The Charlotte Hornets was founded in 1988, and after moving to New Orleans in 2002, the franchise became the New Orleans Hornets and in 2004 the Charlotte Bobcats were established as an expansion team.
In 2013, the New Orleans Hornets re-branded as the New Orleans Pelicans, relinquishing the Hornets brand to the Charlotte Bobcats. This included the name, records, and official history. Confused yet? Great.
Here is a look at the ten best players to ever lace up for the Charlotte Bobcats Hornets.
Honorable Mentions:
David Wesley –Â An undersized point guard and shooting guard, David Wesley spent five seasons with the Hornets, providing much needed supplemental scoring for a relatively thin roster.
Cody Zeller –Â Though no one will confuse Zeller for an All-Star talent, he has remained a consistent contributor for the franchise since they selected him with the 4th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.
10. Marvin Williams
Career stats with Hornets: 9.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG (2015-current)
As a wing that does not possess above average rebounding ability, Williams is primarily a shooter tasked with stretching the floor. A duty he performed well for the Charlotte Hornets.
9. Emeka Okafor
Career stats with Bobcats: 14.0 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.8 SPG (2004-2009)
Entering the league as the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft (ahead of Dwight Howard) Okafor did not quite live up to his potential as an NBA prospect. In spite of this, his best years were with the Hornets, where he provided decent scoring and a reliable defensive presence.
Career stats with Hornets: 21.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 SPG (1992-1995)
Remembered chiefly for his time with the Miami Heat, Mourning’s brief stint with the Hornets was arguably his most productive as an NBA player.  Mourning epitomized the hard-nosed style of play typical of big men in the 90s and was an excellent scorer despite being defensive minded.
7. Glen Rice
Career stats with Hornets: 23.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.0 SPG (1995-1998)
Another player with a brief stint in Charlotte, Glen had his best years in Charlotte as well. An exciting scorer, Rice was a three time All-Star while playing for the franchise. He also amassed an NBA All-Star game MVP, and two All-NBA Team selections [one for the First team and one for the Second team].
Career stats with Hornets: 13.4 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.9 SPG (1996-2000)
With a reputation as a determined defender, Anthony Mason was mostly well-respected around the league. As a member of the Charlotte Hornets he was named to the All-NBA Third team and All-Defensive Second Team in the same year.
5. Dell Curry
Career stats with Hornets: 14.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG (1988-1998)
Father of the greatest shooter in NBA history, Steph Curry, Dell was a great shooter in his own right. The sharpshooter spent a decade in Charlotte and provided consistent 6th man offense for the Hornets, even winning the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1994. He holds the franchise records in several statistical categories.
Career stats with Hornets: 19.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.8 SPG (1991-1996)
Selected with the 1st overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Johnson would spend half of his tend year career with the franchise. The dynamic power forward would go on to be win Rookie of the Year, two-time All-Star, and be selected the All-NBA Second Team in 1993.
Career stats with Hornets: 8.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 8.8 APG, 1.7 SPG (1988-1998)
With the distinction of being the shortest player in NBA history, Muggsy Bogues had top-tier court vision an excellent defensive instinct. Though his size obviously limited what he was able to accomplish, Muggsy was one of the best players to suit up for the Hornets.
Career stats with Hornets: 16.4 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.8 SPG (2004-2011)
An outstanding athlete that could score with ease, Wallace spent seven seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats. In this time, he was selected as an NBA A-Star and NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2010, while leading the league in steals back in 2006.
1. Kemba Walker
Career stats with Hornets: 19.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.3 SPG (2011-2019)
Without even being that close, Kemba Walker is unquestionably the best player to play for the Charlotte Hornets. In eight seasons with the franchise he has been a dynamic scorer and dazzling ball-handler. The three time All-Star also made the All-NBA Third Team in 2019.
