NBA Rumors: Possible Cities the New Orleans Hornets Could End Up Playing In

A lot of talk as been surrounding the New Orleans Hornets' recent economic struggles.  They were recently purchased by the NBA and it's basically inevitable that they will leave the struggling new Orleans economy.

The Hornets are really treated like the bastard step-child of the city, taking second in everything to the Saints, who are led by Drew Brees.  The Hornets have their own star, Chris Paul, but it's even hard to get people to come to the games when he is playing.

Since it's basically true that it will be tough for them to stay in New Orleans, here are a few cities that could possibly land the struggling franchise.

Seattle

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - MARCH 16: Kevin Durant #35 of the Seattle SuperSonics tries to get off a shot against Kenyon Martin #4 of the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 16, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Sonics 168-116. NOTE TO USER: User e

Seattle once had an NBA franchise the Seattle Sonics.  The city felt cheated when they moved to Oklahoma City as part of a new arena deal.

It was a slap in the face, and it seems as though Seattle would still support an NBA franchise, but they will still need to work out that stadium issue as a new stadium would surely help draw another franchise to the city.

Las Vegas

This is by far an outside shot and with its struggling economy as of late. This might not even be an option anymore.  Never the less, it is still an interesting possibility to have Las Vegas get their first professional sports franchise.

Maybe Danny Ocean could sit court-side?

Kansas City

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 08: Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets drives the ball up the court during the game against the Detroit Pistons at the New Orleans Arena on December 8, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowl

This is actually a very plausible choice for a franchise.  It would be located in the Midwest, which is very rich in basketball history, and has a loyal following.

Another major advantage to Kansas City would be the brand new arena that they just built.  It could be used for an NBA team and would really be a major draw for the Hornets.

San Jose

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 09: Steve Montador #4 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against Benn Ferriero #78 of the San Jose Sharks at HSBC Arena on December 9, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo won 6-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Just what the NBA needs, another team in California. But this is a plausible market for an NBA team and could easily be a great market.

Look out sharks.

Lets face it, at this point anything would be better than New Orleans.

Chicago

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 01: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls shoots against Rashard Lewis #9 and Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic at the United Center on December 1, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Magic defeated the Bulls 107-78. NOTE TO USER: Us

Now wouldn't this be interesting?  The cities of New York and Los Angeles have two NBA teams in their market, so why not Chicago?

Chicago has a huge following for the Bulls, but the question would be if they could support another team.  It's unlikely this will happen, but it certainly is an option for the NBA.