NBA Draft: Every team’s best pick ever

Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks to the media during a press conference after game four of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors won 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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LANDOVER,MD – JANUARY 31: Alonzo Mourning /

Charlotte Hornets: Larry Johnson, No. 1, 1991 NBA Draft

After running roughshod over the NCAA as a part of the UNLV Rebels team from 1989 to 1991, Johnson was the first overall pick by the Hornets in the 1991 draft. Johnson won Rookie of the Year, and the Hornets were one of the most popular teams in the country with Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, and Alonzo Mourning. Johnson earned a spot on the All-Star team in 1993 and 1995, with the Hornets qualifying for the postseason both those years. Famous for his thunderous dunks and trademark grin, Johnson was the face of a franchise.

Johnson’s play on the court was amazing, but a back injury in 1993 held him out for 31 games, and he was never fully the same player after that. Johnson was traded to the New York Knicks following a disagreement with the Hornets, where he played another five seasons before retiring. His career experienced something of a renaissance in New York and he was a key played for the Knicks in their 1999 run to the NBA Finals. Johnson will always have a claim to fame for his play on the court, and was one of the most exciting players in the league during the 90s.

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