[10][11][12] However, the Hornets would soon struggle as Larry Johnson injured his back, and second-year star Alonzo Mourning was out with a torn calf muscle and sprained ankle.
[13][14] Without their star players, the Hornets lost 16 of 17 games midway through the season, including two 8-game losing streaks between January and March, and held a 22–25 record at the All-Star break.
[18][19] With the return of Johnson and Mourning, the Hornets won 18 of their final 26 games, and finished the season fifth in the Central Division with a 41–41 record.
Traded Dana Barros, Greg Graham, Sidney Green and a 1994 1st round draft pick (Sharone Wright was later selected) to the Philadelphia 76ers for Hersey Hawkins.
Traded Mike Gminski and a 1997 1st round draft pick (Paul Grant was later selected) to the Milwaukee Bucks for Frank Brickowski.