Charlotte Hornets: 15 greatest draft picks in franchise history

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INDIANAPOLIS – JANUARY 25: Head coach Larry Brown talks with Emeka Okafor #50 of the Charlotte Bobcats during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse on January 25, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 98-93. 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 2009 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Emeka Okafor was the Bobcats’ first-ever draft selection when they took him second overall in the 2004 NBA Draft. He spent the first five years of his career in the Queen City where he racked up 330 games. The Texas-native averaged a double-double during his time with Charlotte putting up 14.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game over the course of five seasons.

Emeka had an impressive rookie campaign where he won the 2004-05 NBA Rookie of the Year award and was named to the 2004-05 All-Rookie First Team. Although he never made it to an All-Star game, Okafor did ring in a new era for Charlotte basketball and is one of the greatest Bobcats of all-time.

In terms of team history, Okafor ranks eight in minutes played, ninth in field goals made, second in offensive rebounds, second in defensive rebounds, first in total rebounds second in blocks and 10th in points scored. He was is also first in rebounds per game in Charlotte history.

After his five seasons with the Bobcats, Emeka moved on to the New Orleans Hornets where he played three years before playing one season with the Washington Wizards. He sat out four years from 2013-17 with injuries before making his unlikely return to the NBA in the 2017-18 season with the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite his many stops in the league, Okafor will mostly be remembered for his time with Charlotte.