Josh Cohen’s Analysis (Jan. 26, 2014): Larry Johnson was on his way to a prominent NBA career until injuries derailed him and forced him to retire prematurely. He was the Charlotte Hornets’ “original” superstar when they drafted him first overall in 1991 out of UNLV and, along with Alonzo Mourning, had the franchise racing toward something special.
All that excitement, however, was spoiled just a few years later when tension rose between LJ and Mourning and the two split with Johnson getting traded to New York and Zo choosing to sign with Miami.
That sensational start in Charlotte wouldn’t have happened though without some draft lottery luck.
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