2004–05 Charlotte Bobcats season

The 2004–05 Charlotte Bobcats season was Charlotte's first season in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This season marked the return of NBA basketball to Charlotte after a two-year hiatus, the 15th season of the NBA in the city of Charlotte. The original Hornets had moved to New Orleans after the 2001–02 season to become the New Orleans Hornets, now the New Orleans Pelicans. The team hired Bernie Bickerstaff as head coach. The Bobcats played their first game at the Charlotte Coliseum, which was a 103–96 loss to the Washington Wizards. The Bobcats finished fourth in the Southeast Division with a 18–64 record. Top draft pick Emeka Okafor, who averaged 15.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game was named Rookie of The Year.