Hornets’ rookies finally giving franchise some juice

The Hornets are getting a jolt from their rookie class, and for once, the excitement feels earned, writes Steve Aschburner of NBA.com.

Charlotte’s first-year group, led by Kon Knueppel, Sion James, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Liam McNeeley, has injected real energy into a franchise that badly needed it. Knueppel, in particular, is making an early case in the Rookie of the Year race, pushing fellow top pick and former college teammate Cooper Flagg.

Team leadership is buying in.

“They were just so secure in themselves,” said president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson. “They’re about their team and that we win. And they all complement each other.”

Three of the four rookies have already made meaningful on-court contributions, while McNeeley has split time between the NBA and the G League. Even so, his presence has been felt.

“The way they come in the building every day with their energy, with their curiosity to learn,” coach Charles Lee said. “Even Liam has brought a new term for us to break our huddles.”