2024-25 Season Recap

The Hornets finished last season with a 19-63 record, placing 14th in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs.

Offseason Roster Changes

They added players including Collin Sexton, Spencer Dinwiddie, Pat Connaughton, Mason Plumlee, Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, Sion James, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Drew Peterson, and Antonio Reeves. Key departures included Mark Williams, Jusuf Nurkić, Seth Curry, Taj Gibson, Vasilije Micić, Josh Okogie, Nick Smith Jr., Damion Baugh, DaQuan Jeffries, and Wendell Moore Jr.

The Big Question: What is the Hornets’ core made of?

The Hornets currently hold the NBA’s longest active playoff drought—missing since 2002—and haven’t won a playoff series in over two decades. LaMelo Ball remains their central figure, but his availability has been inconsistent due to recurring ankle injuries; over the past five seasons, he has played more than 51 games only once. Last season, Charlotte went 16-31 with Ball on the court, but a staggering 3-32 when he was absent, highlighting how crucial he is to their success.

The team’s prospects hinge on Ball’s health and the development of rising talents like Brandon Miller, whose season was cut short due to wrist surgery. The club has struggled with injuries, missing key players for substantial stretches, which hindered team cohesion. If Ball stays healthy and Miller continues to progress, Charlotte could evaluate whether their assembled roster can foster a competitive, cohesive unit similar to what the Pistons achieved last season with Cade Cunningham.

The Hornets have multiple future first-round picks and additional assets to strengthen their squad, along with a manageable cap sheet. Their goal is to piece together a consistent team that can contend in the Eastern Conference, with potential plans for major moves as early as next summer.

Best-Case Scenario

If Ball and Miller can both increase their minutes together and perform well, Charlotte could transition into a high-powered, fast-paced team. Ball’s combination of prolific scoring and improved shot selection, along with Miller’s all-around growth, could make the Hornets a dangerous transitional offense. A stronger defense and cohesive team play could elevate them into the play-in tournament, giving fans hope that the rebuild is on track.

If Everything Goes Wrong

Should injuries continue to plague Ball and other key players, the Hornets might struggle to stay competitive. Without their primary playmaker, their offense and defense could fall into the bottom tier once again, extending their drought and leaving them in a rebuilding phase, questioning the direction of their roster and development plans.

2025-26 Season Opener

The Hornets will kick off their next season on October 22 against Brooklyn. Their recent on-court data suggests that with healthy players, they could significantly improve, making a leap closer to respectability in the league standings.