Jordan Says He Would Like To Increase Bobcats Investment

Jordan's Desire To Grow As An Investor Still Strong

Bobcats Managing Member of Basketball Operations Michael Jordan yesterday said his desire to grow as an investor in the team is "still strong," according to Rick Bonnell of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. In a conference call with members of the media, Jordan said, "I don't know if [Bobcats Owner Bob Johnson] is looking to sell the entire team. He's considering a lot of things, a lot of opportunities. ... Purchasing the whole team, I don't think that's an option right now. But if parts of the team become available, and I can afford it as much as anybody, I'd definitely like to grow my investment in the Bobcats." When asked about the team's home attendance, which ranks near the bottom of the NBA, Jordan said, "We're talking about tough economic times. I can't ask people in this community to build their lives around buying tickets to come to the Bobcats. ... To be upset that they choose not to entertain themselves, in the face of this economy, I can't argue that point. We have to continue to draw them by making it more exciting." Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of the Bobcats signing big-name free agents, Jordan said, "At the end of the day, when you talk about players losing money (by changing teams) -- that extra year or that (higher) annual increase in salary (available to the retaining team, that's unlikely). I don't know if we have the corporate structure (in Charlotte) that a player could make that up in endorsements. I'm trying to be realistic" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 2/11).