The Charlotte Hornets' projected starting lineup for the 2026-27 season has been ranked 24th in the NBA. This evaluation comes as the team moves into its first season without LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, turning to a core led by Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel.
Charlotte is expected to open the season with Coby White at point guard, Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller on the wings, and Naz Reid and Moussa Diabaté in the frontcourt. This group represents a significant shift from the previous era. Miller, the second overall pick in 2023, enters his fourth season with career averages of 19.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. He's eligible for a massive rookie-scale extension that could reach $208 million this offseason.
Kon Knueppel is coming off a stellar rookie year where he led the entire NBA in three-pointers made. He averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting an impressive 42.5% from deep. Naz Reid brings veteran experience and a Sixth Man of the Year award from 2023-24. He averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds for Minnesota last season.
A 24th-place ranking shows the challenge ahead for this young Hornets squad. It places them in the bottom quarter of the league to start the year. The team is banking on the untapped potential of its new franchise cornerstones, Miller and Knueppel, to drive improvement. Their development will be the primary storyline all season long.
The Hornets are looking to build on a finish to last season that saw them win three of their final five games.
Coby White takes over as the starting point guard following the Ball trade. He split last season between Chicago and Charlotte, finishing with an average of 17.4 points per game. White's career scoring average sits at 15.4 points. His ability to run the offense and create for others will be a major factor in the team's success.
His backcourt partner, Kon Knueppel, provides elite shooting spacing. Knueppel's efficiency from beyond the arc opens driving lanes for Miller and White. This new trio has to gel quickly for Charlotte's offense to find a consistent rhythm.
Charlotte opens its 2026-27 campaign on the road against the Brooklyn Nets. The home opener follows against the Atlanta Hawks. The preseason ranking sets a baseline, but the real test begins in October. Internal growth from Miller and Knueppel is the clearest path to climbing future rankings.
While they missed the playoffs again last season, this new group aims to establish a fresh identity and compete every night.
