Charlotte Hornets’ best NBA draft picks in history 5-1
By W.B. Whitted
![CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 15: Gerald Wallace #3 of the Charlotte Bobcats reacts during their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Time Warner Cable Arena on January 15, 2010 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 conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 15: Gerald Wallace #3 of the Charlotte Bobcats reacts during their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Time Warner Cable Arena on January 15, 2010 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 conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/40e04adaa2447851cb6679fb4b6bc657d18775410cf035dee7f1d4cebcd5d6f0.jpg)
Gerald Wallace
“Crash” sneaks in as the only professional before he was drafted. While not a Charlotte Hornets player, he was a part of the Charlotte Bobcats’ expansion draft. He had three largely unremarkable seasons with the Sacramento Kings, he started a total of nine games and never averaged more than five points in any individual season. He eclipsed both numbers in his first year as a Bobcat. His hard-charging and physical game earned Wallace the nickname of Crash.
Wallace’s athleticism and motor made him a fan favorite when there weren’t many fans in the first place. The 6’7 220-pound wing was an exceptional defender, earning All-defense first-team honors in 2010. That same year he became an All-star, the only All-Star in the Charlotte Bobcats era. There’s a good reason some people what his jersey retired. He was a lone bright spot in a dark time for professional basketball in Queen City.