Charlotte Hornets – Kemba Walker, #15
Kemba Walker spent the first eight seasons of his NBA career in Charlotte. He was a three-time NBA All-Star as a member of the Hornets. In 2019, he averaged a career-high 25.6 points per game.
Walker is the all-time leader in Hornets franchise history in total points, minutes played, and three-point field goals made. He also ranks in the top-5 in assists, steals, and games played. “Cardiac” Kemba is arguably the best player in Hornets history and should be the second-ever Hornet to have his number hanging from the Spectrum Center.
Other Players in Consideration: Muggsy Bogues, Dell Curry, Gerald Wallace
Chicago Bulls – Derrick Rose, #1
Luol Deng is one of five players in Chicago Bulls franchise history to be a multi-time NBA All-Star AND score over 10,000 points. The jersey numbers of the other four hang in the United Center rafters.
Artis Gilmore and Chet Walker were multi-time All-Stars and are Hall-of-Famers. Gilmore is arguably the best center in the franchise’s history. Toni Kukoc and Dennis Rodman are also Hall-of-Famers who won rings as Chicago Bulls.
I think the Bulls could retire Derrick Rose’s number 1 next. Rose was a three-time NBA All-Star and the youngest MVP in NBA history. Injuries derailed his career and Rose is one of the league’s biggest “what-if” stories. Still, his first four pre-injury seasons were THAT special.
Other Players in Consideration: Luol Deng, Artis Gilmore, Toni Kukoc, Zach Lavine.