Just for exploration sake, here is what I think are the top players in Hornets history. Our history is not as deep and storied as franchises like the Lakers and Celtics, but people will be surprised by how much talent we have had since our membership in the Association began in 1988. Check it out, and submit your own lists if you’d like:
Point Guard
1. Baron Davis
For his 5 1/2 years in New Orleans, Baron Davis handled his business at the point for the Hornets, scoring when they needed him to and dishing out the flashy passes to his teammates for the assist. Many wonder if he would have done better if injuries hadn’t plagued him after the team moved to New Orleans for the 02-03 season…16.1 ppg 5.6 apg
2. Chris Paul
The jury is still out, but from what the league has seen so far, there’s no doubt that this guy will become one of the best players in the team’s history, if not the best passer…16.6 ppg 8.3 apg
3. Muggsy Bogues
Muggsy, the shortest player in NBA history standing at roughly 5′3, was a great player considering his size and did a lot for the team during their playoff runs of the mid 90’s. He peaked in the 1994/95 season, putting up 11.1 ppg and 8.7 apg as the team went 50-32. No one can doubt this guy’s heart; he wasn’t the best point guard in the league but his longevity considering his lack of height is amazing…7.6 ppg 7.6 apg
Shooting Guard
1. David Wesley
David Wesley holds the Hornets record of most games started with 517. His versatility in the backcourt and his shooting ability was an asset to the team for 7 1/2 seasons, all considering he was an undrafted player…14.6 ppg 5 apg
2. Dell Curry
A sharpshooting guard selected by the Hornets in the 1988 Expansion Draft, Dell Curry was an instrumental part of the Hornets offense. Coming off the bench, Curry averaged between 12 and 16 ppg, shot above 46% from the field in his time with the team, and won the Sixth Man Award for the 1993-94 season. Upon his retirement in 2002, he was the Hornets’ all-time leading scorer and is now 17th all-time in 3 pointers made…13.8 ppg .462 FG%
3. Rex Chapman
“Boy wonder” was the first ever draft pick by the Hornets and became known as a solid scorer in his 13 seasons in the NBA. The 6′4 guard only played four seasons for Charlotte after going on to play with the Bullets, Heat, and Suns…15.6 ppg .429 FG%
Small Forward
1. Glen Rice
Glen Rice was a phenomenal shooter for the three seasons he played with the Hornets, and holds the title of having the highest points per game average in franchise history. Rice is also fourth all-time in three pointers made with 1,559, and astounded the league with his .470 percentage from long range in the 1996/97 season…23.6 ppg .422 3P%
2. Jamal Mashburn
In his four years with the Hornets, Mashburn led the team in scoring, averaging over 20 ppg every year. The 6-8 combo forward had range from all over the court, was a solid rebounder, and was known for making big shots. Mashburn was also one of only three players in the NBA ranked in the top 30 in scoring, rebounding, and assists in the 2000-01 season. Knee injuries led to his downfall in the 03-04 season. He never returned after that…21 ppg 6.5 rpg 4.5 apg
3. Kendall Gill
Selected by Charlotte 5th overall in 1990, Gill gave the team a solid scoring punch and defense at the 2 and 3 positions. He peaked in his sophomore season, averaging 20.5 ppg, 1.95 spg, and 4.2 apg…15.3 ppg 4.6 rpg 1.5 spg
Power Forward
1. Larry Johnson
Selected first overall in 1991, Larry Johnson scored more points in his rookie year than any other Hornets rookie did that would come later on. His versatility at the 4 alongside Alonzo Mourning produced one of the best frontcourts in the league. Grandma-ma would spend five years in Charlotte before being traded to the Knicks for Anthony Mason in 1996…19.4 ppg 9.2 rpg .497 FG%
2. P.J. Brown
Brown never put up big numbers, but the team could always rely on him in the post. In his six seasons with the team, P.J.’s hustle and defense made him a fan favorite, and he always played the role that his team required him to play. You never heard a complaint from this guy, and his mentoring to the younger players was amazing…9.7 ppg 8.8 rpg
3. Anthony Mason
Mase’s defense, rebounding, and scoring ability in the post was an asset to the team devoid of Larry Johnson from 96-00. He is also known for the trade that brought P.J. Brown and Jamal Mashburn to the team from Miami…13.5 ppg 10 rpg
Center
1. Alonzo Mourning
Mourning was without a doubt the best center (and arguably the best player) to have put on a Hornets uniform at the time. Right off the bat, he showed his all-around defensive and offensive skills in the post, and would go on for three seasons with the team…21.3 ppg 10.1 rpg 3.2 bpg
2. Elden Campbell
In his 4 seasons with the team, Easy E showed his smooth offensive touch in the post and shot blocking skills. In the 1999-00 season, he lead the team with 1.92 bpg…12.4 ppg 7 rpg 1.61 bpg
3. Vlade Divac
To swap Kobe Bryant for Divac was possibly the worst trade in Hornets history, but Vlade was solid for his two seasons with the team. His shooting, passing skills, and shot blocking were assets to the team…11.5 ppg 8.6 rpg 1.85 bpg
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