The Charlotte Hornets continue to face significant challenges as they work to rebuild a competitive team. After a dismal 21-61 record last season, tied for the third-worst in the league, the Hornets are hoping for a turnaround. Injuries, particularly to LaMelo Ball, have plagued the team, leaving them unable to capitalize on their young talent.
However, the emergence of players like Brandon Miller, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, offers some hope for the future. As the Hornets enter the 2024-25 season, they’ll be looking for a fresh start and hoping their young core can finally stay healthy and begin to build momentum.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the upcoming season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: LaMelo Ball
Reserves: Vasilije Micic, Tre Mann, Marcus Garrett, Caleb McConnell
The Hornets’ success or failure largely hinges on the health of LaMelo Ball, their franchise cornerstone and former All-Star. Ball’s last two seasons have been marred by injuries, particularly ankle issues, limiting him to just 58 games out of a possible 164 over the last two seasons.
Last season, Ball appeared in only 22 games, which was a major blow to the Hornets’ playoff hopes. Despite the injuries, when Ball was on the floor, he continued to demonstrate his dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities. He averaged 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game while shooting 43.3% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range.
The Hornets desperately need Ball to stay healthy and lead the offense. His elite vision, ability to create for others, and scoring versatility make him one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. If he can remain on the court, the Hornets should be much more competitive.
Vasilije Micic, the EuroLeague standout, will back up Ball and bring international experience and savvy to the second unit. Tre Mann, Marcus Garrett, and Caleb McConnell round out the guard depth, with Mann expected to be a key contributor off the bench with his scoring ability.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Brandon Miller
Reserves: Seth Curry, KJ Simpson, RaeQuan Battle
Brandon Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, showed flashes of his immense potential in his rookie season, justifying the Hornets’ decision to draft him over Scoot Henderson, at least for now. Miller averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 44.0% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range. He has quickly emerged as the Hornets’ future star alongside LaMelo Ball, and the team will look to build around this duo moving forward.
Miller’s smooth shooting, ability to create off the dribble, and solid defensive potential make him a key building block for the Hornets. Entering his sophomore season, Miller will be tasked with taking on a larger role in the offense, particularly if injuries continue to plague Ball. The Hornets are likely to keep him as a focal point, and he could make a push for All-Star recognition in the near future.
Veteran sharpshooter Seth Curry will serve as the backup shooting guard, providing leadership and elite shooting from the perimeter. KJ Simpson and RaeQuan Battle will add depth to the backcourt, with Simpson potentially carving out a role as a playmaker and scorer off the bench.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Miles Bridges
Reserves: Josh Green, Nick Smith, Keyontae Johnson
After a stellar season, Miles Bridges re-signed with the Hornets on a three-year extension, despite drawing interest from contending teams. Bridges had a breakout year, averaging 21.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range. His all-around game, athleticism, and ability to score in a variety of ways make him one of the most versatile forwards in the NBA.
Bridges could have moved to a contender but decided to remain with the Hornets, hoping that a healthy LaMelo Ball and the continued development of Brandon Miller will lead to success. His decision to stay indicates his belief in the potential of this team, and he will be a cornerstone of their efforts to become competitive again.
Behind Bridges, Josh Green will offer defense and energy off the bench, while Nick Smith and Keyontae Johnson are promising young players who will look to make an impact in limited minutes.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Grant Williams
Reserves: Cody Martin, Tidjane Salaun, Harry Giles
Grant Williams, who was acquired in a midseason trade from the Mavericks, will start at power forward for the Hornets. Williams had a solid campaign, averaging 13.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 50.3% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc. Known for his toughness, defense, and ability to stretch the floor, Williams will provide leadership and stability to the Hornets’ frontcourt.
Williams has a chip on his shoulder after being traded by the Celtics and Mavericks, and he’ll be eager to prove that he can be a key contributor to a successful team. His three-point shooting and defensive versatility will be valuable assets for the Hornets, especially as they continue to build their young core.
Cody Martin, known for his hustle and defense, will back up Williams, while young players Tidjane Salaun and Harry Giles will look to contribute as reserves.
Center (C)
Starter: Mark Williams
Reserves: Nick Richards, Taj Gibson, Moussa Diabate, Joel Soriano
Mark Williams has become one of the bright spots for the Hornets, and he will continue to anchor the team at center. Williams finished last season averaging 12.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting a remarkable 64.9% from the field. His ability to protect the rim, rebound at a high level, and finish efficiently around the basket makes him a vital piece of the Hornets’ long-term plans.
Williams has shown flashes of being an elite rim protector, and his continued development will be key to the Hornets’ defense. With his size and athleticism, he is already one of the most promising young big men in the NBA.
Nick Richards will back up Williams, providing energy and rim protection off the bench. Veteran Taj Gibson offers experience and leadership, while Moussa Diabate and Joel Soriano are young bigs who will compete for playing time.
The Charlotte Hornets are entering the 2024-25 season with tempered expectations, but there is a sense of hope for the future. The combination of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller offers star potential, and the presence of veterans like Miles Bridges and Grant Williams provides stability and leadership. Health will be the key factor for this team, as Ball’s repeated injuries have significantly hindered their progress over the past two seasons.
With a healthy core and the continued development of young talent like Mark Williams, the Hornets could make strides this season. However, they remain in a rebuilding phase, and it may take another year or two before they become serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
For now, the focus will be on player development and maintaining consistency on the court. If they can stay healthy, the Hornets may surprise some teams and begin to climb out of the Eastern Conference basement.
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