Best Draft Pick In Charlotte Hornets History

Before settling on the answer, there is a justifiable argument for two players who make the conversation genuinely interesting. Larry “Grandmama” Johnson arrived as the first overall pick in 1991 out of UNLV, won Rookie of the Year, made two All-Star teams, and gave the franchise its first genuine identity. The following year, the Hornets selected Alonzo Mourning second overall out of Georgetown, who promptly averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks as a rookie and hit a buzzer-beater to clinch the franchise's first-ever playoff series win. Both were legitimate stars. However, both moved on to bigger and better things, with Johnson finding success in New York and Mourning winning a title in Miami. While they were great picks, their time in Charlotte was short-lived. 

The title of best draft pick in Charlotte history (be it the Hornets or Bobcats) goes to Kemba Walker. A point guard from the Bronx, Walker was selected by Charlotte as the ninth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, after leading the UConn Huskies to the national championship and earning the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. At the time, Charlotte was known as the Bobcats, and they were among the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, struggling to a 34-48 record. 

Unfortunately for Walker, his first two seasons in Charlotte were nothing short of disastrous as the team finished his rookie year with a 7-59 record and followed that up with a 21-61 campaign. In his eight-year tenure in Charlotte, Walker’s teams managed a winning record just twice, making the playoffs both times. 

While he would make three All-Star appearances (and one more while in Boston), as well as earn a spot on the 2018-19 All-NBA squad, Walker didn’t have much to work with. The all-time franchise lead in points, games played, minutes, three-pointers made and attempted, and free throws, Walker battled through multiple losing seasons, coaching changes, and roster rebuilds to become one of the best players in Charlotte’s franchise history.  

After a slow start to his career, averaging 12.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds coming off the bench for most of the season, Walker became a fixture in Charlotte’s starting lineup, finishing his time with the team averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. 

The last time Charlotte made a postseason appearance was 2016. Walker left for Boston in 2019, leaving a void of a player for fans to latch onto as the face of the franchise. While the team looks to have turned a corner this season, for a franchise that has struggled to keep its best players, Walker was a rare homegrown talent and the greatest draft pick in team history.