Something a lot of people are forgetting...

[Carl Spackler]

I've been reading how it's taken the Bobcats "so long" to make the playoffs. Realize something, it's not easy to do as an expansion team.

The Hornets' first season was 88-89, their first playoff game 92-93. Five seasons.

For the Bobcats, it's taken six. Not much of a difference. The great thing about the playoffs is, if only for a brief moment, you realize that your team can win the championship if they just keep advancing.

[King Taharqa]

Good post.

[Murph]

Here is a list of the most recent NBA franchises and the number of seasons before they made the playoffs

Charlotte Hornets 5

Toronto 5

Orlando 5

Charlotte Bobcats 6

Minnesota 7

Memphis 8

[Mesmer]

Being an expansion team is hard. Don't they put a cap on how much you can spend the first few years too? Like, your salary cap is actually lower than the rest of the league?

Is that Memphis time counting the time spent in Vancouver?

[ckad79]

Being an expansion team is hard. Don't they put a cap on how much you can spend the first few years too? Like, your salary cap is actually lower than the rest of the league?

Is that Memphis time counting the time spent in Vancouver?

They do.

How long did it take Miami? Curious. I know they won the championship with Wade, but I remember them being decent with Zo and even Rice, before him.

[Murph]

They do.

How long did it take Miami? Curious. I know they won the championship with Wade, but I remember them being decent with Zo and even Rice, before him.

I forgot Miami, they came in the same year as the Hornets. They made the playoffs in their 4th season. Best of all the recent franchises.

[pantherfan49]

Drafting was more of an exact science too years ago. The Hornets did well with almost all of their early draft picks.

Now, with kids declaring early and the influx of overseas players, drafting is much more of a toss up.

So, I would argue that it was easier to get an expansion team competitive during the 80s and 90s than it is now.

Also, let's not forget that the Bobs would have probably been in the playoffs two years ago if they hadn't hired ham biscuit.

[CatMan72]

Doesn't matter how long it takes you to get there once you are there.... and we are. This franchise has turned a corner.