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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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) /

Larry Johnson (1991-1996)

Drafted with the first pick in the 1991 NBA draft, Larry Johnson quickly began living up to his draft billing by posting averages of 19.2 points and 11.0 rebounds in his rookie season. His stellar play resulted in Johnson being named the NBA Rookie of the Year and helped lead the Hornets to 31 wins, their most in a season to that point. Johnson also appeared in the NBA Slam Dunk contest that season, finishing in second place behind Cedric Ceballos.

The following year was even better, as Johnson raised his scoring average by nearly three points per game and led the Hornets to their first playoff appearance. Johnson would become the first Charlotte player to ever be named an All-Star, starting for the Eastern Conference team alongside Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, Shaquille O’Neal, and Scottie Pippen.

Johnson’s career was off to a terrific start, and the Hornets compensated him accordingly ahead of the 1993-94 season when they signed him to a 12-year, $84 million contract. At the time, it was the largest deal in NBA history.

Unfortunately, he would miss 31 games in the ensuing season due to a back injury. He would, however, recover to play in 81 games in each of the next two seasons. After beginning his career with an emphasis on physical, explosive play, Johnson added the three-point shot to his repertoire in the wake of his injury. After making just 28 three-point shots in his first three seasons, Johnson made 81 in 1994-95 and 67 in 1995-96.

The 1994-95 team was the first in franchise history to win 50 games in a season, as they went 50-32 en route to the 4th seed. However, they would fall to the Chicago Bulls and the recently unretired Michael Jordan in the first round. Johnson’s stellar play and improved three-point shooting that season earned him another NBA All-Star selection.

After friction between Johnson and fellow franchise cornerstone Alonzo Mourning had led to Mourning being traded in the 1995 offseason, Johnson would be dealt in the 1996 offseason. In a deal that saw Anthony Mason and Brad Lohaus come to Charlotte, Johnson was sent to the New York Knicks.

Of course, one cannot discuss Johnson without mentioning his iconic alter ego, “Grandmama”. In 1993, Johnson would make a guest appearance on Family Matters as Grandmama, an elderly woman who becomes teammates with series protagonist Steve Urkel in a basketball tournament. Johnson would later appear as the same alter ego in commercials for Converse.

Johnson finished his time in Charlotte with averages of 19.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 390 games.