Four Charlotte Hornets players have earned spots on ESPN's prestigious NBA Top-100 list ahead of the 2026-27 season. Brandon Miller leads the group at No. 46, with Kon Knueppel, Naz Reid, and Coby White also making the cut. This recognition arrives as the Hornets show strong form, winning three of their last five games including a 110-96 victory over the New York Knicks on April 12.
Brandon Miller headlines the group, landing at No. 46. The forward led the team in scoring last season, putting up 20.1 points per game. He also grabbed 4.9 rebounds and dished out 3.3 assists while hitting a career-best 38.3% of his three-point attempts. Miller's development is central to the franchise's future.
Right behind him at No. 48 is rookie sensation Kon Knueppel. He led the entire NBA in three-pointers made during his first year. Knueppel averaged 18.5 points and 5.3 rebounds, shooting an impressive 42.5% from deep. He proved quickly he's far more than just a specialist.
The Hornets' trade deadline work is reflected here. Naz Reid, acquired recently, comes in at No. 81. The former Sixth Man of the Year is slated to be a full-time starter for the first time in his seven-year career. Reid brings interior presence with career averages of 11.9 points and 5.1 rebounds, and he stretches the floor by hitting 37.1% from three-point range.
Point guard Coby White rounds out the list at No. 94. After playing just 21 games for Charlotte post-trade, he's expected to take on a larger starting role. White's career numbers sit at 15.4 points and 3.9 assists per game. His experience will be valuable for a young core.
This individual praise aligns with positive team trends. The Hornets' recent form reads 3 wins and 2 losses from their last five outings (WLLWW). That run featured a dominant 122-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 5 and a 129-108 victory against the Indiana Pacers two days prior. They closed it with that solid 110-96 result against the Knicks.
Of course, the path hasn't been perfect. Tough losses to the Boston Celtics (113-102) and Detroit Pistons (118-100) show there's still work to do. But placing four players on a league-wide list signals the talent is assembling. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The immediate focus is building chemistry and translating individual talent into consistent wins. Miller has a prime chance to cement his status as a franchise star. Knueppel aims to avoid a sophomore slump. For Reid and White, their challenge is integrating fully and providing stability. The rankings are a nice snapshot, but the real test is on the court. This group has the pieces to make the Eastern Conference playoff race interesting next season.
