Kofi Inkoom
The Charlotte Hornets plan to pay tribute to two beloved former players during their 35th season.
Baron Davis and Gerald Wallace will both be honored in special ceremonies on separate nights.
The team recently announced that Baron Davis will be recognized on November 18th when the Hornets play against the New York Knicks, while Gerald Wallace’s tribute will take place on February 10th during the game against Memphis.
These halftime ceremonies will celebrate and acknowledge their time with the franchise, and the first 5,000 fans entering the Spectrum Center on each of those nights will receive special posters featuring Davis and Wallace.
Throughout the upcoming season, which includes the season opener against Atlanta on October 25th, the Charlotte Hornets will don their new teal Classic Edition uniforms.
These uniforms will harken back to the team’s appearance from 1997 to 2002. In addition to the uniform change, the Hornets have planned special celebrations for eight anniversary nights.
These celebrations will include honoring former Charlotte basketball legends and incorporating various game-related elements and themes to commemorate the franchise’s journey since its establishment in 1988.
Baron Davis played a pivotal role for the Hornets, joining the team as the third overall pick in 1999. He contributed significantly with averages of 12.6 points, 6.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game.
During his time in Charlotte, he helped lead the team to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons before the franchise relocated to New Orleans.
Baron Davis, a two-time All-Star in Charlotte, currently holds the franchise records for assists per game and steals per game, ranking fifth in total assists and seventh in steals.
Gerald Wallace, who spent seven seasons in Charlotte, remains prominent in the franchise’s record books.
He holds top rankings in defensive rebounds (first), steals (second), free throws made (second), points (third), rebounds (third), field goals (fourth), blocks (fourth), minutes played (fourth), and offensive rebounds (fifth).
The 2010 All-Star boasted averages of 16.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game during his tenure with the team when it was known as the Bobcats.
The Hornets have a schedule of eight anniversary nights, each featuring a unique opponent and potential giveaways. These nights will celebrate the franchise’s history.
Here are the scheduled dates and opponents:
– October 25: Atlanta, 7 p.m. (Opening night t-shirt)
– November 18: New York, 6 p.m. (Baron Davis poster)
– December 2: Minnesota, 5 p.m.
– January 26: Houston, 7 p.m.
– February 10: Memphis, 7 p.m. (Gerald Wallace poster)
– February 29: Milwaukee, 7 p.m. (Baron Davis/LaMelo Ball/Muggsy Bogues nesting dolls)
– March 15: Phoenix, 7 p.m.
– April 1: Boston, 7 p.m.