Charlotte Hornets 2025-26 Rotation Breakdown

The 2025-26 Charlotte Hornets still have decisions to make for their rotation and overall roster. With Antonio Reeves officially signed to a two-way deal and Damion Baugh released, the roster still has crucial choices to make.

New head coach Charles Lee faced a tough first year, navigating injuries and relying heavily on players who might not have seen the floor under normal circumstances. Still, Lee laid a foundation of structure and accountability that could serve this team well moving forward.

With training camp on the horizon, the biggest question looms: Who will crack the rotation? Who should start, come off the bench, or provide a spark in key moments? Let’s break it down.

The Five Hornets Anchoring Charlotte’s 2025-26 Rotation

PG: LaMelo Ball
SG: Josh Green
SF: Brandon Miller
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Mason Plumlee

On paper, this starting five brings both intrigue and uncertainty. The biggest question surrounds Miles Bridges and whether he can consistently be the team’s third scoring option. Mason Plumlee returns to Charlotte with the expectation of providing steady minutes at center. His screen-setting and underrated playmaking should help stabilize the offense. Josh Green adds perimeter defense and reliable outside shooting, knocking down 39% of his threes last season.

But the spotlight remains on LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. For Ball, it’s all about staying on the court. When healthy, he’s shown the skill and creativity to be one of the league’s top point guards, but injuries have limited him to just 69 games over the past two seasons.

As for Miller, the Hornets hope he’s ready to leap. Before a wrist injury cut his rookie season short, he was averaging 21.0 points over a 27-game stretch and looking more and more like a future star. If he picks up where he left off, Miller could emerge as Charlotte’s go-to scorer.

The Bench Mob Is Buzzing

Collin Sexton
Spencer Dinwiddie
Moussa Diabate
Kon Knueppel
Grant Williams

One of the potential strengths of this Hornets rotation lies in its bench depth. Collin Sexton is expected to anchor the second unit. While he’s struggled with consistency at times, he’s been a proven bucket-getter since entering the league in 2018 and brings much-needed shot creation. Spencer Dinwiddie brings veteran stability to Charlotte’s backcourt and should thrive alongside Sexton as a secondary playmaker and scorer.

Moussa Diabaté was one of last season’s pleasant surprises, establishing himself as a high-energy big with elite offensive rebounding and rim protection. His hustle and motor could be key in second-unit minutes.

Grant Williams, returning from an ACL injury, will be counted on for veteran toughness, defensive versatility, and leadership. Meanwhile, rookie Kon Knueppel brings shooting, size, and positional flexibility — and could carve out a role early if his game translates quickly.

The Raw Spark

Tre Mann
Tidjane Salaun
Liam McNeeley

Drafted sixth overall in 2024, Tidjane Salaün is still a work in progress. While he struggled to find consistency in his rookie season, the Hornets remain committed to his development. Year two will focus on growth, patience, and determining if he can evolve into a long-term part of the puzzle.

Liam McNeeley turned heads in the Summer League with his all-around game, averaging 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across two games. While still raw, McNeeley’s offensive instincts and feel for the game suggest he could provide a spark if given an opportunity during the season.

Tre Mann, who was Charlotte’s top-scoring option off the bench last season before a back injury, will have to earn his chance to play after the acquisition of Sexton. With less pressure to carry the load, he can thrive as a complementary scoring threat when the team lacks it.

Developmental

Ryan Kalkbrenner
Sion James
KJ Simpson (Two-Way)
Antonio Reeves (Two-Way)
Drew Peterson (Two-Way)

The Hornets have several young players stashed for development, each offering a unique skill set the team hopes to cultivate over time. Ryan Kalkbrenner brings size and interior presence. While he may not see significant minutes right away, his rim protection and shot-blocking make him a long-term project worth monitoring.

Sion James offers defensive versatility and positional flexibility as a 6’6” guard/wing. He’ll need to improve offensively to stick, but his physical tools are intriguing.

On two-way contracts, the Hornets have KJ Simpson, Reeves, and Drew Peterson. Simpson is an explosive combo guard with scoring upside and playmaking flashes. Reeves is a polished shot-maker who could provide instant offense if called upon. Peterson is more of a long-term swing, but his athleticism and energy give the Hornets another young piece to mold.

Possible Chopping Block

Nick Smith Jr.
Pat Connaughton
Daquan Jeffries

The Hornets face tough decisions as they trim their roster, and a few players could be on the chopping block. Nick Smith Jr. has yet to establish consistent production, making his spot uncertain. Veteran Pat Connaughton may be edged out as the team leans toward youth and flexibility. DaQuan Jeffries, fighting for a roster spot amid deep wing depth, faces an uphill battle to secure his place.

In Conclusion

The Hornets enter the 2025–26 season with a rotation of promise, questions, and pressure. With a retooled roster, a healthy LaMelo Ball, and young talent ready to emerge, there’s real potential for growth. But sorting out the rotation, balancing development with competitiveness, and trimming the roster will be key challenges in the weeks ahead. Training camp will reveal a lot — and for this Hornets squad, every spot will be earned.