If you’re only checking the box scores, you probably think the Charlotte Hornets are just doing that thing they always do. You know the drill. A flashy play here, an injury there, and a record that hover-drifts somewhere near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. But honestly? If you’re actually watching these games at the newly renovated Spectrum Center in early 2026, the vibe is just... different.
The record says 14-26. That’s not exactly "book the parade" territory. But there’s a nuance to this team right now that hasn't existed in Charlotte for a decade. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of LaMelo Ball’s playground genius and a bunch of rookies who actually look like they belong in the league. People are showing up, too. The team just saw an 11% jump in attendance after the $245 million arena facelift.
The LaMelo Ball Conundrum
Everyone has an opinion on LaMelo. He’s too flashy. He doesn't play defense. He’s always hurt.
✨ Don't miss: Why the 1984 Los Angeles Raiders Were Actually Better Than the 1983 Super Bowl Team
Look, some of that is fair. But you’ve gotta see what he's doing this season to understand why the Charlotte Hornets are still all-in. He’s putting up roughly 20 points and nearly 8 assists a night. But it’s the pace. When LaMelo is on the floor, the Hornets play at a speed that makes other teams look like they’re running through chest-high water.
The "he’s always hurt" narrative took a hit this year because he's actually stayed on the floor for the bulk of the first half of the season. It’s funny how that works. When he plays, the offense clicks. When he sits, things get clunky fast. Carmelo Anthony even came out recently to defend LaMelo against the "empty stats" critics, and honestly, he's right. You can't blame a point guard for a roster that’s still growing its teeth.
Brandon Miller and the New Guard
If LaMelo is the engine, Brandon Miller is the chassis. He’s 23 now. He’s not that skinny kid from Alabama anymore. He’s averaging about 19 points per game, but it’s the "how" that matters. He’s becoming a "Movement Ball Handler," which is just a fancy way of saying he can score from anywhere while coming off a screen at full tilt.
Then you have the rookies. This is where things get interesting.
Kon Knueppel. Yeah, the name is a mouthful. But the kid is shooting over 42% from three. People are already making "baby Steph Curry" comparisons, which is probably way too much pressure, but the shot is pure. And Ryan Kalkbrenner? The 7-foot-1 giant from Creighton has been a revelation. He’s shooting nearly 78% from the field. Sure, they’re mostly dunks and put-backs, but the Hornets have been starving for a reliable center since... well, a long time.
Why the 14-26 Record is a Lie
Winning matters. I get it. But for the Charlotte Hornets, this season was never about the seed. It was about the culture shift under Charles Lee.
Lee came over from the Celtics' championship DNA, and you can see the fingerprints. The defense is still 22nd in the league—so, yeah, not great—but the effort is night and day compared to years past. They’re 10th in Offensive Rating. They’re actually fun to watch.
Take the Utah Jazz game on January 10th. They won by 55 points. 150-95.
Fifty-five!
That doesn't happen to "bad" teams. It happens to teams that have a high ceiling but haven't figured out how to keep the roof on every night. They followed that up with a heartbreaking 8-point loss to the Clippers. That’s the Hornets experience in a nutshell: world-beating one night, heart-crushing the next.
The Trade Deadline Shadow
We’re sitting here in mid-January, and the February 5th trade deadline is looming like a dark cloud. Jeff Peterson, the Executive VP, has some decisions to make.
The Hornets have this weird "non-taxpayer mid-level exception" they haven't used. Basically, they can trade for a player making up to about $13 million without sending any salary back. It’s a massive luxury tax escape hatch for other teams. There are rumors about them taking a flyer on someone like Ochai Agbaji from Toronto or even looking for another young big.
- Tre Mann is a name that keeps coming up. He’s been great off the bench, but does he fit the long-term core?
- Miles Bridges is still the leading scorer (19.5 PPG), but his future always feels like a question mark.
- Grant Williams provides the "adult in the room" energy, but he’s also a valuable chip for a contender.
What Really Matters: The 20th Anniversary and Legacy
It’s not just about the current roster. The Charlotte Hornets are finally starting to lean into their history. In March 2026, they’re retiring Dell Curry’s jersey. It’s about time.
For a long time, the franchise felt disconnected from its 90s glory days. The teal and purple felt like a costume. But with the arena renovations and the "Hoopers Paradise" City Edition uniforms, the brand finally feels authentic again. You walk into the Spectrum Center and you see the 325,000 fans who showed up in the first month of reopening. The energy is real.
Is it a playoff team? Probably not this year. They’re 12th in the East, 15 games back from the top. But they aren't the "easy win" on the calendar anymore.
Actionable Insights for the "Buzz"
If you're following the Charlotte Hornets or looking to jump on the bandwagon before it gets crowded, here is what you actually need to watch for:
Watch the "Knueppel Effect"
Pay attention to how much space LaMelo gets when Kon Knueppel is on the floor. If Knueppel continues to shoot 40%+ from deep, the lane opens up for Brandon Miller to become a superstar.
The Center Rotation is Key
Keep an eye on Moussa Diabaté and Ryan Kalkbrenner. If one of them can solidify the starting spot and provide consistent rim protection, Charlotte’s 22nd-ranked defense will jump into the top 15. That’s the difference between 30 wins and 45 wins.
Don't Ignore the Trade Exception
Watch the news wire for teams like Phoenix or Boston trying to duck the tax. The Hornets are the primary "dumping ground" for a talented player because of their cap flexibility. They could land a starter for essentially nothing but a second-round pick.
The Charlotte Hornets are rebuilding, but for the first time in a generation, the foundation isn't made of sand. It’s built on LaMelo’s vision, Miller’s growth, and a fan base that’s finally been given a reason to care again.
💡 You might also like: OU Sports Schedule Today: What Channel is OU on Today (January 18)
Keep an eye on the injury report—because, well, it’s Charlotte—but otherwise, get used to the noise. The buzz is actually coming from the court this time, not just the marketing department.
Check the schedule for the upcoming Lakers and Warriors games this week. If they can steal one on this road trip, that 14-26 record starts looking a lot more manageable before the All-Star break. Watch the transition points; when this team runs, they are arguably the most entertaining product in the NBA.
The next few weeks leading into the February 5th deadline will determine if the front office wants to push for a Play-In spot or keep the slow-cooker approach for 2027. Either way, the era of being a "safe bet" against the Hornets is officially over.