The Hornets Sent Two Future Seconds to Sacramento for a Center
On January 29, 1991, the Hornets acquired Eric Leckner from Sacramento for second-round draft choices in 1993 and 1995. The two picks later became No. 44 Alex Holcombe and No. 51 Dejan Bodiroga. Team transaction histories independently document the date and both future draft assets. Charlotte needed a reserve center for a club still developing around its young core, while the Kings converted a little-used big man into two opportunities to add talent over multiple drafts. This was not a player-for-player exchange, and the deferred timing of the picks is part of the trade. It also was not a concession of first-round selection rights by either club.
Leckner Had an Actual but Limited Charlotte Rotation Role
Leckner played 40 Hornets games after the January trade during 1990-91, starting twice and averaging roughly six points and five rebounds in reserve minutes. He returned for 59 games in 1991-92, playing 12.1 minutes per night and averaging 3.3 points and 3.5 rebounds. Those team-specific figures show why Charlotte’s C grade has a foundation despite the center’s limited impact. He was available for a substantial stretch of two seasons, not merely signed and immediately waived. But he did not become a major scorer or defensive centerpiece for the Hornets and was later replaced by other frontcourt options. The immediate return should be judged as backup availability rather than a permanent solution at center.
Sacramento Secured Draft Opportunities, Not Bodiroga NBA Minutes
The Kings took the longer view and received two future second-round picks. They eventually used them on Alex Holcombe and Dejan Bodiroga. Bodiroga became a distinguished European basketball player, but he never played an NBA regular-season game. His accomplishments outside the NBA should not be counted as Sacramento production. Nor did the acquired picks guarantee the Kings two established rotation players. The C grade instead recognizes the optionality of having extra selections without retaining a reserve big man who was not central to their plans. Charlotte obtained more certain short-term minutes from Leckner, while Sacramento obtained two shots at a future roster improvement. Neither side produced a high-impact NBA star directly from the agreement.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Charlotte receives C for 99 Eric Leckner appearances across two seasons, mostly in reserve. Sacramento also gets C after converting his contract into the draft choices used on Alex Holcombe and Dejan Bodiroga. Bodiroga’s European achievements are not credited as Kings NBA playing production.