During the 1988-89 NBA season, the expansion Charlotte Hornets faced early adversity as rookie guard Rex Chapman dealt with injury setbacks. Chapman, one of the franchise’s first stars, sat out games while recovering, determined not to rush back and risk further injury. The Hornets’ inaugural season tested the young roster’s depth, patience, and long-term development as Chapman focused on getting healthy before returning to the lineup. A classic look back at early Hornets history, NBA expansion