The Charlotte Hornets' Standout Players of the 2000s: A Retrospective (2024)

By Jocelyn Alano August 13, 2024 23:40

Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images

The Charlotte Hornets, who began playing in the NBA in 1988 as an expansion team and moved to New Orleans with some playoff success just a decade later, have undergone multiple changes throughout their history. While this decade will go down as when the team was rebranded back to being called the Hornets from 2014 on, what occurred in the 2000s helped shape a successful identity and competitive spirit for Charlotte-area fans. Despite some inconsistency issues and being in flux with the roster, they have yielded several standout players who were integral to their history. Retroactively, we will delve into the most influential Charlotte Hornets performers of the 2000s, examining their contributions to win columns and box scores, not forgetting how they have been remembered.

1. Emeka Okafor

Injuries ultimately forced Okafor out of the NBA after Charlotte selected him as a top-two pick in 2004. He quickly made his presence known, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2005 after posting averages of 15.1 points,10.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Plus, with his ability to defend and rebound at 7-1 (2.16 m), Okafor was a solid force in the paint as well.

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Key Contributions:

Defensive Anchor: Okafor was an efficient driver on the defensive end, regularly ranking among league leaders for blocked shots and rebounding.

Stats: He was at his playing prime over the first five years of his career with 14.8 ppg, 10.7 rbg, and shot-blocking skills with a little playoff magic in there for good measure as well

Accolades: Aside from his Rookie of the Year award, Okafor was named to the 2005 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Okafor was part of the original Bobcats, and he helped build a foundation for what Charlotte could become while cementing his name as one of the team's all-time greats.

2. Gerald Wallace

A fan favorite in his time with the Bobcats was Gerald Wallace, an athletic defense force. Selected by the Sacramento Kings in 2001, he eventually hit his stride with Charlotte from 2004-2011.

Key Contributions:

Scoring and defense: Wallace earned All-Star status twice (2010, 2011). His high point was the opener against Montage, with an average point per game of more than 18. You literally could not take him off the floor because his versatility to guard multiple positions was invaluable.

Strengths:He'sone of the most versatile players, emerged as one of the top power forwards in his 2010 campaign.

Career Accolades: Wallace won the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2006 and was named to the All-NBA Defensive Team in 2010.

Wallace's high-wire act and leadership on the court boosted the Bobcats during some tough years and are an important part of this franchise's history.

3. Raymond Felton

Raymond Felton, drafted five by the Bobcats in 2005, proved pivotal to team building during the mid-00s. As a point guard, he brought needed stability and playmaking to their roster.

Key Contributions:

Playmaking: Felton has oversix assists per game for his career and at least that many with the Bobcats, where he even filtered a little bit of stardom throughout the rebuilding ages.

Leadership: Felton played a huge part in providing his teammates with the necessary leadership, both on and off the court, which was key to building tough competition.

Felton was a key component in putting winning habits and culture in place, which remains popular among fans.

4. Stephen Jackson

Stephen Jackson was traded to the Bobcats in 2010, where he became arguably their best player. Gritty scorer Jackson is remembered for his playoff effort in the 2010-11 season.

Key Contributions:

Scoring Threat: Jackson added 20.5 points per game in the top-10 offense of 2010–11

Postseason Performance: While his team was bounced in the first round, he helped guide Charlotte to their second playoff berth as a Bobcat.

Veteran Leadership: Jackson's 13 years of experience and drive to succeed helped foster the younger players on the roster.

Jackson was heavily involved on the court and in the locker room during his time with Charlotte, making him one of its biggest names.

Legacy and Remembrance

The 2000s Panther era continues to reflect the type of players who stand out among Hornets fandom and its legacy within a decade. Not only did their contributions define what the team was on the field during their time with Charlotte, but they also left a lasting effect on its identity.

Fan Favorites: Playing in a city like Charllote, fans take players who put their heart and soul into the game to heart. Their jerseys are still in the crowd among fans at their home team games.

Part of Future Generation: The mindset that all these players have brought has rubbed off on following generations, resulting in the Hornets always having a competitive spirit ingrained into their program.

Recognized: Okafor and Wallace are members of the Hornets' Hall of Fame, inducted as Hall of Honor members for their contributions to and impact on the franchise.

Together, they gave their all for a franchise that prides itself on competitiveness and set the stage for future prosperity. This group leaves a lasting impression on both players and supporters, old and young, opening award ticket holders alike.

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