The Revival of the Charlotte Hornets
- quansmith33
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
When you think of Charlotte Hornets basketball, what comes to mind? Usually, bad draft picks, short-term gratification, and a vision committed to going nowhere. Spoiler alert, they are the only franchise in the NBA to never have a Christmas game. Times are a-changing in ''buzz city'' as of this writing, they are 33-33 right over that 500. basketball folks. The last time they made the postseason was 2016. It's been 10 years in the making. The 2025-2026 Hornets are quietly changing the franchise, losing perception, and in a Southeast Division that is wide open as ever, it could be the Hornets taking over for years to come.
No one saw it coming
Coming into the season the Hornets didn't have high expectations of competing. According to Odd shark the projected win total of average 27 wins. Yea, this team has massively succeeded expectations from a young core. LaMelo Ball is on the court; Brandon Miller is balling and the rookie Kon Knueppel is having a historic season. The Hornets have quietly assembled an underrated talent roster and the best part this is a young team that can get better.
Rookie Kon Knueppel
Look the Hornets have been terrible at selecting guys in the lottery (Michael Kidd Gilchrist). The team finally got it right Kon Knueppel has been one of the best rookies in the league. The dude is averaging 19.2 per game and honestly should win rookie of the year. This is refreshing for Hornets fans who watch the team selecting potential over talent. Kon Knueppel rise is one of the many reasons why the Hornets are experiencing success.
Jeff Petersen
As I mentioned in previous article Jeff Petersen the Hornets lead executive is one of the best in business. I mean in two years he already turned the team around. Sure, he may have reached with Tidjane Salaun but getting Kon changed that. Look he is quietly building a roster that make sense for the long term.
Charlotte Hornets revival is one of the best stories of the season. This franchise has long been considered the worst and you know what the 2025-2026 Hornets are looking to change the narrative. For the first time in a while there is a reason to watch Hornets basketball and it's meaningful this late in this season with a play-in opportunity and maybe playoffs. Will the 2025-2026 Hornets be a one hit wonder or contender to wreak havoc on the Eastern conference in the years to come?
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