Charlotte Hornets season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Kon Knueppel made 273 3-pointers as a rookie in the 2025-26 season – more than anyone else in the league – and no rookie had ever led the NBA in that category before. He nearly stole Rookie of the Year honors from Cooper Flagg. Charlotte won 44 games last season, up from 19, in its best season since 2015-2016. Then the front office blew it up.The Hornets sent LaMelo Ball to Minnesota for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round draft pick, three pick swaps and three second-rounders.