The Best Charlotte Hornets Players of All Time
Without a doubt, Kemba Walker earns his spot among the Hornets' elite as a three-time NBA All-Star during his tenure with the team from 2011 to 2019. Often referred to as "Captain Clutch," this athletic dynamo consistently displayed deft ball-handling skills and an uncanny ability to shake off defenders, putting up impressive numbers with career averages of 19.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game while wearing Charlotte colors. Moreover, Walker's unwavering commitment to his craft left an indelible mark on the franchise, as evidenced by his current standing as their all-time leader in points, three-pointers made, and free throws.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Team: Detroit Pistons
- Position: Point guard
Grandmama himself, Larry Johnson remains one of the most iconic players in Charlotte Hornets history, having been drafted first overall in 1991 and winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award that same season. He was a double-double machine, best known for his outstanding versatility as a power forward, combining both strength and agility to wreak havoc against opponents, averaging 19.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during his five-year stint with the franchise. Johnson's selection to two NBA All-Star games while in Charlotte, his unforgettable slam dunks, and his unique blend of skill and swagger made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the early '90s Hornets squad.
- Birthplace: Tyler, Texas
- Position: Power forward
As the second overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft, Alonzo Mourning wasted no time making his presence felt in Charlotte, earning the 1993 NBA All-Rookie First Team honors and playing an instrumental role in leading the Hornets to their first-ever playoff appearance. The dominant big man was a force to be reckoned with in his three seasons with the team, averaging 21.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and a whopping 3.2 blocks per game, cementing his status as one of the most fearsome shot-blockers in league history. Although his time in Charlotte was relatively short, Mourning's sheer talent and tenacity set the standard for future Hornets big men to follow.
- Birthplace: Chesapeake, Virginia
- Team: Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets
- Position: Center
Acquired from the Miami Heat in 1995, sharpshooter Glen Rice quickly emerged as a scoring juggernaut, racking up a then-franchise-record 26.8 points per game during the 1996-97 season and earning three consecutive NBA All-Star appearances while with the Hornets. A veritable offensive weapon, Rice is best remembered for his silky-smooth jumper and lethal accuracy from beyond the arc, cementing his legacy as one of the finest snipers of his era. Though his tenure in Charlotte only lasted three seasons, Rice's phenomenal firepower and impact on the team cannot be understated.
- Birthplace: Flint, Michigan
- Team: Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets
- Position: Shooting guard, Small forward
Standing at a mere 5'3", Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues defied all odds during his ten-year tenure with the Charlotte Hornets and captivated fans with his lightning-fast speed, incredible court vision, and downright pesky defense. As the shortest player in NBA history, Bogues' undeniable grit and resilience allowed him to dish out a franchise-record 5,557 assists, nab 1,067 steals, and average 8.8 points per game while donning the purple and teal. It's safe to say that Muggsy's remarkable career and indomitable spirit continue to inspire generations of basketball enthusiasts around the globe.
- Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland
- Position: Point guard
Affectionately dubbed the "Original Hornet," Dell Curry spent an impressive ten seasons in Charlotte, where he established himself as a premier Sixth Man and the franchise's all-time leader in games played. A reliable scorer with a knack for knocking down three-pointers, Curry's timely shot-making and unwavering work ethic propelled him to a career average of 14.0 points per game with the Hornets. Today, his enduring influence extends beyond his on-court accomplishments, as he serves as both a team broadcaster and the proud father of two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry and current Hornets guard Seth Curry.
- Birthplace: Harrisonburg, Virginia
- Position: Shooting guard, Small forward