The NBA’s all-time greatest player owns the Charlotte Hornets, but the team has still yet to make an appearance in the NBA Finals.
When it comes to these lists, you can argue many points, but nobody was better than Michael Jordan on the professional hardwood. Jordan has simply not been able to replicate his success as a player in the NBA ownership ranks.
Let’s take a look at the five greatest players in the young history of the Charlotte Hornets as we await that elusive trip to the NBA Finals.
The Five Best Charlotte Hornets Players of All-Time
1. Kemba Walker (2011-2018)
Walker was a do-everything point guard who holds several Charlotte franchise records, including points scored (12,009), minutes played (20,607), three-point FGs (1,283), and free throws (2,398). Don’t believe us? Check out this video highlight reel from Walker’s time in Charlotte.
After leading UConn to the 2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship, Walker went on to a successful NBA career that included his first eight seasons in Charlotte.
Walker, who has appeared in four NBA All-Star Games, averaged 11.6 points per game for the New York Knicks last season.
Give them what they want: GeoComply analysis shows North Carolina sports bettors crave legal sportsbooks
2. Glen Rice (1995-1998)
Rice only spent three seasons in Charlotte, but they were highly productive campaigns. He averaged 23.5 points per game for the Hornets, which still stands as a franchise record.
Rice was a key contributor for the best team in Charlotte franchise history statistically speaking. The Hornets finished the 1996-97 season with a record of 54-28. He helped Charlotte advance to the NBA’s Eastern Conference semifinal round the next season before leaving to join Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Where to bet the NBA in NC?: Best NBA Betting Sites In NC
3. Larry Johnson (1991-1996)
The Hornets claimed Johnson with the No. 1 pick in the 1991 NBA Draft after he helped lead UNLV to the 1990 NCAA Men’s Basketball championship.
Johnson spent the first five seasons of his 10-year professional career in Charlotte. A terror on the glass, Johnson holds the franchise record for most offensive rebounds at 1,186.
Grandmama (you remember the Converse commercial, right?) averaged 19.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game as a Hornet.
4. Dell Curry (1988-1997)
Better known these days as Steph’s father, Dell Curry could stroke the three-ball as well. He joined Charlotte for its inaugural NBA season and remained a franchise fixture for the next decade.
Curry helped the Hornets set the franchise record for wins in a season (54) during the 1996-97 NBA season. That record still stands today.
Curry, who played in more games (701) than any Hornet, holds the record for most two-point FGs (3,022) as well.
How to bet the NBA: NBA game lines in NC
5. Alonzo Mourning (1992-1994)
Like Glen Rice, Mourning’s time in Charlotte was limited to three seasons but the former Georgetown product left an indelible impression on the Queen City.
Mourning averaged a double-double during his tenure in Charlotte with 21.3 points per game to go with 10.1 rebounds. He still holds the franchise mark for most blocks (684).
“Zo” was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year on two occasions.
AP Photo/Chuck Burton
About the Author
