Charlotte Hornets 2026-2027 guide
A new era has just begun in Charlotte after LaMelo Ball’s departure: what happens next for the Hornets?
Despite a surprising season that brought them within one step of the NBA Playoffs, thanks to a 33-16 record after January 1, the Charlotte Hornets decided to overhaul the team, starting with the departure of their star, LaMelo Ball, and begin a new era for the franchise.
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Key players
With the new roster, there is no doubt that the team’s new offensive leader will be Brandon Miller (F, 11.0 cr.). The increased shot volume and responsibility could finally allow his talent to fully blossom, to the point that bookmakers list him as the favorite to win the 2027 Most Improved Player award.
The same argument made for Miller also applies to Kon Knueppel (G, 11.0 cr.), who is being asked to take a step forward with the ball in his hands. In the 10 games without LaMelo last year, he averaged 22.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists, all above his season averages; from a talent and basketball IQ standpoint, all the ingredients are there for him to put up those kinds of numbers over 82 games.
Potential surprises
The new starting point guard will be Coby White (G, 9.0 cr.), who averaged 15.6 points in just under 20 minutes per game after arriving in Charlotte at last year’s trade deadline. As a result, it would not be unrealistic to expect a season of at least 20 points and 5 assists per game from the former Bull.
Player to avoid
With so many options at his disposal, Charles Lee could initially give fewer minutes to the younger players, especially Christian Anderson Jr. (G, 5.0 cr.). The young German point guard will most likely spend more time in the G League than in the NBA, given the presence of White and Schroder at his position, two players who fit the coach’s style very well and could be preferred because of their experience.
Projected starting five
PG: Coby White (Guard, 9.0 cr.)
SG: Kon Knueppel (Guard, 11.0 cr.)
SF: Brandon Miller (Forward, 11.0 cr.)
PF: Naz Reid (Forward, 10.0 cr.)
C: Moussa Diabate (Center, 10.0 cr.)
Power Ranking
With the moves made over the summer, the franchise’s message is clear: winning a lot of games is not the top priority. Instead, it will be crucial to develop the young players, with the goal of understanding who can have a role with the Hornets of the future, and to consolidate the style of play that made the NBA so entertaining last season.
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