The Charlotte Hornets have hit a rough patch, losing their last four games after a promising start following the trade deadline. In their recent game against the Toronto Raptors, due to injuries, the Hornets had to rely on Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, and Brandon Miller as their front line, with two other players, Nick Richards and Mark Williams, out for different reasons. Let’s discuss the two players holding the position and contributing to the team’s success.
Mark Williams is a force to be reckoned with, taking over the starting center position after Mason Plumlee’s departure. In just 37 games, he has already made his mark, with impressive averages of 12.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Williams is shooting 64% from the field and 69% from the line, making him a valuable asset for the Hornets on both the offensive and defensive ends. His presence as a lob threat and ability to cover up his teammates’ mistakes are unmatched.
On the other hand, Nick Richards has consistently performed for the Hornets, playing in 76 games since Plumlee’s exit. His averages of 9.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks are impressive, and he is shooting 68% from the field and 75% from the line. While his stats are similar to Williams’, Richards’ consistency sets him apart. The Hornets’ organization wants him to put together a stretch of good play to solidify his position and contribute to the team’s success.
Looking back at the Hornets’ history, it’s clear that they’ve always had solid players at the center position. From Dwight Howard to Robert Parrish, whoever they’ve started has always found a way to produce somehow. This week, we’ll focus on four players who could make our all-time starting five. These players are Alonzo Mourning, Elden Campbell, and Al Jefferson. They all have unique qualities that make them stand out, and we’ll make our case for each.
Making a case for Elden Campbell…
Elden Campbell’s impressive four-year tenure with the Charlotte Hornets is worth considering for the all-time starting five. After being traded from the Lakers in 1999, Campbell proved to be a reliable player who kept the team afloat. With an average of 13.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, Campbell had an essential role in the team’s 152-113 record during his tenure. Although he didn’t have the same defensive impact as Alonzo Mourning, his steady performance and contribution to the team’s success make a strong case for his inclusion in the all-time starting five.
Making a case for Vlade Divac…
After considering both Al Jefferson and Vlade Divac, I believe Divac had a more significant impact on the organization than Jefferson. Although both players contributed significantly to the Hornets’ playoff appearances, Divac’s two seasons of 50 wins were especially impressive. Divac was the player traded to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1996 NBA draft, which led to the loss of Kobe Bryant. However, it is essential to note that management, not Vlade Divac, should be held responsible for this outcome. During his two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, Divac averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 49% from the field, 23% from the three-point range, and 68% from the free-throw line.
Making a case for Alonzo Mourning…
In contrast to Divac and Elden Campbell, Alonzo Mourning was selected as the 2nd overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1992 NBA draft. His acquisition marked a pivotal moment in the Hornets’ success story in the early 90s, as their performance improved dramatically from a 31-win team to a 44-win team in his inaugural season. During the three seasons of his tenure, the team earned playoff berths twice, but his altercation with Larry Johnson precipitated organizational changes. In Charlotte, Mourning earned two All-Star nods while achieving impressive averages of 21.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 51% from the field and 76% from the line.
My starting center is…
“Of all the great players the Hornets had, Alonzo Mourning, Vlade Divac, and Elden Campbell, I am convinced that Mourning’s impact on the court was the greatest. While Divac’s prowess in the game was missed, and Campbell was the embodiment of the ultimate professional, Mourning’s two-way abilities make him the undisputed choice to complete my starting five.”
My Charlotte Hornets Starting Five Is…
- Point Guard: Muggsy “Tyrone” Bogues
- Shooting Guard: Dell Curry
- Small Forward: Glen Rice
- Power Forward: Larry Johnson
- Center: Alonzo Mourning
I appreciate the contributions of my defensive leaders, Muggsy and Alonzo; their defensive skills are invaluable to the team. Additionally, I am fortunate to have Glen Rice and Dell Curry, two of the most exceptional sharpshooters in league history, who can provide the buckets that Bogues may not be able to. Larry Johnson, my power forward, is an excellent all-around player who can deliver a combination of power and rim play. Overall, my team is well-rounded and has diverse skills that complement each other, and I am happy with their performance.
West Coast Hoops 