Von Best

Last week, exactly 10 days before my 5-year anniversary at The Charlotte Observer, my position was eliminated by McClatchy along with 7 of my colleagues. And it happened less than 48 hours after being told corporate had given the green light to bring back my podcast they whacked two years earlier. This means the paper of record that has covered the franchise since its inception in 1987 will no longer have a writer dedicated to giving readers the latest daily insight on the team. Training camp starts in two weeks. During my career in this industry, which has spanned more than 25 years, I've had my share of tough assignments. Following in the footsteps of a legend and someone whose name is permanently affixed to two areas in Spectrum Center ranks right up there. I'm grateful, thankful and forever humbled that I was the one chosen to take on the huge responsibility. And I'm proud of the content I produced. Every single bit of it, including a recent string of nothing but exclusives. Thanks to all those who consumed my work and musings about the #Hornets. It's deeply appreciated. Cheers to what's next.