Charlotte, NC

Charlotte Bobcats team owner Michael Jordan expressed interest in using the team's original nickname, the Hornets, if New Orleans will allow it.

"It's definitely an interest down the road, but right now it's the New Orleans Hornets," Jordan told the Charlotte Observer. "We would definitely entertain the opportunity. That's as much as we can say right now. We've heard the community ask the question, and we would listen."

When Tom Benson bought the Hornets from the NBA earlier this year, he said he would like to change the name to something more fitting of Louisiana.

Before Wednesday's game, Benson's wife, Gayle, reiterated that idea and added that the franchise also would like to change the team colors from teal and purple to red, gold and navy blue.

Former owner, George Shinn, decided to retain the Hornets' nickname when he moved the team from Charlotte to New Orleans in 2002.

The Charlotte Observer reported that throwback Charlotte Hornets jerseys are popular among young fans in the area. The newspaper also reported that team websites buzz with fans who still prefer the name and color scheme of the Charlotte NBA team that started in 1988.

The league issued a statement saying that it is aware of the Hornets' intentions but the ultimate decision on team names and colors resides with the NBA.

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