The Charlotte Bobcats are searching for a new team nickname. Right now, Hornets is the frontrunner, but I suggest Team Jordan.
It's fitting because the cronyism involved in Jordan's hiring practices has continued running rampant even as the franchise's fortunes have continued spiraling downwards. The cronyism within the Bobcats organization has been documented extensively, but there's even been obvious displays of nepotism as well.
For example, during the lockout-shortened season, Paul Silas would allow his son to occasionally serve as head coach on his nights off. Team President Rod Higgins has been criticized extensively for his decision-making, but his job remains safe because of his longtime friendship with the Bobcats former teammate-turned-owner.
It appears Jordan hasn't changed his ways. On Tuesday, Jordan hired another longtime friend Patrick Ewing, who wasn't on an NBA bench last season, to serve as Clifford's associate head coach.
Via ESPN:
Ewing will coach under longtime friend and first-year head coach Steve Clifford. He will also be working for friend and former rival Michael Jordan, who owns the Bobcats.
Ewing will serve as the associate head coach for the Bobcats, a league source confirmed.
Ewing interviewed for the Bobcats and Detroit Pistons head coaching jobs last summer and still has a desire to become a head coach, according to a league source.
Ewing will serve as the associate head coach for the Bobcats, a league source confirmed.
The Hall of Fame center did not coach this season. He coached as an assistant the previous eight seasons in Orlando and Houston.
