Hornets’ New Blood Sparks Hope After Tough 2024-25 Season

Reeling from a 19-63 finish and a season marred by injuries to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, the Charlotte Hornets entered the 2025 offseason with something to prove. New President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson wasted no time reshaping the roster. He prioritized depth, versatility, and protection against another injury-riddled season.

With the Eastern Conference wide open beyond a few top contenders, the Hornets are betting that their calculated moves — and a healthy core — can put them back in the postseason conversation sooner than expected.

Perimeter Revamp

The Hornets kicked off their offseason by acquiring Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Jusuf Nurkić. Sexton brings downhill scoring, relentless energy, and a competitive edge — traits that could inject life into a roster that often lacked urgency last season.

Despite the addition of Sexton, the Hornets chose to re-sign Tre Mann, keeping a crafty scorer and developing playmaker in the fold. While the move raised questions, Charlotte seems committed to improving one of the league’s worst offenses.

To round out the guard rotation, the team signed veteran Spencer Dinwiddie, who averaged 11.0 points and 4.4 assists across 79 games last season. His experience and steady playmaking should provide the kind of reliable backup point guard the Hornets sorely lacked.

The Hornets also added veteran wing Pat Connaughton, who brings playoff experience, floor spacing, and dependable perimeter defense. Known for his high motor and team-first mentality, Connaughton provides a stabilizing presence on the wing — something they lacked last season. His ability to knock down open threes and defend multiple positions should complement the Hornets’ young core while boosting the second unit’s consistency.

Redefining the Middle

The Hornets signaled a shift in their frontcourt direction when they traded Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns on draft night. With Nurkić also shipped out, questions immediately arose about how the Hornets would fill the void at center. By the end of the offseason’s first week, the picture looked much clearer.

With the 34th pick, the Hornets drafted Ryan Kalkbrenner — a 7-foot rim protector with old-school size and a modern shooting touch. He’s a shot-blocking force in the paint and has shown flashes of stretch potential from deep, giving the Hornets a promising two-way option down the line.

To provide veteran stability, the Hornets brought back Mason Plumlee. A strong rebounder and underrated playmaker, Plumlee can serve as a bridge while Kalkbrenner develops. The Hornets also retained Moussa Diabaté, whose motor, shot-blocking, and elite offensive rebounding add another layer of versatility to the rotation. What was once a thin position has quickly become a solid, multi-tiered group. It now features upside, experience, and energy.

Stacked and Crowded

The Hornets currently have 21 players under contract, exceeding the NBA’s 15-man regular-season limit. This means Charlotte faces tough decisions to trim the roster before the season begins. Among those fighting for spots are several members of the 2025 draft class, including Kalkbrenner and Sion James. These young players will compete alongside veterans brought in to provide depth and stability.

The front office must balance developing its fresh talent while maintaining a sufficient number of experienced players to stay competitive. Training camp and preseason performance will be critical in shaping the final roster. Decisions may involve waiving players, negotiating two-way contracts, or even exploring trades to create roster and salary flexibility. How the Hornets manage this roster crunch will play a key role in establishing team chemistry and depth as they push for improvement in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

In Conclusion

After a disappointing 19-win season, the Charlotte Hornets approached the 2025 offseason with a clear mission: build depth, add toughness, and surround their young stars with reliable support. Through savvy trades, value signings, and clever drafting, the Hornets have reshaped their roster without sacrificing long-term flexibility.

The backcourt now boasts a mix of scoring punch and veteran stability with Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, and Spencer Dinwiddie. In the frontcourt, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Mason Plumlee bring size, rim protection, and playmaking. The center rotation now looks more balanced than it has in years.

The Hornets didn’t chase headlines. They made smart, calculated moves to raise their floor and add depth. Injuries hurt them last season, so they focused on stability and versatility. If LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller stay healthy, this team can compete. The Eastern Conference is wide open, giving the Hornets a real chance to take a step forward.