I think they will pick Oklahoma City because all the other cities they are talking about have other occupants in their building, but OKC has the Ford Center, and no other major sports teams in the city now that baseball season is over in the minors.
Shinn said he hoped a decision would come this week, but Russ Granik indicated that it may not be handed down until October.
I think Stern will see how well the all star game does in Vegas before they get a team there. Orlando still has their arena situation to resolve, as well as Sacramento, so there are still opportunities for Vegas...
Oklahoma City has to be the most boring city in the USA, but the Hornets have to play somewhere I guess. Just the thought of going back there makes me sleepy.
Las Vegas is out, as stated in this ESPN article. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2157107 Deputy commissioner Russ Granik, who was also in attendance at the Hall of Fame said the Hornets would prefer to play in Louisiana at LSU in Baton Rouge. Granik said there were three to four options available but added that Las Vegas wasn't one of them for this season.
Which is true, but 3 things hurt LSU's chances: -the same hotel situation that is a problem with the Saints playing there -Pete Maravich Center seats less than 15,000 thousand and unless I'm wrong, does not have lux boxes or the like (someone correct me if so) -The local economy (population + corporations) isn't 'major league' level ==>basically, Baton Rogue would be a major money sink for the Hornets, even for a single season. That's cold, but it's reality. Especially if Stern comes into play. Hornets have a relatively low payroll, but they still have to make ends meet. Evan
The Hornets will be losing money regardless. I don't see OKC or whomever having more than a lukewarm interest to come watch a team on loan to them -- especially one that sucks as bad as the Hornets currently do. If it was Phoenix, they could bring them out in droves in other towns, but new the Hornets. I doubt they'll be able to fill a 15,000 person arena often. Likewise, I don't see them selling a whole lot of luxury boxes in any city they temporarily play in. At least in Baton Rouge they have locals who are actually fans of the team.
I'd put money on OKC being the pick. Unless they go the NFL route and want to split dates in Baton Rouge.
