Charlotte Hornets was founded in 1988 by George Shinn as an expansion team which later shifted to the city of New Orleans and was called the New Orleans Hornets (now the Pelicans). The NBA promised a new expansion team to the city of Charlotte, which was delivered in 2004 as part of the modern expansion, the Charlotte Bobcats.
The Bobcats carried the Hornets legacy from 2004-14 before Michael Jordan announced that they had submitted an application for the name "Charlotte Hornets" to the NBA. In 2014, the claim was successful and the history of New Orleans Hornets was given back to the "Charlotte Hornets" as they were the franchise based in Charlotte.
The Hornets play in the Eastern Conference and are part of the Southeast division. They have not enjoyed major play-off success in the 20th century, winning just two playoff series, one each in 2001 and 2002. They recently drafted Brandon Miller with the number two overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, pairing him with LaMelo Ball. The franchise is looking to build on a young core of skilled players.
How many times has the Charlotte Hornets made the playoffs?
Charlotte Hornets have made the playoffs 10 times as of March 2024.
The Hornets first playoff series win came in the 1993 playoffs, where they defeated the Boston Celtics in four games with the help of Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues and Dell Curry. Their last playoff series win came in the 2002 playoffs, where they defeated the Orlando Magic in four games.
Charlotte Hornets Playoff Record
Charlotte Hornets have a 23-40 record in the playoffs as of March 2024.
The Hornets have won four playoff series till date, with the most successful time period being the early 2000s where they made three consecutive playoffs appearances. The Hornets are rebuilding around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller and will be hoping to make the playoffs in the coming seasons.
Number of conference championships won
Charlotte Hornets have not won any conference titles yet. They have lost in the conference semifinals four times.
Number of NBA championships won
Charlotte Hornets have not won an NBA championship as of March 2024.
Charlotte Hornets Last Playoff Appearance
Hornets last playoff appearance came in 2016 where they lost to the Miami Heat in a seven game thriller. The Hornets were down 0-2, but won the next three to take a 3-2 lead. However, they lost Games 6 and 7, despite Kemba Walker’s and AI Jefferson's efforts.
What is the biggest playoff series comeback in the Charlotte Hornets’ history?
Hornets biggest playoff win came in 2001 where they defeated the third seeded Miami Heat led by Eddie Jones and Alonzo Mourning in a clean sweep with the help of Jamal Mashburn, Baron Davis and PJ Brown.
FAQ on Charlotte Hornets Playoff History
A. Charlotte Hornets have not been to the NBA Finals yet.
A. The Miami Heat is said to be the Hornets’ biggest rival due to their matchups in the postseason in the past.
A. No, the Charlotte Hornets have not won an NBA championship yet.
A. Charlotte Hornets have won 23 playoff games as of March 2024.
