The Charlotte Hornets are positioned at No. 17 in Bleacher Report's updated NBA power rankings, a reflection of their dramatic offseason roster changes. This ranking comes after the team traded away stars LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, building around young talents Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel for the 2026-27 campaign.
Why are the Hornets ranked 17th?
Bleacher Report's analysis points to the team's significant roster turnover. The Hornets closed the 2025-26 season as one of the league's hottest teams but then traded two of their top four scorers. LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges were sent out in separate deals. The outlet noted the team did not replace that star power immediately in the short term. However, they accumulated draft capital and brought in experienced role players to support their young core.
The belief in Charlotte's front office is clear. They are betting that Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel will develop into star wings. Last season's strong finish provided evidence for that potential. You can track their progress on our standings page.
What were the Hornets' major offseason moves?
Charlotte's roster reconstruction was extensive. They traded LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for center Naz Reid. Miles Bridges was sent to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale. Tre Mann went to the Cleveland Cavaliers for guard Dennis Schroder.
The Hornets also re-signed point guard Coby White to a new contract. They acquired veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Houston Rockets. In the 2026 NBA Draft, they selected Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson. These moves completely reshaped the team's rotation and salary structure.
What will the Hornets' lineup look like next season?
The expected starting five for the 2026-27 season is Coby White, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Naz Reid, and Moussa Diabate. This group emphasizes youth and length. The primary bench unit is projected to include Dennis Schroder, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, Grant Williams, Hannes Steinbach, and rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner.
This lineup gives Charlotte a mix of shooting, defense, and playmaking. Veterans like Allen, O'Neale, and Finney-Smith have plenty of experience supporting star players. Their job will be to space the floor and defend multiple positions while Miller and Knueppel handle larger offensive roles. The full roster is available on our roster page.
How did the front office justify trading LaMelo Ball?
Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson explained the logic to Andscape's Marc J. Spears. Peterson said he was comfortable making the Ball trade specifically because of his confidence in Miller and Knueppel. He acknowledged trades can be challenging on a personal level for players in the locker room.
"I'm very comfortable," Peterson said. "Charles and I had a conversation with both of them knowing that these trades can be challenging."
Peterson's message to the young stars was clear. He told them the move would challenge them to get better. The organization would not have made the trade without faith in their development. With Ball gone, Miller and Knueppel will see their usage rates and responsibilities increase significantly on offense.
What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?
The Hornets never reached the playoffs during the LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges era. The new chapter begins on the road against the Brooklyn Nets to open the 2026-27 schedule. Their home opener is against the Atlanta Hawks. It will be fascinating to see if this reshaped group, led by White, Miller, Knueppel, and Reid, can end that postseason drought.
Some fans expressed disappointment over trading a talent like Ball. The front office's bet is entirely on internal growth and their revised team construction. The power ranking of 17th shows analysts see them as a potential play-in tournament team. Their performance will depend heavily on how quickly their young stars adapt to leading roles and how well the new veterans integrate.
