New Orleans Hornets Move To Oklahoma City: A Brief History

The journey of the New Orleans Hornets to Oklahoma City is a unique chapter in NBA history, marked by unforeseen circumstances and a temporary relocation that left a lasting impact on both cities. In this article, we will delve into the factors that led to the Hornets' move, the team's time in Oklahoma City, and the eventual return to New Orleans.

The Impact of Hurricane Katrina

The primary catalyst for the New Orleans Hornets' relocation was Hurricane Katrina, a devastating natural disaster that struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005. The hurricane caused widespread destruction and displacement in New Orleans, rendering the city's infrastructure, including the New Orleans Arena (now Smoothie King Center), unsuitable for hosting NBA games. With the city in crisis, the Hornets were forced to find a temporary home to continue their season. This unforeseen challenge led the NBA and the Hornets organization to explore alternative locations, ultimately leading to a partnership with Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City emerged as a viable option due to its existing basketball infrastructure and enthusiastic fan base. The city had previously hosted NBA preseason games and demonstrated a strong appetite for professional basketball. The Ford Center (now Paycom Center) was chosen as the Hornets' temporary home court, providing a suitable venue for the team to play its games. The move was not just about finding a place to play; it was about ensuring the Hornets could continue to operate as a franchise during an incredibly challenging time. The NBA and the Hornets recognized the importance of maintaining the team's presence and providing a sense of normalcy for the players and fans, even if it meant temporarily leaving New Orleans. The decision to relocate was a complex one, involving numerous logistical and financial considerations, but it was ultimately deemed necessary to preserve the team's future. The move also highlighted the resilience of the NBA community, with teams and players across the league offering support to the Hornets and the city of New Orleans. The relocation was a testament to the league's commitment to its teams and its willingness to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

The Hornets in Oklahoma City

The New Orleans Hornets officially became the temporary Oklahoma City Hornets for the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons. During this period, the team split its home games between the Ford Center in Oklahoma City and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge. This arrangement allowed the Hornets to maintain a connection with their Louisiana fan base while establishing a presence in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Hornets quickly gained a following, with fans embracing the team and creating a lively atmosphere at the Ford Center. The team's performance on the court, led by players like Chris Paul and David West, further fueled the excitement and helped to solidify the Hornets' popularity in their temporary home. The Hornets' time in Oklahoma City was not just about basketball; it was also about community engagement. The team actively participated in local events and charitable initiatives, further endearing themselves to the city's residents. The Hornets' presence brought a sense of normalcy and excitement to Oklahoma City, providing a welcome distraction from the challenges facing New Orleans. The team's success on the court also helped to boost morale and create a sense of unity among the fans. The experience of hosting an NBA team also had a lasting impact on Oklahoma City, paving the way for the eventual arrival of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008.

The temporary relocation also presented unique challenges for the Hornets organization. Managing logistics between Oklahoma City and Baton Rouge required careful planning and coordination. The team also had to navigate the complexities of operating in two different markets, each with its own distinct fan base and media landscape. Despite these challenges, the Hornets managed to create a positive experience for both their players and their fans. The team's success in Oklahoma City demonstrated the resilience of the organization and its ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. The Hornets' time in Oklahoma City was a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and provide a sense of hope during difficult times.

Key Players and Moments

The Oklahoma City Hornets era was marked by the emergence of several key players who would go on to have significant NBA careers. Chris Paul, in particular, established himself as one of the league's premier point guards during his time with the Hornets. His exceptional playmaking, scoring ability, and leadership skills made him a fan favorite in both Oklahoma City and New Orleans. David West also played a crucial role for the Hornets, providing a strong inside presence and reliable scoring. Other notable players who contributed to the team's success during this period included Tyson Chandler, Peja Stojakovic, and Jannero Pargo. The Hornets had several memorable moments during their time in Oklahoma City, including thrilling victories and impressive individual performances. One standout game was a 117-113 victory over the Phoenix Suns on December 21, 2005, in which Chris Paul scored 32 points and dished out 12 assists. Another memorable moment was a 108-100 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on March 12, 2006, in which David West scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. These moments helped to create a sense of excitement and optimism around the team, further solidifying their popularity in Oklahoma City. The Hornets' success on the court also helped to boost morale and provide a sense of normalcy for the city's residents, who were still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The team's presence in Oklahoma City was a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and provide a sense of hope during difficult times.

The Return to New Orleans

As New Orleans began to recover and rebuild, the Hornets organization made plans to return to their home city. In 2007, the team officially moved back to New Orleans, marking the end of their temporary stay in Oklahoma City. The return was met with great anticipation and excitement by the Hornets' Louisiana fan base, who had eagerly awaited the team's homecoming. The Hornets' return to New Orleans was a significant moment for the city, symbolizing its resilience and recovery after Hurricane Katrina. The team's presence brought a sense of normalcy and pride back to the city, providing a much-needed boost to morale. The Hornets' first game back in New Orleans was a sellout, with fans packing the New Orleans Arena to welcome the team home. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering and celebrating the team's return. The Hornets' return also had a positive impact on the local economy, with increased tourism and spending in the city. The team's presence helped to revitalize the city's entertainment and hospitality industries, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. The Hornets' return was a testament to the city's resilience and its ability to overcome adversity. The team's presence served as a symbol of hope and a reminder that New Orleans was on the road to recovery.

Oklahoma City's NBA Future

While the Hornets' departure marked the end of an era for Oklahoma City, it also paved the way for the city's eventual acquisition of its own NBA team. In 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder's arrival fulfilled the city's long-held dream of having a permanent NBA franchise and solidified Oklahoma City's status as a major sports market. The Thunder's success on the court, led by players like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, further fueled the city's passion for basketball. The Thunder quickly became one of the league's most popular and successful teams, attracting a large and loyal fan base. The team's presence has had a significant impact on the local economy, with increased tourism and spending in the city. The Thunder's success has also helped to boost morale and create a sense of pride among the city's residents. The arrival of the Thunder was a testament to Oklahoma City's growth and its ability to attract major professional sports franchises. The team's presence has transformed the city into a vibrant and exciting sports destination, further solidifying its status as a major player in the NBA landscape. The Thunder's success is a testament to the city's passionate fan base and its commitment to supporting its team.

Conclusion

The New Orleans Hornets' temporary relocation to Oklahoma City was a unique and impactful chapter in NBA history. The move, prompted by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, brought professional basketball to Oklahoma City and provided a sense of normalcy and excitement during a challenging time for both cities. While the Hornets eventually returned to New Orleans, their time in Oklahoma City left a lasting legacy, paving the way for the arrival of the Oklahoma City Thunder and solidifying the city's status as a major sports market. The story of the New Orleans Hornets and Oklahoma City is a testament to the resilience of the NBA community and the power of sports to bring people together in the face of adversity. The temporary relocation was a unique and challenging experience, but it ultimately had a positive impact on both cities. The Hornets' time in Oklahoma City helped to raise the city's profile and demonstrate its ability to support an NBA team. The arrival of the Thunder further solidified Oklahoma City's status as a major sports market and has had a significant impact on the local economy. The story of the New Orleans Hornets and Oklahoma City is a reminder of the power of sports to unite communities and provide a sense of hope during difficult times. The legacy of the Hornets' time in Oklahoma City continues to live on through the success of the Thunder and the city's passionate fan base.