New season, new hope – while that’s the best that you can say to a franchise like the Charlotte Hornets, there’s at least a reasonable amount of truth you can hang on to.
There’s a good structure talent-wise, and because they were hampered by injuries in 2024-25, this may be the season where they pop off.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Hornets were among the busiest teams this offseason, retooling their roster with a mix of veterans and promising young talent. The headline move was acquiring Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic,a swap that gives Charlotte a high-energy scoring guard who can complement LaMelo Ball.
They also sent Mark Williams to Phoenix in a deal that brought in the 29th pick, Liam McNeeley, a sharpshooter and star freshman from the UConn Huskies. Their draft haul was rounded out by Kon Knueppel, the skilled Duke wing taken at No. 4 overall, and Ryan Kalkbrenner, a five-year senior center from Creighton.
The Hornets further bolstered their roster with veterans Spencer Dinwiddie, Mason Plumlee, and Pat Connaughton, while bringing in respected college coach Kyle Neptune from Villanova University as an assistant. It’s a roster built with a clearer mix of youth, experience, and perimeter firepower.
BIGGEST QUESTIONS
The Hornets’ hopes hinge largely on LaMelo Ball’s health, which has been a recurring concern – he’s missed over 140 games in the past three seasons. Without him, the team’s offense loses its identity. The next big question is who will anchor the paint after trading away both Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic. The options, Mason Plumlee, Moussa Diabate, and rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner, are unproven or limited in scope, leaving a major hole at center.
Lastly, the Miles Bridges situation looms large. While he fits well with Ball on the court, his off-court history and timeline with the young core make him a possible trade candidate. The Hornets must decide if they’re building around their youth or trying to compete right away.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Everything starts and ends with LaMelo Ball. When healthy, he’s one of the most electrifying playmakers in the league, but his availability remains the defining variable in Charlotte’s success. Brandon Miller, entering his third season, needs to make the leap from potential star to reliable co-star. He’s coming off an injury-riddled campaign and will be expected to carry more of the scoring load. Meanwhile, the new veterans – Sexton, Dinwiddie, and Plumlee – have important roles not just on the court, but in mentoring the young group. Add in rookies Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley, both capable of stretching the floor, and this team’s development arc will be one of the most intriguing storylines in the East.
REASON FOR OPTIMISM/CONCERN
On paper, this is one of the more balanced Hornets rosters in recent years. Ball, Miller, and Bridges provide offensive flair and athleticism, while the additions of Sexton, Dinwiddie, and Connaughton inject needed veteran poise and shooting.
The two rookie wings, Knueppel and McNeeley, offer long-term upside as high-IQ shooters who fit well in modern spacing systems. However, the Hornets’ optimism is tempered by history, this is a franchise that’s made the playoffs just three times since 2005, never advancing past the first round. Health, internal consistency, and frontcourt depth remain major red flags. If things click, Charlotte could surprise. If not, it might be another year of unrealized potential.
