The Best Charlotte Hornets NBA draft picks in franchise history

The Best Charlotte Hornets NBA draft picks in franchise history, 10-6.

Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; James Bouknight (Connecticut) walks off the stage after being selected as the number eleven overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Charlotte Bobcats’ Emeka Okafor (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Emeka Okafor

Okafor was coming off being named 2004 Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA tournament. A collegiate champion, like Raymond Felton, Okafor was largely considered the best college player in the draft. The number two overall pick in the draft was only behind Dwight Howard—considered by most to be head and (huge) shoulders above the rest of the draft class. While Howard ended up putting up a hall-of-fame-worthy career, Okafor had his highlights as well. Including being All-Rookie first team and rookie of the year (2005)

Okafor is number one in franchise history in total rebounds. He’s second in franchise history in total blocks. Okafor was largely a defensive player but averaged double digits in points until his eighth year in the league. A serious neck injury robbed him of a more fruitful career, but his inclusion on this list hopefully serves as a consolation prize.