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The Charlotte Bobcats are an American basketball team which began play in the National Basketball Association in 2004-05. The team is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Founded: January 10, 2003
- Home Arena: Charlotte Coliseum 2004-05, New Uptown Arena 2005
- Uniform colors: Orange, blue, black and silver.
- Logo design: Side profile of an orange bobcat.
Franchise history
When the Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans for the 2002-03 season, the city and the NBA agreed to create a new team for the 2004-05 season. Several ownership groups, including one led by former Boston Celtics star Larry Bird, made bids for the team. In the end, a group led by BET millionaire Robert L. Johnson won out. Johnson is one of the first prominent African-American owners in U.S. sports. The "Bobcats" name originated with him.
The team plays in the Eastern Conference's Southeastern division, along with the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards.
The Bobcats held their expansion draft on Tuesday, June 22 2004, picking up such seasoned players as Peja Drobnjak and relative newcomers such as Theron Smith. They also traded with the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire the second pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, which they used to select Emeka Okafor.
Their first game was a 103-96 loss to the Washington Wizards on November 4, 2004. They won their first game in franchise history 111-100 over the Orlando Magic on November 6.
Players of note
Coaches and others
- Bernie Bickerstaff: 2004-present
External links
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