Michael Jordan & Charlotte Bobcats Get What They Paid For In Sam Vincent

The AM Take: You get what you pay for. And doing things on the cheap can create problems.

These sayings describe the Charlotte Bobcats’ current quagmire with first year coach Sam Vincent. Last summer, after bringing-in Michael Jordan as managing partner, the organization hired Vincent instead of a more experienced sideline boss.

The bottom line was the bottom line. Sure, Jordan and Charlotte owner Bob Johnson liked Vincent’s potential.And sure, the former point guard could still develop into an elite coach, but price was why he was hired.

After all, hi-profile coaches start at a minimum of three-four million dollars per season. They also get multiple years, a veto on personnel, and sometimes equity in the organization.

Vincent has none of these perks. According to Jordan, his coach has one year left on his deal.

“We’ve given Sam a two-year contract, and I’m not ready to step away from that." (Charlotte Observer)

Sources say Vincent is scheduled to earn 1.5 million dollars for next season, a drop in the bucket even for the notoriously thrifty Bobcats.

Now Charlotte has a dilemma. Keeping the inexperienced Vincent creates a lame duck situation next season, hinders progress, and makes the organization look cheap.

But firing him and bringing in a name like Larry Brown means admitting they were wrong. A tenured sideline boss would also change the organization. He’ll want input on all trades, draft picks, and free agent singings. In short, he’ll challenge Jordan’s authority.

And good coaches aren’t cheap. Of course, hiring the cheaper Vincent is what created problems for Charlotte in the first place.

Should Jordan fire or keep Sam Vincent? Get at us in the comment box with your thoughts. Click here to read Oly’s blog and subscribe to his AM Take.