Best Players in Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets History

   Every team that has occupied the city of Charlotte has had a tenuous existence. The Hornets started in Charlotte in 1988 and relocated in 2001 to New Orleans. Charlotte would receive a new franchise in 2004 called the Bobcats. The Bobcats and Hornets have struggled in recent years to be relevent, but in the mid-90s, the Charlotte Hornets routinely made the playoffs, but never were able to get past the conference semifinals. Here are the best players in Charlotte Hornets history.

 Note: Alonzo Mourning would be on this list, but since he had a longer career with the Miami Heat I put him on the that list.

The best point-guard in Charlotte Hornets history was Muggsy Bogues. Bogues is still to this day the shortest player in NBA history at 5'3". Bogues brought a different energy to the court and was an instant spark on both side of the floor. On offense, he struggled to score due to his vertical limitations, but he made up for that with his great passing skills. Bogues averaged eight assists for his career and is still leads that franchise in assists. Bogues was also a great defensive player averaging two steals per game and is the franchise leader in steals. More than anything Bogues brought an energy that could be felt throughout the team. For example, Bogues has even blocked a Patrick Ewing shot attempt from behind.

The best shooting-guard in Hornets history was Dell Curry. Curry had quite possibly the best shooting stroke in NBA history, though Ray Allen has a silky smooth stroke as well.  Curry averaged 12 points per game for his career and provided a good outlet for Bogues to get the ball to. Curry is the franchise leader in points, 3-point field goals made and games played. He also shot 41 percent from 3-point range despite taking around three 3-point shots per game. Curry was one of the players taken in the expansion draft in 1988 and spent most of his years coming off the bench wining one sixth man of the year awards in the process. Curry was never a good defender, but for most of his time in with the Hornets it was covered up by good defensive centers in Mourning and Vlade Divac.

The best small-forward in Hornets history was Glen Rice. Rice only played three seasons with the Hornets, but they were the best statistical seasons of his career. Rice was a dynamic scorer particular from mid-range and from 3-point territory. He averaged 23 points per game during his run with the hornets and is second in franchise history at 44 percent from 3-point range. Rice was a marginal defender and passer, but when the Hornets needed someone to put the ball in the basket, Rice was the go to player.

The best power-forward in Hornets history and best player was Larry Johnson. Johnson is most widely known for his playoff runs with Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks, but Johnson's best seasons came as a member of the Charlotte Hornets. In fact, his worst season in Charlotte (16.4 ppg) was better than his best season in New York (15.5 ppg). Johnson had no weakness early on in his career as he is the franchise leader in rebounds, second in assists and second in points. Johnson was so well-rounded that he put up back-to-back triple-doubles in 1993. He could beat you offensively in multiple ways: In the post, off the dribble or from mid-range. He utilized his strong upper body in the post. He also had agile feet and coach Allan Bristow would even put Johnson at small-forward to utilize his combination of strength and speed. He also featured a solid mid-range jumper particularly around the elbow area. Johnson was also a good on-ball defender until back injuries derailed his career in New York.

The best center other than Mourning in Hornets history was Vlade Divac. Divac was one of the first European players to make a successful transition to the NBA style of basketball. He possessed rare qualities for an NBA center; he was mobile, good ball handler, good passer and could shoot from the outside. His best attribute was his team defense, he was good at rotating on player and developed the technique known as flopping. His style of defense was particular confusing to Shaquille O'neal.