For the last few seasons, the Charlotte Hornets have been in the cellar of the Eastern Conference. They have been rebuilding for the last few seasons, and have not really shown any real progress. Injuries to LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller haven’t helped, but even when they do play, nothing about Charlotte was exciting.
The Hornets have tried to change that, and it started in the offseason. They drafted four players: Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, Sion James, and Ryan Kalkbrenner. Adding more versatility to their core was a priority, and now, Charlotte is making progress.
The Hornets are finally showing signs of life in their rebuild
The rookie class has been stellar for Charlotte thus far. Knueppel was a top-four pick, and he has lived up to the billing. He’s averaging 15 points per game on 46 percent shooting and 41 percent from three-point range.
The Hornets drafted him because of his offensive versatility, and floor-spacing, making him the ideal fit next to LaMelo Ball. The two guards have a +7.4 net rating together, including a 121.9 offensive rating.
James and Kalkbrenner have helped tremendously on the defensive end of the floor. James was known for his tenacity in college, and at 6’5”, 220 pounds, has the ability to guard multiple positions. He is molding himself into the perfect three-and-D guard, already earning a spot in Charlotte’s starting lineup alongside Kalkbrenner.
Speaking of Kalkbrenner, his transition to the NBA has been seamless. He was one of the best rim protectors in college basketball the last few years, and that has not changed in the pros. He is averaging two blocks per game, and has had three or more blocks four games in a row.
The Hornets had been searching for their long-term answer at center for quite a bit now, and Kalkbrenner has made his case early on. He and James together have completely changed Charlotte’s defense.
When the two are on the court together, the Hornets have a stifling 106.9 defensive rating, and a +10.5 net rating. Overall, Charlotte is still a poor defensive team (25th in defensive rating), but they have shown improvement on that end, and leaning into the James-Kalkbrenner combination more will help.
Charlotte could find themselves in the play-in mix
The Hornets are by no means a contender, or a certified playoff team. However in a weak East, they could find themselves in the play-in mix.
Charlotte doesn’t have to take gigantic steps forward this season. They just have to show signs of progress, and while their 3-5 record isn’t lighting the world on fire, the arrow is at least pointing upwards for once, instead of sideways.
As their young core continues to develop, and the front office is patient, the Hornets could reap the benefits sooner rather than later.
