New Orleans Hornets

The New Orleans Hornets Jersey has been subjected to major changes during the team’s short history. Founded in 1988, the enterprising George Shinn brought the team to their original base in Charlotte, North Carolina area, far from the present New Orleans. Known today as the New Orleans Hornets, the team was first established as the Charlotte Spirit. However, in respond to a “name-the-team” contest, the team’s name was changed to the Charlotte Hornets, a historical reference to Lord Cornwallis calling Charlotte a “nest of hornets.” The Hornets choice of teal jerseys sparked a wave of teal uniforms for teams like the Detroit Pistons and the Florida Marlins. In addition, the Charlotte Hornets Jersey was the first NBA jersey to use pinstripes. This also sparked another uniform craze with many teams copying the pinstripe style.

Charlotte’s love of college basketball transferred to their newly accrued NBA team, with 358 consecutive games selling out, despite the Charlotte Hornets struggles during their first few seasons. However, with the additional of Kendall Gill, Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson, the team was able to make it to their first playoffs in 1992-1993, finishing fifth in the eastern division.

1997-2002 yielded a year of some success for the Hornets jerseys. With the addition of key players such as David Wesley, Bobby Phills, Anthony Mason, Derrick Coleman and Elden Campbell, the Hornets wielded a team that promised great future achievements. Unfortunately, on Janurary 12, 2000, the well-loved Bobby Phills was killed in a car accident. Phills’ jersey number 13 was retired the next month on February 9, 2000.

To further complicate the situation, sexual assault charges leveled against the George Shinn and political pressure, resulted in a drastic loss of public support and forced the Hornet’s relocation. Accepted by New Orleans, Louisiana, the team began their debut season on October, 30, 2002. In their 2002-2003 season, the New Orleans Hornets qualified for their fourth consecutive playoff series. In 2005, the New Orleans Hornets were able to secure explosive Christ Paul, now an all-star player and MVP. Today, Chris Paul’s Hornets jersey is ranked the number three jersey in the NBA.

Due to the catastrophe of hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Hornets relocated to Oklahoma City for their 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons. Upon returning to New Orleans for the 2008-2009 season, the team modified the Hornets jersey by exchanging the teal for Creole blue, purple and Mardi Gras gold. The Hornets basketball dribbling hornet logo was also altered to a hornet holding a ball while his wings form a fleur de leis in the background.

Currently, despite the New Orleans Hornets tremendous success in the 2007-2008 season, the Hornets have since continued to struggle as a team, with management and with finances.