Charlotte Hornets Begin Search for New GM After Mitch Kupchak Steps Down
The Charlotte Hornets are looking towards the future after longtime general manager Mitch Kupchak recently stepped into an advisory role following six seasons leading the team’s front office decisions. Kupchak oversaw a roster build that resulted in just one playoff appearance and no postseason wins, while enduring five losing seasons.
With the Hornets holding the fourth-worst record in the NBA at 13-41, club owners Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk have begun the search for a new GM to take over a team rich with young talent like LaMelo Ball and rookies Brandon Miller and Mark Williams, plus ample upcoming cap space.
As North Carolina prepares for the launch of legal statewide mobile sports betting on March 11, 2023, excitement is building for the Hornets’ future despite their current struggles on the court.
Peterson and Langdon Early Betting Favorites to Replace Kupchak
According to recently released odds from leading North Carolina sportsbook operator BetMGM, Brooklyn Nets assistant GM Jeff Peterson (+500) and New Orleans Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon (+600) are early betting favorites to take over in Charlotte.
Other top candidates include Washington Wizards VP of Basketball Personnel Travis Schlenk (+800), Boston Celtics VP of Basketball Operations Mike Zarren (+1000), and LA Clippers GM Trent Redden (+1000).
Lower down the odds board sits Cleveland Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey (+1200), Sacramento Kings assistant GM Wes Wilcox (+1200), and a grouping of unnamed “other” candidates (+350).
Fans signing up early with the BetMGM North Carolina bonus code can take advantage of their generous $1,000 risk-free first bet offer by wagering on who will replace Kupchak once legal NC sportsbooks launch.
Hornets’ Owners Jordan and Polk Lead Important Offseason
While Charlotte has struggled again in 2022-23, back-to-back wins over East playoff teams Indiana and Atlanta heading into the All-Star break has provided a glimmer of hope. However, at 10.5 games back of the 10th seed cutline, the Hornets’ attention is squarely set on building through the draft and free agency.
Whoever replaces Kupchak will work closely with team owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan, along with partner Curtis Polk, to set the team’s vision for finally achieving consistent success.
After recent trades of veteran contributors like Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier, and P.J. Washington, the Hornets now own extra future first round draft picks to jumpstart their rebuild around All-Star LaMelo Ball.
Charlotte Sports Betting Launch Looms Large for Rebuilding Franchise
The launch of legal North Carolina mobile sports betting comes at an ideal time for Hornets fans, who can help temper the frustration of another losing season by wagering on their team’s games online.
Leading sportsbook operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM will offer plenty of Hornets betting odds, lines, and prop bets to enhance viewership and support.
Whether betting against the spread, on the over/under point total, or player prop bets on LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Terry Rozier, NC sports gamblers will have their choice of wager types.
The addition of a “win now” GM like past champion execs Jeff Peterson or Trajan Langdon could quickly accelerate the Hornets’ rebuild. Expect online sportsbooks to post odds on Charlotte’s 2023-24 season win total and odds to make the playoffs upon completion of the offseason.
Rebuilding Franchise Looks Towards Brighter Future
While the Hornets are likely headed towards their sixth losing season out of the past seven, the upcoming 2023 offseason provides plenty of hope and excitement for the franchise’s passionate fanbase.
With a likely top-5 draft pick, ample cap space to be a player in 2023 free agency, the return of developing young talent, plus North Carolina’s legal online sports betting launch, the pieces are aligning for Charlotte’s next executive to put their stamp on Jordan’s club.
Stay tuned to leading sports betting sites all spring and summer long for the latest Hornets odds, lines, futures bets, and exclusive sign-up offers as Charlotte looks to take the next step toward consistent contention.