Stephen A. Smith joins the commotion around Michael Jordan’s sale of the Charlotte Hornets ownership. The ESPN broadcaster recently shared his thought on the hall of the farmer’s decision, while also criticizing him at some point.
In 2006, the 60-year-old first acquired a small ownership in the Hornets, then later on the Bobcats, and assumed a position in the basketball administration after buying his share of the Bobcats.
After acquiring control of the Hornets in 2006, Jordan bought the franchise in February 2010 for $ 175 million and controlled 97 percent of the team, yet, the Hornets have suffered under Jordan’s ownership. This year Jordan’s team is no longer in the playoff picture.
They have had four winning records in their last 17 seasons and the last time they made the playoffs was in the 2015–16 campaign.
According to a recent report, Michael is considering selling his majority ownership of the team to Hornets minority owner Gabe Plotkin and Atlanta Hawks minority owner Rick Schnall. Forbes estimates that the Hornets will be valued at $1.7 billion in 2022.
What did Stephen A. Smith say in relation to Michael Jordan and the Hornets?
The NBA commentator shared his opinion that Michael was not a good leader of Charlotte since, as a result of his decisions, many people’s careers were destroyed while he was in charge.
I believe there is A LOT more to the story of Michael Jordan’s struggles as an owner than it may seem…MJ ruined a lot of careers…and has faced unique problems as an owner as a result.
New episode of @KnowMercyPod here: https://t.co/VtZEne5GBo pic.twitter.com/BwcLGiddbV
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) March 24, 2023
“Before we’re ultra critical of this dude is to understand that Michael Jordan ruined a lot of careers. There’s a whole bunch of people that never won because of Michale Jordan. The players weren’t the only careers that he messed with. You know how many executives Michael Jordan denied an opportunity to house a championship trophy?”
At one point Stephen defended Michael saying that his own personal brand also hindered him from surrounding himself with the right people.
“Once Michael Jordan became an owner, how many people you think were interested in helping him do business? they are ready to abuse him at every turn because they couldn’t do anything against him on the basketball court.”
Jordan is a king on the court, according to many admirers, even though he was unable to demonstrate his ownership prowess.
he won 6 years most of these player played around 15. For as great a player he was he failed as an owner.
— Long head Sucker (@Thestarchildaka) March 25, 2023
Though, in reaction, the broadcaster faced considerable backlash from MJ’s fans.
I believe there is A LOT more to the story of Michael Jordan’s struggles as an owner than it may seem…MJ ruined a lot of careers…and has faced unique problems as an owner as a result.
New episode of @KnowMercyPod here: https://t.co/VtZEne5GBo pic.twitter.com/BwcLGiddbV
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) March 24, 2023
What do you think of Smith’s assertion, then? Comment below and let us know.
