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Not Feeling Horney
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It was reported today that Pond in Anaheim will not be the temporary home of the New Orleans Hornets. And we don't really want them here.We've written at length about the New Orleans Saints situation, and how we would welcome the Saints in LA under the right circumstances, if they really were unable to play in the Big Easy. But the Hornets are an entirely different matter.
First off, LA already has two basketball teams. And while it's possible for the market to support a third team that plays in Orange County, it's just not really necessary. There are plenty of other viable cities with NBA-ready arenas such as Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville, and Las vegas.
Secondly, Hornets owner George Shinn is one of the worst owners in the NBA. It's possible that only Donald Sterling is worse, and even Sterling is getting better these days. Shinn unnecessarily drove the Hornets out Charlotte, moved them to New Orleans which in all truth never had the corporate infrastructure to support the team, and has successfully alienated fans in two states.
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SoCal doesn't need a third NBA team, especially when there are other cities which want just one, and when the team's owner is lousy. There's no need to even attempt to poach the Hornets, no matter how badly OC hoops fans want the Pond to double as the Nest.
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Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
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