Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Top 5 Power Forwards in Charlotte Hornets history

By Evan Birchmore

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)
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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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 3: The Charlotte Hornets pay tribute for former NBA player Anthony Mason during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 3, 2015 at at Time Warner Cable Arena 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 condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 3: The Charlotte Hornets pay tribute for former NBA player Anthony Mason during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 3, 2015 at at Time Warner Cable Arena 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 condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images) /

Anthony Mason (1996-2000)

Brought to Charlotte from the New York Knicks via trade, Anthony Mason became a fixture in the Hornets’ starting lineup upon his arrival. In 73 games, Mason posted averages of 16.8 points and 11.4 rebounds, the latter of which is the second-highest single-season average in team history. His strong play resulted in an All-NBA Third Team selection as well as an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection.

Mason’s strong play helped lead the Hornets to a franchise-record 54 wins, good for the 6th seed in the playoffs. However, they would fall in a sweep to the Knicks in the first round.

Mason’s statistics would decline the following year, but the team still experienced success, securing the 4th seed in the playoffs and defeating the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. However, they were defeated by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the second round.

Unfortunately, Mason would be forced to miss the entire 1998-99 season as a result of a ruptured bicep. He would recover to appear in all 82 games the following year, and although his individual numbers took yet another dip, he still contributed to a playoff run. This time matched up against the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte would fall in four games, marking the end of Mason’s time with the team. Mason’s career numbers with the Hornets were 13.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 252 games.

He would be traded during the ensuing offseason to the Miami Heat, where he would be named an All-Star in his lone season before spending his final two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Mason tragically passed away on February 28th, 2015, just weeks after having a heart attack. He was 48 years old.