Carl Scheer, the first general manager of the Charlotte Hornets and an innovator who originated the idea of the slam dunk contest, died Friday in Charlotte. He was 82.
Pat McCrory remembers Scheer from his days as GM with the Carolina Cougars of the ABA, where McCrory was waterboy in the early 1970's.
The Hornets released the following statement:
“The Hornets organization mourns the loss of Carl Scheer. As our first president and general manager, he built the franchise from the ground up and laid the foundation for our city’s love affair with the Hornets. Carl was a true pioneer whose innovative ideas such as the slam dunk contest changed the NBA. His contributions to professional basketball in the state of North Carolina are unmatched, having led not only the Hornets but also the ABA's Carolina Cougars, and his knowledge and love of the game will be missed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marsha, son Bob, daughter Lauren, and his entire family.”