The Charlotte Hornets have a storied history, thanks in great part to the gallant players who have donned the team’s jerseys. From legendary players like Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson to lesser-known players like Bobby Phills, each player has left their mark on the franchise and the city of Charlotte.
Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable Charlotte Hornets jerseys and the players who wore them. See if your favourite player is part of this list.
Table of Contents
#2: Larry Johnson
Larry Johnson was the first overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft and played for the Charlotte Hornets from 1991 to 1996. He was known for his incredible athleticism and his ability to play both forward positions. Johnson was a two-time All-Star and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1992. He is best known for his iconic Grandmama persona, which he used to promote Converse sneakers in the early 1990s.
#5: Kendall Gill
Kendall Gill played for the Charlotte Hornets from 1990 to 1993 and was known for his defensive prowess. He was a key part of the team’s success in the early 1990s and helped lead the Hornets to their first playoff appearance in 1993.
#13: Bobby Phills
Bobby Phills was a shooting guard who played for the Charlotte Hornets from 1997 until his untimely death in 2000. Known for his tenacity on the court and his dedication to the game, Phills was a fan favourite in Charlotte. Tragically, the native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was killed in a car accident in January 2000, and the Hornets retired his #13 jersey in his honour.
#33: Alonzo Mourning
Alonzo Mourning played for the Charlotte Hornets from 1992 to 1995 and was one of the most dominant centres in the NBA during his time with the team. He was a two-time All-Star and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1999. To this day, Mourning remains one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
#50: Emeka Okafor
Emeka Okafor played for the Charlotte Bobcats from 2004 to 2009 and was one of the team’s most consistent performers during that time. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2005 and was a two-time All-Star with the team.
Conclusion
The Charlotte Hornets and the Charlotte Bobcats have had many great players over the years, and each one of them has left their mark on the franchise and the city of Charlotte. Whether it’s Larry Johnson’s iconic Grandmama persona or Bobby Phills’ tragic death and retired #13 jersey, each player and jersey number is a reminder of the impact that these players had on the team and the community.
As the franchise continues to evolve and grow, we can only wonder which players will leave their mark on the team and the city of Charlotte in the years to come.
Who’s your favourite Charlotte Hornets or Bobcats player? Do you know their jersey number?