Jamaal Magloire was one of the more underrated big men with the Hornets during his playing days from 2002 to 2005. He was quite the journeyman during his NBA career, making appearances with seven different franchises, but his stay in New Orleans was the most productive.
Magloire made the only NBA All-Star Game appearance of his career during the 2003-04 campaign, while appearing and starting in all 82 games. He produced 13.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 assists per game, while producing a career-high 45 double-doubles as a dependable force on the interior.
It was a career season for Magloire in points and rebounds per game, as veteran Jamal Mashburn worked his way back to the hardwood from injury. He set the tone in the second game of the regular season with a career-high 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the floor on Oct. 30, 2003.
Before emerging as a paint protector and top rebounder in the league, Magloire had a lot more to his game in his early years. He was a solid frontcourt option with a young Baron Davis leading the way at point guard for the team.
Through 187 appearances, he averaged 11.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals per game for the Hornets. Following a limited role during the 2004-05 NBA season in which he made 23 appearances, Magloire was traded prior to the 2005-06 NBA season to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Magloire still ranks sixth all-time in franchise history in rebounds (1,776) and blocks (235). He was only in New Orleans for a short stint but through it all, he showed why he’s considered one of the best players in franchise history.