Who are the Ten Greatest Charlotte Hornets of All-Time?

Oct 10, 2014; Greenville, SC, USA; The new Charlotte Hornets logo on the back of the warm ups prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

3.) Larry Johnson

LJ earns points both for the level he played at in Charlotte and the length of his tenure. Johnson was the first Hornet to be selected first overall, win Rookie of the Year, start (or play) an All-Star game, and earn All-NBA honors. Johnson’s five seasons as a Hornet were enough to place him in the top 10 of games (9th), minutes (4th), points (3rd), rebounds (2nd), assists (6th), and steals (10th). In addition to the accolades mentioned above, Larry played in a second All-Star Game as a Hornet in 1995.

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During his time in Charlotte, the Hornets made two playoff appearances, advancing to the second round in 1993 for the first time in franchise history. During that 1992-93 season, Johnson arguably played the best basketball of his career. In over 40 minutes per game, he put up 22 points, 10.5 rebounds, and even dished out 4.3 assists while shooting over 52% from the field. Johnson’s numbers earned him both an All-Star bid and a spot on the All-NBA 2nd team.

Quick Aside On Zo and LJ:

In 1993, Following what to that point had been the best season in Hornets history, Johnson signed a 12 year(!), $84 million contract. That contract would later serve as the impetus for Alonzo Mourning to demand a deal worth $13 million annually from Charlotte. When the front office said no, Mourning orchestrated his exit resulting in a trade with the Miami Heat. It’s no secret that LJ and Zo didn’t get along off the court, and eventually on the court.

When it comes to breaking that team up, it’s tough to say how much blame lies with any of the parties involved. LJ was a grating personality, apparently taunting a young Mourning repeatedly early in their time together. At the same time, Mourning was extremely proud as a player, and Larry probably had a point when he said Zo’s greed ultimately undid the team. Whatever the case, it’s a shame that they couldn’t get along because those Hornets teams were among the best Charlotte has ever had. If they had been able to put aside their differences both would be higher on the list.