Show Notes

EP92: THE MAKING (and re-making) OF LARRY JOHNSON with Harold Kaufman, former VP of Public Relations with the Charlotte Hornets

About the Guest

Harold Kaufman
With over 35 years in sports, corporate, and business communications, Harold Kaufman is the founder of HK Communications, now part of Tony Fay Public Relations. He is a renowned media and communications specialist who served as the first PR representative for the Charlotte Hornets during their inaugural seasons. Kaufman also spent significant time with the New York Mets, contributing his extensive expertise in media relations and sports marketing.

Episode Summary

In this engaging episode of “Becoming UnDone,” host Toby Brooks reminisces about the cultural phenomenon of Starter jackets in the 1990s and their deep connection to the Charlotte Hornets. Brooks paints a vibrant picture of the Hornets’ early years, their bold teal and purple aesthetic, and the rise of basketball celebrity Larry Johnson. This episode dives into the Hornets’ history, detailing their exceptional fan engagement and innovative marketing strategies that set them apart.

Brooks is joined by Harold Kaufman, the first PR representative for the Charlotte Hornets, who offers an insider’s view of the team’s initial impact and rise to fame. Kaufman discusses the monumental introduction of Larry Johnson to the team, the magnetic fan support, and how the Hornets captured the imagination of a global audience, despite their early struggles on the court. The episode also explores the ebb and flow of Johnson’s career, including his transition to the New York Knicks and his eventual reinvention as a versatile NBA player.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cultural Impact of Starter Jackets: The episode opens with Toby Brooks reflecting on the iconic status of Starter jackets, particularly the Charlotte Hornets’ teal and purple designs that became a global sensation in the early ’90s.

• Founding of the Charlotte Hornets: Harold Kaufman recounts the founding of the Charlotte Hornets, highlighting the extraordinary relationship between the team and the community. The franchise quickly became the epicenter of local pride despite initial on-court struggles.

• Larry Johnson’s Arrival: Johnson’s arrival in 1991, following the draft lottery win, marked a turning point for the Hornets. His personality and skill set made him an instant fan favorite and put Charlotte in the national spotlight.

• The Dynamics of Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson: Kaufman provides insights into the dynamics between Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson, their early camaraderie, and the eventual contract disputes that led to significant changes within the team.

• Reinvention and Legacy: The episode delves into Johnson’s career trajectory, illustrating how he adapted his playing style post-injury and left an indelible mark on the NBA, both with the Hornets and later with the Knicks.

Notable Quotes:

• Harold Kaufman: “It’s probably the most extraordinary relationship between a team and a community that I’ve ever witnessed or not only been a part of, but observed.”
• Toby Brooks: “Larry Johnson was everything I had ever wanted to be. He was a star. He was electric. He was a winner.”
• Harold Kaufman: “Larry put us on a new level. He was rookie of the year, so he had an amazing year. He was a new version of Charles Barkley of the league.”
• Harold Kaufman: “The memory of when you’d go with him through an appearance, how he was just so revered. My memory is just that smile he had, the gold tooth.”
• Harold Kaufman: “We weren’t just a basketball game, we were in the entertainment business.”

Resources:

• Tony Fay Public Relations: tonyfaypr.com

• Becoming Undone Podcast: undonepodcast.com

To hear the full episode, explore the fascinating history of the Charlotte Hornets, and delve deeper into Larry Johnson’s inspiring journey, listen to “Becoming Undone.” Stay tuned for more captivating stories and insightful conversations in future episodes.