Charlotte, N.C. ? Michael Jordan remembers looking to the Boston bench during his 63-point game in the 1986 playoffs and seeing Celtics rookie Sam Vincent cheering on his extraordinary performance.

Two years later, Vincent became Jordan’s point guard in Chicago.

Now, Jordan has turned to Vincent in a move that could determine whether Jordan will succeed in his second chance running a team.

The Bobcats’ part-owner introduced Vincent on Friday as Charlotte’s new coach, smiling as he recalled that day in Boston 21 years ago.

“I wish he didn’t share that story,” Vincent said. “I was sitting on the bench in Boston and he was having an incredible day.”

Jordan’s resume as an executive is inferior to his prowess as a player – and he’s putting his reputation on the line behind the unproven Vincent. While he has extensive coaching experience overseas, Vincent has coached one year in the NBA – as an assistant.

“When I look at Sam, I don’t look at an inexperienced guy who doesn’t know how to utilize timeouts or doesn’t know how to draw up plays,” Jordan said. “This is a great opportunity to do it on this level. He’s done it on other levels. He’s paid his dues and that’s one of the things I’ve looked at.

“I think he’s ready to make that big jump.”

Vincent isn’t shying away from the pressure to lead the franchise to its first playoff berth next season, and to prove that Jordan can successfully steer a team after being fired in Washington four years ago.

“I absolutely, positively anticipate this team making the playoffs, and I would be incredibly discouraged and disappointed if we don’t,” said Vincent, who agreed to a three-year contract.

Strong words from Vincent, who takes over an expansion team that has won 18, 26 and 33 games in its first three seasons.