By Cameron Lee
June 16, 2025
Photo: NBA.com
Former Charlotte Hornets great Larry Johnson is set to make his first public appearance in Charlotte in several years. The Charlotte Knights announced today that Johnson will appear at the baseball game against the Durham Bulls on Friday, July 18, for a special CLT Sports Night alongside former Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart.
Johnson, the Hornets’ No. 1 draft pick in 1991, helped transform the team from an expansion squad into a playoff contender, alongside Alonzo Mourning, Kendall Gill, Dell Curry, and Muggsy Bogues. He was a national champion and superstar at UNLV under coach Jerry Tarkanian, playing alongside future NBA players Stacey Augmon and Greg Anthony. Johnson was also widely known for his Converse React Juice commercials and his beloved “Grandmama” character. His popularity played a major role in the Hornets’ merchandise sales during the ’90s and helped fuel a remarkable streak of 364 consecutive sellouts from 1988 to 1997.
Johnson won Rookie of the Year honors in the 1991-92 season, averaging 19.2 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He was also a two-time NBA All-Star with the Hornets (1993, 1995) and earned All-NBA Second Team honors in 1993, posting averages of 22.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
Following the 1993 season, Johnson signed a then-record 12-year, $84 million contract. However, a back injury later that year significantly affected his explosiveness and overall play. In July 1996, Johnson was traded to the New York Knicks for Anthony Mason and Brad Lohaus, largely due to his injury and bloated contract.
Currently serving as a Basketball and Business Operations Representative for the Knicks, Johnson posted in February on his official Facebook page: “After the Charlotte Hornets ownership did me dirty, it was an honor to play for the New York Knicks,” referring to the franchise’s former owner, George Shinn, and still expressing some animosity. But in March, he shared a more hopeful message: “To the beloved Charlotte Hornets fans. Keep your ears and eyes open for me to make a public appearance in Charlotte this coming July. I don’t get back that often, but when I do…”
Despite being named to the Hornets’ 30th Anniversary Team in 2018, Johnson has yet to make an official appearance with the franchise since his 1996 trade. Could this upcoming appearance with the Charlotte Knights signal his reunion with the Hornets? We certainly hope so.
You can purchase tickets to the Charlotte Knights vs. Durham Bulls game on Friday, July 18 at Truist Field here.
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