Oct 7, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats head coach Mike Dunlap calls a play during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Wilson-US PRESSWIRE

Michael Jordan came out today and expressed his unwavering commitment to turning Charlotte into a winning franchise. Jordan reiterated that despite last years dismal record, he still believes that he can turn Charlotte into a competitive team over time.

Jordan emphasized that the process will take time, but that he believes coach Mike Dunlap can change the culture. Since being named head coach Dunlap has been holding “marathon practices” that last three to four hours. Jordan believes this kind of hard work is the first step towards building a winning team.

However, Jordan realizes that to become a true contender in the future the team will need to acquire a superstar. Jordan stated that he was willing to spend the money when the proper occasion arises to sign that big name player, but he also said that he would wait until the Bobcats were more developed as a team before pursuing that big name superstar.

Overall, this is an important message for Jordan to send to Bobcats’ fans that he is committed to overseeing this teams transformation from worst to first, no matter how long that process may take.  Fans also must be happy to see that the Bobcats at least have a ground plan to transform the franchise.

Sep 28, 2012; Medinah, IL, USA; Michael Jordan smokes a cigar as he watches the afternoon matches during the 39th Ryder Cup on day one at Medinah Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

In the aftermath of Michael Jordan’s exclusive interview session with Charlotte Observer scribe Rick Bonnell, a few of the things MJ said have taken hold in the world of the mainstream media.

He’s in this whole, you know, ownership thing for the long haul, he, in so many words, told his players to quit crying about Mike Dunlap’s long practices, and he’d bring back the Hornets nickname to Charlotte if New Orlean’s dropped it.

The last tidbit from Jordan was met with mostly figurative applause from those in the Carolinas, but one NBC Sports writer, Brett Pollakoff, woke up on the pissy side of the bed this morning and decided to tell Bobcats fans what they already knew.

Their team isn’t that good.

“The team’s nickname, colors, and uniforms are the least of Charlotte’s problems. The Bobcats have been over .500 just once in the team’s eight years since moving to Charlotte, and a history of questionable draft picks and decisions (or non-decisions) in free agency have them poised to repeat the feat in season number nine. The correct answer here from Jordan should have been an angry one talking about how he’s focused on the product on the court, and not the product in the gift shop.”

The product in the gift shop has been just as bad as the product on the court for Charlotte in recent years. And the thing is, CLT basketball lovers could care less if the team was named the Bobcats, Flight, Dragons or any other combination of crazy new names people came up with for them.

From the “Bring Back The Buzz Movement” to Cam Newton on last years opening night and everywhere in between, a ton of Charlotte hoops fans just want their Hornets back.

If you haven’t watched Sportscenter yet today, you’re probably not aware that Charles Barkley said LeBron James could be better than Michael Jordan.

“”I thought I would never compare somebody to Michael Jordan. But this guy, LeBron James, he does everything well. Michael did everything well. LeBron James is just bigger, stronger, faster. That’s the only difference,” Barkley said during a taping of NBA TV’s “Open Court”.

Honestly, there really isn’t anything wrong with what Barkley said, but any time a prominent basketball figure decides to compare James to Jordan, there’s going to be a reaction, and the response to Barkley’s comments came swiftly on Twitter.

So Charles Barkley think LBJ better than MJ.. I believe Charles still upset with MJ for not letting him win a championship. #Foolish

— Tracey Lampley (@MR_Versatile1) October 5, 2012

Charles Barkley drunk af for saying LeBron better than Jordan if anything Kobe is better

— Nick Steele (@lastkingsteele) October 5, 2012

@espn_firsttake Charles Barkley is right, LeBron can be better than MJ. Same as Barkley CAN be governor of AL, but both have low probability

— Evan Cleaver (@EvanCleaver) October 5, 2012

Personally, I think Charles Barkley isn’t too far off.

If LeBron wins five more championship rings, he could be better than Jordan.

Until then? Let’s let the bling speak for itself, Sir Charles.

Feb 15, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls former players Michael Jordan (left) and Scottie Pippen (right) before the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Charlotte Bobcats at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am one of the biggest Tar Heels on the face of this planet. Michael Jordan was my favorite basketball player. As a GM, he is far from being my favorite; however, I am glad to see that he is changing his philosophy. Now, Michael Jordan will take a step back from micromanaging the Charlotte Bobcats franchise. I guess a better term would be “macromanaging,” because nothing about Michael Jordan is micro, that is. This is a smart move by Jordan. He cannot control this franchise and dominate as a businessman the same way he did as  a basketball player. When MJ was a basketball player, he could dominate the game offensively or defensively. There were times where Scottie Pippen led the Chicago Bulls in scoring. During these games, Michael Jordan took a back seat.

Now, Michael Jordan is taking a backseat to his colleagues in the front office. He has to allow them to develop as businessmen the same way he allowed Steve Kerr, Jason Caffey, Toni Kukoc, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, John Paxson, Bill Cartwright, Ron Harper, and numerous other basketball players to develop their abilities.

This is a long term fix for the Charlotte Bobcats. A new coach, new players, and new philosophy should heighten their brand for years to come; at least, I hope so.

July 16, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; United States president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama and daughter Malia cheer from the stands in the first half of the game between Team USA and team Brazil. at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

For $20,000 dollars you could’ve have dinner with Michael Jordan and Barack Obama.

CBS Sports says the dinner was part of an event called the “Obama Classic” a series of sorts that is supposed to have raised $3 million for the president and his reelection campaign.

Notable NBAers like Walt Clyde Frazier and David Stern attended the dinner, as well as anyone in New York rich enough to afford a meal that expensive.

Besides the dinner, the “Classic” included a celebrity basketball game and a casual shoot around involving Obama.

Participants included: “Carmelo Anthony, Mike Woodson, Patrick Ewing, Harrison Barnes, Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, Nick Collison, Jamal Crawford, Juwan Howard, Kyrie Irving, Dahntay Jones, Brandon Knight, Alonzo Mourning, Chandler Parsons, Austin Rivers, Rajon Rondo, Steve Smith and John Wall. WNBA player Keisha Hampton also participated, as well as former lady ballers Sheryl Swoopes and Dawn Staley.” According to ESPN New York.

I would’ve loved to see a game involving all of those guys.

I was probably too young to remember Michael Jordan once saying “Republicans buy shoes, too” when asked why he wouldn’t endorse a democrat for president, but he said it, and this is about as close to an endorsement as you can get.

I doubt Jordan will be on the court With Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan anytime soon.

Feb 28, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Brendan Haywood (33) dunks in the first quarter against the New Jersey Nets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

While I attended the University of North Carolina, Brendan Haywood was our center. I recall a game against Weber State in the 1999 NCAA Tournament, where Brendan Haywood had 1 point and 0 rebounds. This game was not a reflection of his talent level, because he is one of the only players to ever have a triple-double at Carolina. Also, Brendan Haywood is currently the record holder in blocks for Carolina.

Haywood was drafted by the Orlando Magic, and traded to the Washington Wizards in 2001. During this time, Michael Jordan was in the front office for the Wizards. I like to think of this time as the beginning of MJ’s mentorship with Brendan. Brendan was already a solid player at 7’0” 266 lbs. However, after a few years in the league and under MJ’s watch, Brendan became a better player.

Fast forward to 2012, during the offseason Brendan Haywood signed with the Charlotte Bobcats where MJ is the owner. Brendan Haywood is the only player on the Bobcats’ roster with a championship ring; one that he earned in 2011 while playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Brendan is a veteran player who will be asked to provide some sort of leadership to a young Bobcats team. Michael Jordan and Brendan Haywood have a different relationship now. MJ is no longer the mentor. Now, MJ is coming to Haywood for help to hold down the post. The Bobcats need for Brendan to rebound, block shots, and defend. The scoring will come from Ramon Sessions, Ben Gordon, Kemba Walker, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Jeffery Taylor may surprise many of us with his ability score, as well.

June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Kentucky), right, is introduced as the number two overall pick to the Charlotte Bobcats by NBA commissioner David Stern during the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Personally, I wanted Harrison Barnes to be drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats; however, I am not mad about Michael Kidd-Gilchrist aka “MKG.” In my opinion, MKG was one of the top 5 college basketball players during the 2012 season. You could argue that he was one of the top three players in the nation. Heck, he was the second pick in this year’s draft.

Some people knock his lack of a shot, but MKG’s strengths are his work ethic, his defense, and his versatility. To be honest, MKG isn’t that bad of a shooter. He may not be a Ray Allen or Reggie Miller, but he can guard and play several positions like Gerald Wallace and Shawn Marion. I actually think MKG is the Matrix 2.0. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is playing the power forward position sometimes.

All in all, kudos to MJ for drafting MKG and trading for Ben Gordon. Power moves, baby!

December 13, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats principal owner Michael Jordan during training camp at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

Allegedly, Ben Gordon is going to become a Bobcat. How did this happen? 86’ing Corey Maggette to Detroit. Last season, Jordan sent Boris Diaw to the Spurs. Initially, I was like, “MJ just made the Spurs better.” Then, I thought about MJ’s moves a little bit more. He was clearing room to pick up quality players. Sure, the Bobcats ended last season with the worst win percentage ever. However, Charlotte also landed the #2 draft pick. The #2 pick gives Charlotte leverage with other teams. Should we assume that MJ is going to make a trade for Rudy Gay, and draft Andre’ Drummond so the starting lineup can be full of former UConn Huskies? Should we expect Charlotte to draft Thomas Robinson, and trade him to the Washington Wizards for their pick; the ‘ol switcheroo a la Golden State and Toronto in the 1998 NBA Draft with Antawn Jamison and Vince Carter, and a la Orlando and Golden State in the 1993 NBA Draft with Chris Webber and Penny Hardaway? Time will tell, but one thing I know is that Michael Jordan is starting to making moves as a GM like he has the flu in Utah.

As for Mike Dunlap, he has a reputation for being a “crazy worker,” and developing players. Dunlap was formerly the head coach at Metropolitan State in Denver, winning two NCAA Division II championships. In a recent interview, Dunlap had this to say, “Basically the three things I tried to nail down as a theme was one, my knowledge base, two my relationships with players over a long period of time, 32 years, and finally the ability to take a branding that obviously the organization wants. We’ll open this up a little bit with the youth, develop the youth, and bring it along so that people can actually see that we play a style of basketball that’s very aggressive. It’s attacking basketball both offensively and defensively. And that’s a message that obviously resonated with them.” Barnes needs an NBA head coach with Dunlap’s mindset and expertise. He may not be a household name like Phil Jackson, but that doesn’t mean that Dunlap cannot succeed with the Charlotte Bobcats. Dunlap could possibly change the atmosphere in Charlotte when we discuss professional basketball. I do not predict that the Bobcats will win 60 games next season. However, the right situation which includes the right head coach, a few new veterans on the roster, and a couple of smart draft picks, could bring an NBA playoff team back to the QC, as in Queen City.

Mar 18, 2012; Greensboro, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Harrison Barnes (40) dribbles during the second half in the third round of the 2012 NCAA men

The Charlotte Bobcats hosted their third round of pre-draft workouts Thursday morning and the big name in town was Harrison Barnes.

It was the first Charlotte Bobcats workout that new coach Mike Dunlap could attend, and he didn’t wait long to get his hands dirty:

Head Coach #MikeDunlap just stepped in and effortlessly takes over #CatsDraftworkout. Intensity picked up #nba

— Charlotte Bobcats (@bobcats) June 21, 2012

The list of ‘Cats higher-ups at the workout was long; Dunlap, Michael Jordan, Rod Higgins, Rick Cho and Curtis Polk all had their eyes on Barnes.

And he didn’t let them down:

Impressive work from @HBarnes in #CatsDraft dunk drill. 15 dunks in 1 minute – all with authority #nba

— Charlotte Bobcats (@bobcats) June 21, 2012

Just watched @HBarnes knock down over 80% of his midrange jumpers in this #CatsDraft shooting drill #nba

— Charlotte Bobcats (@bobcats) June 21, 2012

No one else worth mentioning participated in the Charlotte Bobcats workouts Thursday, But Andre Drummond and Thomas Robinson will be in the Queen City on Friday to show off their skills.

If the Bobcats end up falling in love with Barnes, their best possible move would be to trade the second pick to Cleveland for the fourth and 24th pick.

Barnes will be available at four, and there are plenty of options at #24, like picking up an NBA ready guy (Jeff Taylor, Royce White) or trading it for future picks.