A former No. 5 overall pick by the Hornets in the 1989 NBA Draft from UNC, J.R. Reid played six seasons with the Hornets over two different stints in his career. Reid began his career wearing the No. 34, playing four seasons before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs after Alonzo Mourning became the team's starting center.

Charlotte later signed Reid back as a free agent ahead of the 1997-98 season (when he wore No. 7). All in all, Reid spent the best years of his 11-year career with the Hornets, averaging 9.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 325 appearances. After the 2000-01 campaign, Reid would play overseas for two more seasons before retiring.