The 2025-26 Charlotte Hornets nonetheless have selections to make for his or her rotation and total roster. With Antonio Reeves formally signed to a two-way deal and Damion Baugh launched, the roster nonetheless has essential selections to make.
New head coach Charles Lee confronted a troublesome first yr, navigating accidents and relying closely on gamers who won’t have seen the ground below regular circumstances. Nonetheless, Lee laid a basis of construction and accountability that might serve this group properly transferring ahead.
With coaching camp on the horizon, the most important query looms: Who will crack the rotation? Who ought to begin, come off the bench, or present a spark in key moments? Let’s break it down.
The 5 Hornets Anchoring Charlotte’s 2025-26 Rotation
PG: LaMelo Ball
SG: Josh Inexperienced
SF: Brandon Miller
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Mason Plumlee
On paper, this beginning 5 brings each intrigue and uncertainty. The largest query surrounds Miles Bridges and whether or not he can persistently be the group’s third scoring choice. Mason Plumlee returns to Charlotte with the expectation of offering regular minutes at heart. His screen-setting and underrated playmaking ought to assist stabilize the offense. Josh Inexperienced provides perimeter protection and dependable exterior capturing, flattening 39% of his threes final season.
However the highlight stays on LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. For Ball, it’s all about staying on the court docket. When wholesome, he’s proven the ability and creativity to be one of many league’s high level guards, however accidents have restricted him to simply 69 video games over the previous two seasons.
As for Miller, the Hornets hope he’s able to leap. Earlier than a wrist harm reduce his rookie season brief, he was averaging 21.0 factors over a 27-game stretch and looking out increasingly like a future star. If he picks up the place he left off, Miller may emerge as Charlotte’s go-to scorer.
The Bench Mob Is Buzzing
Collin Sexton
Spencer Dinwiddie
Moussa Diabate
Kon Knueppel
Grant Williams
One of many potential strengths of this Hornets rotation lies in its bench depth. Collin Sexton is anticipated to anchor the second unit. Whereas he’s struggled with consistency at occasions, he’s been a confirmed bucket-getter since coming into the league in 2018 and brings much-needed shot creation. Spencer Dinwiddie brings veteran stability to Charlotte’s backcourt and will thrive alongside Sexton as a secondary playmaker and scorer.
Moussa Diabaté was certainly one of final season’s nice surprises, establishing himself as a high-energy massive with elite offensive rebounding and rim safety. His hustle and motor might be key in second-unit minutes.
Grant Williams, coming back from an ACL harm, shall be counted on for veteran toughness, defensive versatility, and management. In the meantime, rookie Kon Knueppel brings capturing, measurement, and positional flexibility — and will carve out a job early if his recreation interprets rapidly.
The Uncooked Spark
Tre Mann
Tidjane Salaun
Liam McNeeley
Drafted sixth total in 2024, Tidjane Salaün remains to be a piece in progress. Whereas he struggled to search out consistency in his rookie season, the Hornets stay dedicated to his improvement. 12 months two will concentrate on progress, endurance, and figuring out if he can evolve right into a long-term a part of the puzzle.
Liam McNeeley turned heads within the Summer time League along with his all-around recreation, averaging 18.0 factors, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists throughout two video games. Whereas nonetheless uncooked, McNeeley’s offensive instincts and really feel for the sport counsel he may present a spark if given a possibility throughout the season.
Tre Mann, who was Charlotte’s top-scoring choice off the bench final season earlier than a again harm, should earn his likelihood to play after the acquisition of Sexton. With much less strain to hold the load, he can thrive as a complementary scoring menace when the group lacks it.
Developmental
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Sion James
KJ Simpson (Two-Method)
Antonio Reeves (Two-Method)
Drew Peterson (Two-Method)
The Hornets have a number of younger gamers stashed for improvement, every providing a novel ability set the group hopes to domesticate over time. Ryan Kalkbrenner brings measurement and inside presence. Whereas he could not see vital minutes immediately, his rim safety and shot-blocking make him a long-term venture value monitoring.
Sion James presents defensive versatility and positional flexibility as a 6’6” guard/wing. He’ll want to enhance offensively to stay, however his bodily instruments are intriguing.
On two-way contracts, the Hornets have KJ Simpson, Reeves, and Drew Peterson. Simpson is an explosive combo guard with scoring upside and playmaking flashes. Reeves is a cultured shot-maker who may present prompt offense if referred to as upon. Peterson is extra of a long-term swing, however his athleticism and power give the Hornets one other younger piece to mildew.
Attainable Chopping Block
Nick Smith Jr.
Pat Connaughton
Daquan Jeffries
The Hornets face powerful selections as they trim their roster, and some gamers might be on the chopping block. Nick Smith Jr. has but to determine constant manufacturing, making his spot unsure. Veteran Pat Connaughton could also be edged out because the group leans towards youth and adaptability. DaQuan Jeffries, preventing for a roster spot amid deep wing depth, faces an uphill battle to safe his place.
In Conclusion
The Hornets enter the 2025–26 season with a rotation of promise, questions, and strain. With a retooled roster, a wholesome LaMelo Ball, and younger expertise able to emerge, there’s actual potential for progress. However finding out the rotation, balancing improvement with competitiveness, and trimming the roster shall be key challenges within the weeks forward. Coaching camp will reveal quite a bit — and for this Hornets squad, each spot shall be earned.
