Swarm and Sting
Fansided

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) /
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NCharlotte Hornets’ Larry Johnson #2 (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
NCharlotte Hornets’ Larry Johnson #2 (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Larry Johnson

Johnson is probably the first superstar in Charlotte Hornets’ history. The highly touted UNLV product was the first number-one overall draft pick for the franchise. Johnson didn’t disappoint, he came out the gate like a madman. He started all but five of the games and led all rookies with over 16 points per game. The season was good enough to earn him rookie of the year, one of only two ROY awards in franchise history.

Johnson would go on to have two All-Star seasons while with the Hornets, the first one coming in only his second season in the league. In fact, his 22-point-per-game average in his second season would end up being the highest of his career. The 1992-1993 season was a legendary time for the Charlotte franchise. They were a fun team, led by Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, and Muggsy Bogues.

That team went to the second round and lost to the New York Knicks in five games in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. But more than just their accomplishments, that Hornets team was fun! They were top ten in offensive efficiency and second in pace. They led the league in attendance that season. It was also around the time when Johnson’s character “Grandmama” made its debut. Johnson had officially arrived as a star away from just hoops.