Jordan Admits Bobcats Might Have To Take Step Backwards This Season

Bobcats Owner Michael Jordan indicated that he has "grudgingly accepted team vice chairman Curtis Polk's lean toward strategic planning," which means "fewer impulsive moves and more effort to conserve space under the salary cap for the summers of 2012 and 2013 and beyond," according to Rick Bonnell of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. The Bobcats this year are "remarkably young," and likely will "struggle to contend." Jordan said, "Does this mean we have to get a high draft pick this year? I don't know -- I'm afraid to admit that." Meanwhile, Jordan said that he would be "surprised if there's an after-effect from his role in the lockout that hurts the Bobcats' ability to recruit free agents" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 12/15). Also in Charlotte, Scott Fowler wrote Jordan "remains optimistic ... but also sounded more realistic." He noted he wants to win "today." But he quickly added, "There are certain things you have to take into consideration, like (salary) cap space." Fowler: "It's apparent Jordan has a plan. He wouldn’t say it like this, but ultimately to get better, the Bobcats are first going to have to get worse" (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 12/14).

JORDAN DISCUSSES CBA: Jordan said he believes the NBA's new CBA "is better" than the previous one. Jordan: "Is it ultimately what we hoped for? No. Some of the things that are pluses: Shorter contracts and tax (increases on the big spenders) ... I would have liked to have seen more risk (shared) by the players. Economically it’s a tough time for a lot of the markets, not just small markets." Jordan added, "My whole thing with the CBA from Day 1 was competitive balance. That’s better for everybody, not just the small markets." Jordan said of NBA Commissioner David Stern's rejection of the Chris Paul-to-Lakers trade, "If you’re a small market, you’re happy. Obviously I understand where the player is coming from -- the habit of late has been to dictate where he goes. But as a small-market owner, I want to protect my market." Jordan said, "I’m not anti-player. As a businessman, I want everybody to be happy" (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 12/14).