Breaking Down Hornets Starters at All-Star Break

The Charlotte Hornets enter the All-Star break as one of the hottest teams in the NBA. At 26–29 and winners of 10 of their last 11, they appear to be finally putting the pieces together. For a franchise searching for identity, this season feels more like a return to relevance.

The turnaround starts beyond the arc. Last season, Charlotte generated volume but converted inefficiently. This year, the efficiency has caught up with the aggression. The Hornets rank second in makes (15.4), fourth in attempts (37.4), and fifth in percentage (37.4%). The growth hasn’t been limited to the offensive end. Since January 1st, Charlotte ranks fourth in defensive rating (110.5), reflecting improved intensity, communication, and collective buy-in.

The numbers show progress — but is it individual growth or system-wide cohesion? The All-Star break offers the perfect checkpoint. Starting with the starting five, how do they grade? Let’s dive in.

Breaking Down Hornets Starters at All-Star Break

LaMelo Ball

There’s no denying the talent of LaMelo Ball. At his best, he’s a top-10 NBA point guard who can carry an offense. The concerns, as always, have been consistency and health.

He’s shooting a career-low 40.1% from the field, though 36.3% from three shows the range is still there. The positives are in the details — turnovers are down (3.6 to 3.0), and fouls have decreased (3.3 to 2.6), signaling improved control.

Grade: B-

Brandon Miller

Like Ball, Brandon Miller remains an intriguing talent when healthy. Shoulder concerns sidelined him briefly, but since returning, he’s reminded everyone why he was a top-three pick.

He’s averaging 20.6 points per game while flashing real two-way impact (1.1 steals, 0.9 blocks). His 36.6% shooting from three adds spacing, and he’s increasingly looked like Charlotte’s closer in tight games — a sign of growing confidence and trust.

Grade: B+

Kon Knueppel

Scouts labeled Kon Knueppel an elite shooter coming in — and he’s lived up to it. His floor spacing has been essential to Charlotte’s rise as one of the league’s more explosive offenses, stretching defenses well beyond the arc.

Knueppel has been reliable and efficient, playing 54 of 55 games and averaging 18.9 points. He’s shooting an impressive 48.4% from the field, 43.1% from three, and 90.2% from the line — elite splits that earned him a third-place finish in the NBA’s three-point contest.

There’s been no rookie wall in sight. If that consistency holds, the rest of the league is officially on notice.

Grade: A

Miles Bridges

Miles Bridges has been one of the more intriguing pieces in Charlotte’s rotation. He once thrived as a primary scorer, but Knueppel’s emergence has pushed him into a fourth-option role.

To his credit, Bridges has adjusted well. With a more defined role and consistent availability around him, he’s embraced efficiency over volume. His field-goal and three-point attempts are down from last season, but his percentages have climbed — a reflection of better shot selection and cleaner looks within the flow of the offense.

Bridges may no longer be the focal point, but in this structure, he’s become a stabilizing complementary piece.

Grade: B–

Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabaté has quietly carved out a valuable role in Charlotte’s frontcourt rotation. While he’s not a primary scoring option, his impact shows up in energy plays — offensive rebounds, rim runs, and defensive activity.

Diabaté brings energy and effort every night, giving the Hornets extra possessions and interior toughness. His offensive game remains limited, but he’s efficient within his role and doesn’t force touches outside of it.

For a team emphasizing balance and defensive intensity, Diabaté has been a steady, low-maintenance contributor.

Grade: B

In Conclusion

The Charlotte Hornets enter the All-Star break not just as a team on a hot streak, but as one beginning to look sustainable. The starting five reflects that balance — star power in LaMelo Ball, ascending two-way impact from Brandon Miller, elite shooting from Kon Knueppel, a refined complementary role for Miles Bridges, and steady frontcourt energy from Moussa Diabaté.

There are still areas to sharpen—consistency, late-game execution, and defensive intensity—but the foundation feels sturdier than in recent seasons. If this core continues trending upward and stays healthy, Charlotte won’t just be fighting for a play-in spot. They’ll be positioning themselves as a team no one wants to see come April.