Greg Grant holds a small but specific place in Charlotte Hornets history as the franchise's first player to wear jersey number 5. Claimed off waivers from the New York Knicks during the 1991 season, the guard's tenure was short and statistically quiet. His 17-game run with the team is a footnote compared to the current Hornets' form, which includes a solid 110-96 victory over those same Knicks on April 12, 2026.
The Hornets picked up Greg Grant after the New York Knicks waived him. A former 52nd overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft out of Trenton State, Grant was brought in to provide backcourt depth. His impact on the court, however, was minimal. In those 17 appearances for Charlotte, he averaged just 0.1 points, 1.4 assists, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.6 steals in 4.4 minutes per game. Those numbers made his stint with the team largely forgettable from a production standpoint.
Grant's NBA journey didn't end in Charlotte. He played three more seasons after leaving the Hornets, suiting up for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Bullets. All told, his professional career spanned six years and 274 games. The number 5 jersey in Charlotte would wait for more notable occupants in later years.
Looking at the Hornets' jersey history shows how far the franchise has come. Early players like Grant were part of building a foundation. Today's team is focused on building a winning identity, as seen in their recent performances. Their current run of form shows a team finding its rhythm late in the season.
The data backs this up. Charlotte's last five games show a 3-2 record (WLLWW). This stretch includes that convincing 110-96 home win over the New York Knicks on April 12. Before that, they fell 118-100 to the Detroit Pistons on April 10 and 113-102 to the Boston Celtics on April 8. But they also posted strong wins, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-108 on April 5 and the Indiana Pacers 129-108 on April 3.
The Hornets will want to carry this positive momentum forward. Analyzing past contributors like Greg Grant reminds fans that every player, even those with limited roles, is part of the team's story. The senior squad has shown it can score in bunches and secure important wins. Consistency will be key as they look to finish the season strong and build for the future.
Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming games on our schedule page. The blend of historical perspective and current results paints a fuller picture of the Charlotte Hornets' journey in the NBA.
