It was recently reported that the Charlotte Hornets would be seeking to start a D-League team in the Carolinas, which is a huge step in the right direction for this franchise. This will give the Hornets a direct link to the minor league basketball farm system that many teams (half the teams left in the playoffs, in fact) already have.
That said, it is important to select the right location for this new team. The D-League has seen several Carolina-based teams fold since its inception back in 2001. The NBA is stronger now than it was back then, but the NBA’s hot streak doesn’t necessarily make it a foregone conclusion that a minor league basketball team would work just anywhere.