One thing at a time occurs with this recovery...now the NBA will return fulltime to New Orleans and they will be bringing gifts...the 2008 NBA All-Star game to New Orleans.
http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/inde...570.xml&coll=1
Hornets clear final hurdle for N.O. return
Team will play 41 home games in 2006-07 season
Thursday, February 01, 2007
By John Reid
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The final step assuring the Hornets' full-time return to New Orleans next season came Wednesday when owner George Shinn declined an option to return to Oklahoma City for a third year.
Shinn had an option under the team's temporary lease agreement to notify Oklahoma City on Jan. 31 if the Hornets planned to return next fall, although Louisiana officials would have had to temporarily release Shinn from his lease obligation with the state, which does not expire until 2012.
"We had to get a little insurance policy in case who knows what's going to happen," Shinn said before Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Ford Center. "The intent was never to use it unless something catastrophic or bad happens. We didn't exercise the option because everything is fine. We have announced that we're going back, and that's the plan."
On Jan. 31, 2006, the NBA announced the Hornets would return to Oklahoma City for a second season to play 35 games at the Ford Center and six at the New Orleans Arena. With the Hornets returning to New Orleans, Oklahoma City likely will be without an NBA franchise next season.
"We're going to miss it because it really was something special for the fans here to see the Hornets and NBA basketball," said Ben Pagel of Oklahoma City. "I enjoyed it with my wife, and we may try to catch a game in New Orleans."
Tom Anderson, special project manager for Oklahoma City's manager office, said it was never their intent to steal the team from New Orleans after the Hornets were forced to relocate in the fall of 2005 after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Crescent City and the Gulf Coast.
"It was a temporary relocation, while New Orleans got into a recovery position," Anderson said. "New Orleans Arena is ready for basketball, and I think it's an exciting time for New Orleans. We've done what we've set out to do, making them ready to return, and we hope that they will succeed in New Orleans."
Shinn said the team will begin a season-tickets sales campaign in New Orleans in the middle of this month. The team is working on a housing plan with a company in the Crescent City to provide assistance, Shinn said.
"I have met with my people, and we're putting all these things together, and I'm a committed person," Shinn said. "I really believe if there's one person or one organization in this country that can make an NBA team go there, it's this organization. I've committed to my people that we're going full steam ahead, and I don't want anybody to come in and start putting negative energy, saying this thing is not going to work. We're going to bust our chops."
Superdome Commission attorney Larry Roedel said he understands the emotional twinge Shinn has experienced having to play in two markets for the past two seasons.
"Oklahoma City has been a gracious host with a very supportive fan base," Roedel said. "This allows the team a great chance to return to New Orleans on a financially healthy basis. This is not an emotional tug of war between the two cities. This is a situation where all sides worked together for the good of the team and the City of New Orleans.
"Beyond the emotions, there is a longer term commitment to New Orleans, which Mr. Shinn and the NBA have repeatedly confirmed by their words and actions. Our fan base will be emotional and supportive as well when the team tips off next season for a full schedule at the Arena."
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John Reid can be reached at jreid@timespicayune.com or at (504) 826-3405.>
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