Comeback Day: The Hornets Franchise

Today is "comeback day" around the SBNation network with each NBA site writing about a particularly impressive comeback, whether in-game, in-season, or by a particular player. For the Hornets, it's a particularly easy choice - the comeback by the franchise as a whole from the threat of relocation and the departure of its stars last December has been remarkable. And so today, a visual look back on the year that was:

Dec. 8, 2011: Chris Paul traded to the Lakers

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Dec. 11, 2011: David West signs with Indiana

Credit: Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

Dec. 14, 2011: Chris Paul traded to the Clippers

Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Dec. 26, 2011: Eric Gordon beats the Suns

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Mar. 16, 2012: Hornets announce new lease through 2024

Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Apr. 13, 2012: Tom Benson buys the Hornets

Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

May 29, 2012: Hornets sign deal with Fox Sports

Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

May 31, 2012: Hornets win the Lottery

Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Jun. 28, 2012: Hornets Select Anthony Davis

Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Jul. 8, 2012: Hornets trade for Ryan Anderson

Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Aug. 19, 2012: Hornets Extend Monty Williams Through 2016

Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

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And so here we are, owner, coach, arena, and (potential) star players all in hand, just nine months after none of those things were either in place or safe bets for the future. It's a comeback as good as any in sports.