Why the NBA Cares About the Hornets

Filed under: Hornets, Sports Business and Media, NBA Business

It doesn't matter that Katrina was over five years ago. New Orleans is still trying to claw its way back, and sadly, the disaster has very nearly re-branded one of America's most vital cultural centers. Even David Simon's Treme, which looks to celebrate NOLA at its best, still ended up with a narrative of struggle -- the seemingly futile attempt of music and costume to triumph over ruin, neglect, corruption, and human failure.

That's why, no matter how great a point guard Chris Paul is, or what the economics of an NBA franchise are, the possibility of the Hornets leaving New Orleans is always going to be a visceral issue. There's simply been too much emotion invested in this city, and this franchise, for a spreadsheet to make the argument for relocation. Of course, much of it has been forced, or feigned; as Woj details today, George Shinn, David Stern, and the NBA as a brand have reaped the benefits of the post-Katrina photo-op. But that was only because the team couldn't up and move.

Can they now? When do the businessmen who run the league get to stop playing humanitarian and conduct themselves with their usual callousness? Katrina isn't going anywhere. It will always frame the discussion. The question is, when does it loosen its grip on the Hornets?

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Piper Perabo Anna Kournikova Esther Cañadas Kate Beckinsale Shiri Appleby