The Charlotte Hornets have received a significant vote of confidence, landing at No. 18 in new NBA power rankings from analyst Sean Deveney. This ranking is higher than many expected for a team entering a new era.
Why are the Hornets ranked higher than expected?
Sean Deveney of Heavy.com placed Charlotte 18th in his latest league-wide assessment. That spot puts them ahead of several teams with more established rosters. The ranking reflects a belief in the team's young talent and offensive firepower. It also acknowledges the potential impact of their offseason moves, which reshaped the roster.
Most preseason projections had the Hornets pegged for the NBA Play-In Tournament at best, or missing the postseason entirely. This new ranking offers a more optimistic outlook. It signals that external observers see a path for Charlotte to be a tough opponent every night.
Who is leading the new-look Hornets?
With star guard LaMelo Ball traded in the offseason, forward Brandon Miller is now the undisputed face of the franchise. The former No. 2 overall pick averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steals over 65 games last season. The organization needs him to take a definitive leap as their primary option.
He will be flanked by second-year sharpshooter Kon Knueppel. Knueppel broke out as a rookie, putting up 18.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 42.5 percent from three-point range. He set the NBA's all-time rookie single-season three-point record. His continued development is vital for spacing the floor. You can track his progress and the full team's numbers on our stats page.
What key addition changes the roster?
The major piece acquired in the Ball trade was center Naz Reid. Reid has built a strong career as a Sixth Man but is expected to step into a starting role in Charlotte. He provides interior presence and can stretch the floor on offense, adding a new dimension. His defensive ability will be under the microscope as the Hornets look to improve on that end.
Reid's job is to anchor the defense, a area where Charlotte must get better to compete. The pressure on him is immense, but his experience is a valuable asset for a young team. His fit alongside Miller and Knueppel will define the team's ceiling.
Can the Hornets make the playoffs this season?
The potential is there for Charlotte to shock people. If their young stars grow quickly and the defense coalesces, a playoff berth is within reach.
Making the playoffs would be a massive achievement. And if they get there, their offensive talent means they won't be an easy out for any opponent. The schedule ahead is challenging, and fans can follow the upcoming matchups on our schedule page. This season is about proving the ranking right and building a foundation for the future.
