It’s been almost 20 years since the original era of the Charlotte Hornets franchise relocated down to New Orleans, LA, a move that broke the hearts of countless hometown fans. But with change comes opportunity and for a young, impressionable Big Easy native like Kelly Oubre Jr. at the time, having an NBA team in his hometown changed his life forever.
Oubre was just six years old when the then-New Orleans Hornets played their first regular season home game on Oct. 30, 2002, which culminated in a 100-75 win over the visiting Utah Jazz. Baron Davis had 21 points and 10 assists in the victory for a host squad that went on to notch a 47-35 record and an Eastern Conference playoff berth that year.