Top 5 Power Forwards in Charlotte Hornets history

NEW YORK - CIRCA 1993: Larry Johnson #2 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots over Patrick Ewing #33 of the New York Knicks during an NBA basketball game circa 1993 at Madison Square Garden in the Manhattan borough of New York City. Johnson played for the Hornets from 1991-96. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1989: Head coach Dick Harter of the Charlotte Hornets talks with his player Armen Gilliam #45 against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1989 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Harter was head coach of the Hornets from 1988-90. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Armen Gilliam (1989-1991)

Acquired in December of 1989 from the Phoenix Suns, Armen Gilliam made the most of his short time in Charlotte. In 85 games with the Hornets, Gilliam posted averages of 19.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists on 52.3% shooting. Although Charlotte went just 23-65 with Gilliam on the roster, that mark is more of a reflection of the overall roster than it is of Gilliam’s contributions.

Across the final 60 games of the 1989-90 season, Gilliam managed to lead Charlotte in both scoring and rebounding. He accomplished the same feat in the 1990-91 season, ending the year as Charlotte’s leading scorer and rebounder despite being dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers after 25 games.

Gilliam would play through the 1999-00 season, spending time with four teams after leaving Charlotte. He tragically passed away in 2011 of a heart attack at the age of 47.