Charlotte Hornets were ranked No. 20 in ESPN's power index for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, a slight drop from their 17th-best record across both conferences last year. The evaluation came after Charlotte revamped its roster following a ninth-place finish in the Eastern Conference during the 2025-26 campaign, with LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges departing while Naz Reid, Grayson Allen and Dennis Schroder joined the team. ESPN noted the Hornets' offseason moves earned an A- grade for balancing future development with immediate playoff aspirations, targeting their first postseason appearance since the 2015-16 season.
What happened in ESPN's preview?
ESPN evaluated Charlotte's roster changes and projected the Hornets as a middle-tier team in their power index, citing the loss of All-Star guard LaMelo Ball and versatile forward Miles Bridges as significant departures. The acquisitions of Naz Reid for interior scoring, Grayson Allen for perimeter shooting and Dennis Schroder for veteran playmaking were highlighted as key additions shaping the new-look roster. Despite the downgrade in projected standing, ESPN praised Charlotte's strategic approach to retooling without fully tearing down the foundation.
Why it matters for Charlotte Hornets
The No. 20 ranking reflects both challenge and opportunity as the Hornets aim to close the gap with playoff contenders in a competitive Eastern Conference. Building chemistry among new pieces while developing young talent like Moussa Diabate, Ryan Kalkbrenner and rookie Hannes Steinbach-identified by ESPN as potential X-factor centers-will be critical to outperforming projections.
What comes next?
As the Hornets prepare for training camp, fans can monitor roster integration and preseason performance through our stats page to track early signs of improvement. The organization remains focused on internal growth, with ESPN noting that if the young centers make strides and the new guards help effectively, Charlotte could surprise observers and push for a play-in tournament spot.
