The Charlotte Hornets have officially set their 21-man training camp roster ahead of the 2026-27 NBA preseason. This group will report to The Citadel in South Carolina, aiming to build on a season that ended with a 110-96 victory over the New York Knicks on April 12. The camp precedes a four-game preseason schedule, starting October 6 at home against the Brooklyn Nets.
The roster includes a mix of veterans, young talent, and players on non-guaranteed deals. Key returning players like Brandon Miller, Dennis Schröder, and Coby White will be central figures. New additions through the offseason, such as forwards Royce O’Neale and Naz Reid, add immediate depth. The list also features two-way contract players Michael Ajayi and PJ Hall, plus Exhibit 10 signings Jarkel Joiner and Wyatt Fricks looking to impress. The full 21-man squad provides Head Coach Charles Lee with plenty of options to evaluate before final cuts.
Training camp is the first real test for team chemistry and system installation under the coaching staff. The Hornets showed flashes of competitive play. Integrating new veterans like O’Neale and Reid with core pieces such as Miller and White will be a primary focus. Their performance in camp directly sets the tone for the preseason and the October 21 regular-season opener, which is also against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Hornets will play four exhibition games, all offering critical evaluation time. They tip off the preseason slate at home versus the Brooklyn Nets on October 6. The subsequent games will test the team's readiness against various Eastern Conference opponents. These contests are vital for determining rotation spots and the final roster composition before the real games begin. Every minute of play will be scrutinized by the coaching staff as they make their final decisions.
Ending the previous campaign with a 110-96 win over the Knicks provides a positive note to carry forward. The team's ability to score, evidenced by putting up 122 points against Minnesota and 129 against Indiana, is a strength they'll want to maintain. The challenge in camp will be translating that offensive firepower into more consistent defensive efforts. Players like Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate will be watched closely for their rim protection. The work starts now in South Carolina, with every player fighting for a role on a team eager to turn potential into wins.
