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Charlotte Hornets: Ranking Rich Cho’s best moves as GM

By Noah Elmore

CHARLOTTE, NC - JULY 18: General Manager Rich Cho of the Charlotte Hornets announces the signing of Lance Stephenson to the media at Time Warner Cable Arena on July 18, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JULY 18: General Manager Rich Cho of the Charlotte Hornets announces the signing of Lance Stephenson to the media at Time Warner Cable Arena on July 18, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Bobcats’ Kemba Walker hits a fallaway jump shot over the Sacramento Kings’ DeMarcus Cousins, left, in the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Charlotte won, 113-103. (Jose Luis Villegas/Sacramento Bee/MCT via Getty Images)
The Charlotte Bobcats’ Kemba Walker hits a fallaway jump shot over the Sacramento Kings’ DeMarcus Cousins, left, in the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Charlotte won, 113-103. (Jose Luis Villegas/Sacramento Bee/MCT via Getty Images) /

1. Drafting and Keeping Kemba Walker

Rich Cho’s first major moment as GM was the 2011 NBA Draft. At ninth overall, he selected future franchise point guard, Kemba Walker. The all-star point guard has changed hopes for the franchise since his selection. As a member of two playoff teams and the only All-Star to play as a member of the new Charlotte Hornets, Kemba is an essential face of the franchise.

There’s no way to quantify the massive impact Walker has made on the Charlotte franchise. He has a chance to retire as the best Hornet ever if he stays on his career path. Rich Cho should be recognized both on his selection of Walker and the contract extension offered to Walker in 2014. Kemba begins the third year of a four-year, $48-million dollar deal, and remains one of the biggest bargains as far as NBA contracts go.

Next: Just how good can Kemba be?

Kemba Walker is clearly Cho’s best move since stepping in as GM. He hasn’t stopped since then either, acquiring big names Dwight Howard and Malik Monk this off-season. Hornets faithful adore him and rightfully so. Hopefully, Cho can continue his excellent track record and put together a bid for Executive of the Year.

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