The Charlotte Hornets are being backed to succeed in their new era without LaMelo Ball, with a bold take suggesting they can clear 44 wins this season. This confidence comes after a major offseason overhaul that saw Ball traded to Minnesota, reshaping the team's identity around young stars Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
The specific claim is that Charlotte can surpass last season's 44-win total even without their former All-Star point guard. The logic hinges on the development of the team's young talent and the depth added through several veteran acquisitions. With Ball gone, offensive responsibilities will shift significantly to Miller and Knueppel, who are expected to see their usage rates spike. President of basketball operations Jeff Peterson explicitly stated his comfort with the trade was tied to his belief in those two players.
Peterson explained the conversation he had with Miller and Knueppel. "We believe in you guys," he told them. "This is going to challenge you guys."
Charlotte's summer was defined by the blockbuster deal sending LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Hornets also moved on from Miles Bridges, Josh Green, and Tre Mann. In return, they brought in a mix of proven veterans and role players like Naz Reid, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, Dennis Schroder, and Dorian Finney-Smith. They secured Coby White on a new deal to be the starting point guard.
The projected starting five is Coby White, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Naz Reid, and Moussa Diabate. The bench unit looks deep with Schroder, Allen, O'Neale, Grant Williams, Steinbach, and rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner providing options. This group blends shooting, defense, and playmaking in a way the previous roster did not.
Early returns have been mixed but promising.
The Hornets open the 2026-27 season on the road against the Brooklyn Nets before hosting the Atlanta Hawks for their home opener. The entire season will be a test of the front office's vision. For years, the Ball-Bridges era failed to deliver a playoff berth. Now, the pressure is on White, Miller, Knueppel, and Reid to change that narrative.
Their ability to gel quickly, combined with the veterans stabilizing the second unit, will determine their ceiling. The bold win prediction sets a clear benchmark. Meeting or exceeding it would validate the difficult decision to move on from a franchise talent and launch Charlotte into its next chapter.
