Charlotte Hornets: 15 greatest draft picks in franchise history

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 21: Former Charlotte Hornets Rex Chapman, Kelly Tripuka, and Muggsy Bogues during the game at the Time Warner Cable Arena on December 21, 2013 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 2013 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rex Chapman was Charlotte’s first ever draft pick. They selected him eighth overall in 1988 and he ended up playing four seasons with the Hornets from 1988-1992. Rex played for three other NBA teams in his career but put up his best numbers in the Queen City.

In his four years with Charlotte, “The Boy Wonder” averaged 16.2 points, 2.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game. He played in 220 total games (175 starts) for the Hornets. Chapman was also named to the 1988-89 All-Rookie Second Team.

He doesn’t rank in the top-10 of any meaningful category for Charlotte, but Rex was a McDonald’s All-American in 1985-86. He was also the Hornets’ first pick ever, which cements his place in team history.

After playing for Charlotte, Chapman was traded to the Washington Bullets in 1992. Following four seasons with Washington, the Bullets traded him to the Miami Heat where he only played one year before being released. Rex then played with the Phoenix Suns from 1996-2000 before retiring.