Michael Jordan unveils new Hornets logo for Charlotte [Video]

The Charlotte Bobcats and owner Michael Jordan unveiled the new logo that will be featured on their uniforms and merchandise next season when the franchise returns to the nickname of the Hornets.

Jordan was joined during a ceremony at halftime of their game against the Jazz on Saturday night by Mugsy Bogues, Rex Chapman, Dell Curry and Kelly Tripucka, who were among the players for the original Charlotte franchise between 1988 and 2002.

The club also announced that the team colors would resemble the teal and purple worn by the original franchise and that Hugo the Hornet would return as the mascot.

“Tonight is a special night for all the fans in the Carolinas,” Jordan said during the ceremony. “You asked and we delivered.”

The logo features a hornet in a vertical position with piercing eyes, expanded wings, raised antenae and a pointed stinger that protrudes from a torso that includes a basketball in the design. “Charlotte Hornets” is emblazoned horizontally across the image.

“As we looked at the old logo, we realized we had to refresh it but respect the legacy that was here,” said Fred Whitfield, Charlotte’s chief operating officer. “There’s more fierceness in the face of this Hornet. And they are very protective of their territory, which is what we want this team to be about.

“We developed a logo that physically depicted the characteristics and DNA of the type of team we want on the court.”

The original Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans after the 2001-02 season but decided to change the franchise nickname to Pelicans, the state bird of Louisiana, starting this season. Charlotte was awarded an expansion franchise again in 2004, when they became the Bobcats.

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