Jamal Mashburn (2000-2002)
If history had played out differently, Jamal Mashburn may have ranked higher on this list. However, his two seasons in Charlotte proved to be the final two years before the franchise relocated. As this list only considers achievements while with the Charlotte Hornets, only his years in Charlotte are factored into this ranking.
Nonetheless, Mashburn made the most of his time in Charlotte, helping lead the team to the second round of the playoffs in both seasons. He led the Hornets in scoring both seasons and his 24.9 points per game in the 2001 postseason is the second-highest mark in team history for a single postseason. For a Charlotte franchise that has never made the Conference Finals, the 2001 team is still the group that has come the closest, falling in the second round in seven games to the Milwaukee Bucks. Mashburn had a spectacular series, posting averages of 25.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
Unfortunately, injuries would limit Mashburn to 40 games the following year, and he played just 10 minutes in the playoffs before being shut down. His scoring average actually increased for the 2001-02 season, in part due to improved free throw shooting, as he went from 76.6% from the free throw line the previous year to 87.6% in 2001-02.
He had a redemptive season in 2002-03, making his lone NBA All-Star appearance and being named to the All-NBA Third Team. He also appeared in all 82 games for the only time in his career. However, he would play just 19 more games in his career after that season as his injuries continued to accumulate.
Mashburn finished his Charlotte Hornets career with averages of 20.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 127 games.