The top starting five from each decade of Charlotte Hornets basketball

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CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 12: Teammates Stephen Jackson #1 Gerald Wallace #3 Tyrus Thomas #12 and D.J. Augustin #14 of the Charlotte Bobcats celebrate after a basket against the Chicago Bulls during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on January 12, 2011 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

The 2000s would prove to be a tumultuous time for Charlotte basketball, but between two different teams, there are a lot of players from which to choose.

This one is going to be the most difficult because there is so much overlap between positions, especially at the two and three. Let’s pick the best from that crop.

The All-2000s starting five:

Point Guard – Baron Davis

Davis played three years in Charlotte, finally becoming an All-Star in his third and final year in the Queen City. He would play three more years in a Hornets uniform, but that was obviously in New Orleans after the team was moved.

I was tempted yet again to put David Wesley as he played in both the 90s and 2000s for Charlotte, and while he was impressive for them just before they were moved, he never made an All-Star team and Baron did. I was really close to putting him here, though.

Shooting Guard – Stephen Jackson

Our first Bobcat on the list, Jackson helped lead the new franchise to their first-ever playoff appearance and was part of a duo that really should have been kept together. In any case, his two seasons in Charlotte saw him average nearly 20 points a game.

Jason Richardson was close to being on this list, but he played just before the team landed Jackson and never got the team to the postseason. Gerald Henderson was also a consideration.

Small Forward – Gerald Wallace

“Crash” may be one of the most beloved Charlotte players because of his tenacious energy on the court. The Bobcats’ only ever All-Star, Wallace is one of just three players in NBA history to average at least two steals and two blocks per game for an entire season.

He and Stephen Jackson proved to be one of the best duos in franchise history and the two propelled the team to its only ever playoff berth. Wallace would also be named to the 2010 All-Defensive team.

Jamal Mashburn was close to being here and I almost cheated and put Wallace at the power forward spot since he did technically play that position at times for Charlotte. At the very least, he deserves consideration.

Power Forward – Boris Diaw

Since I didn’t put Wallace here, Diaw makes the most sense. He played four years in Charlotte and was a steady fixture on those later Bobcats teams. He wasn’t an offensive powerhouse, but he could drain the odd three and his defense was sound. He averaged nearly 12 points during his tenure in a Bobcats uniform.

Center – Emeka Okafor

The 2005 Rookie of the Year is the obvious choice here as he was cemented into the center role for five years in Charlotte, and put up some great numbers. He was a walking double-double for the Bobcats, averaging 15 and 11 while in a Bobcats jersey.

I suppose it’s time for the most current group of guys.