Michael Jordan: Bobcats not in business of tanking

Michael Jordan said losing on purpose isn't something the Bobcats will do. (Jeff Siner/Getty Images)

Some owners and general managers believe tanking the 2013 season for a greater chance to secure Andrew Wiggins, the likely top pick in next year's draft, is a good move — but not Michael Jordan.

The Bobcats owner, who won six NBA titles as a player, told the Associated Press on Friday he doesn't consider tanking a solid strategy to better his franchise.

"If that was my intention I never would have paid [free agent] Al Jefferson $13 million a year," Jordan said, laughing. "It's not guaranteed [the player] you are going to get is going to be that star anyway. I did read that certain teams are thinking about doing it. But I'm not one of them. So let's alleviate that conversation."

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Charlotte is 62-168 in Jordan's three full seasons as majority owner, including 21-61 last year, and he has been criticized for some of the team's personnel moves and draft choices.

But Jordan said signing Jefferson to a three-year, $41 million deal and re-signing guard Gerald Henderson to a three-year, $18 million deal this offseason shows his desire to win.

"We're focused on what we're trying to do," Jordan said. "I think the direction we're moving is positive. ... I have a very strong feeling about where we're going and my vision for this franchise."

The Bobcats, who lost their opener in Houston, play host to the Cavaliers on Friday.

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MJ on tanking: "I don't know if some teams have thought of that. That's not something that we would do. I don't believe in that." (via AP)
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) November 1, 2013