After wearing several jersey numbers over the years, Christian Anderson Jr. will have a new look when he takes the court for his rookie campaign with the Charlotte Hornets.
Anderson, born in Atlanta, wore No. 3 in high school at the Lovett School in Georgia and No. 1 at the Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. With those two numbers taken at Texas Tech, Anderson went with No. 4 for his two seasons with the Red Raiders.
The 18th overall pick ultimately opted to wear No. 5 with the Hornets, with No. 4 occupied by second-year guard Sion James. He will be the 13th player in franchise history to wear it, and the first since Mark Williams.
first look in the new threads
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) June 26, 2026
— @Truistpic.twitter.com/L0ZOVkJrqs
Anderson was a third-team All-American last season, averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 41.5% from 3-point range. He ranked fifth in the country in total assists (244) and 11th in minutes (1,266).
The 20-year-old debuted with the Hornets in summer league, averaging 10.4 points, 4.2 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 31.5% from the field in five games. He finished in double figures three times, including an 18-point, eight-assist effort on July 17.
Anderson was highly touted in the draft this year because of his shooting and ability to make plays for his teammates. The team was ecstatic to add him to the roster, along with fellow first-rounder Hannes Steinbach, and is eager to see him take the court.
Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA
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This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hornets' Christian Anderson picks new jersey number to start career