It has been nearly one month since the Charlotte Hornets lost their play-in game against the Orlando Magic.
That night, the vibes around the program were dark and pessimistic. But after taking a step back and looking at the season, Hornets fans should have a more optimistic outlook on the organization’s future.
The 2025-26 season for the Hornets was one of growth, resilience, and ultimately— heartbreak. From record-breaking rookies to last-second wins, this season was certainly a memorable one.
One thing is for sure: the Hornets are in a better position as an organization heading into next season than they were last year.
Overcoming the Bad Start Blues
The Hornets lost to the Cavaliers at home 94-87 on Jan. 21. The nationally televised game on ESPN was a horror show for the Hornets. The team shot 34% from the field and scored its second-lowest point total of the year. LaMelo Ball went an abysmal 0-10 from deep. Charlotte seemed destined to be on track for their ninth losing record in 10 seasons.
From then on, the Hornets played like a completely different team. They went on to win 28 of their next 38 games. During that stretch, they led the league in net rating, rebounding percentage, second-chance points, and three pointers made per game.
The Hornets also sold out a record 25 of their 41 regular-season games. They ended the year with a 16-game sellout streak, culminating in a rocking crowd for the Hornets’ play-in game against the Heat.
In previous seasons, the Hornets have gotten off to a slow start and not been able to recover. This year, head coach Charles Lee motivated his team into an incredible turnaround. Even though the Hornets did not make the playoffs, there was a time during their February nine-game win streak when it felt as if they were on top of the world — a great two and a half weeks for a fanbase that has been through so much.
Rookies Instant Impact
Despite missing out on the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, the Hornets still found themselves another Duke stud in Kon Knueppel. The 6-foot-6 guard was the runner-up for ookie of the year, only behind his former Duke teammate, Flagg. Knueppel appeared in 81 games for the Hornets and contributed to the team from day one. He led the NBA in threes made (273) while averaging 18.5 points. Knueppel certainly can be the future face of the franchise and was the biggest success story of the season.
The Hornet’s other rookies found ways to contribute as well. Jeff Peterson certainly outdid himself with this year’s draft class, as Sion James, a second-round pick, emerged as Charles Lee’s go-to defender and sixth man off the bench.
Ryan Kalkbrenner was another second-rounder who provided a nice addition to the front court, splitting minutes with Moussa Diabate. Although Kalkbrenner averaged only 7.6 points per game, he shot 75.3% from the field. Highly efficient around the rim, Kalkbrenner will need to grow his offensive game outside the paint for next year.
Despite missing the playoffs, the Hornets’ rookies receive an A+ for their output this season and can be part of the foundation of winning basketball.
A Young Core, With Room to Grow
The Hornets have no worries about aging stars. Ball (24), Brandon Miller (23), and Knueppel (20) have yet to hit the peak of their careers. The “veteran” of the team, Miles Bridges, is only 28. If anything, the Hornets might need to add a veteran from around the league to serve as that locker-room leader and presence.
For several years now, the Hornets have had a bad run of injuries. This year, people really got to see how the Hornets look when they are healthy. The star quartet of Ball, Bridges, Miller, and Knueppel missed minimal time. The four of them played in a combined 295 of the possible 328 games that they could have appeared in.
The question has always been “what if ____ was healthy” for the Hornets. Now, after a full year with a healthy team, Hornets fans finally have their answer. With a little more chemistry and continued health, this Hornets team will be gunning for the top half of the East come next season.
To make matters better, the Hornets have two first-round picks this year. Although they will be drafting 14th and 18th, the amount of talent coming out of this draft class is staggering. Even with these picks, the Hornets can add quality players to their roster who will help their push for the playoffs next season.
Of course, in basketball, the unexpected often happens. Could the Hornets look to add Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade or move up the draft order and take, say, someone like Caleb Wilson? The second option seems more realistic at the moment, as Wilson revealed that he actually met with Hornets representatives at the recent NBA Draft Combine.
Either way, Hornets fans can always dream a little.
As Ted Lasso says, “It’s the lack of hope that comes and gets you.” Hornets fans will certainly keep hoping that their team can not only return to the playoffs but also become a bona fide contender.
With the current talent on the roster and future draft picks ahead, 2027 just might finally be the year that happens.
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