. That's the reality of a rebuilding franchise in the NBA. However, with the trio of Paul, Smith, and Mason, despite their inability to sell tickets might change. Let's remember that these players are very exciting and you can never tell what exciting play you might see. Also, how would it be deserting the city of New Orleans after such a tragic event like Hurricane Katrina. The least New Orleans can do is stick around and show some support. They just moved there only two years ago and they're already to leave so quickly? They owe it to the fans as well as the city to stay around. With everyone on the NBA now becoming so concerned with their image and looking good for the public, it should benefit everyone for the Hornets to stay in New Orleans. In a couple of years when J.R. Smith and Chris Paul - two future NBA stars, maybe even superstars start tearing up the league, this young, exciting franchise will give the city of New Orleans reasons to stay.
