The Charlotte Hornets look noticeably different to begin the 2025–26 season. After an active offseason that included multiple trades and four selections in the NBA Draft, Charlotte has retooled its roster with a mix of youth and experience. The early results have been promising, as the Hornets hold a 2–1 record with two blowout victories and one narrow loss.
LaMelo Ball continues to set the tone offensively, but the team’s veteran core is making a statement of its own. Miles Bridges has picked up the slack on the glass in the absence of injured power forward Grant Williams, averaging eight rebounds per game through the first three contests. In the backcourt, Collin Sexton has provided defensive energy alongside Ball, with the pair combining for 10 steals to open the season. Charlotte’s rookie class—headlined by Kon Knueppel, Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner—has also shown encouraging flashes.
For Bridges and Sexton, though, the mission this season goes beyond player development. Both veterans have yet to make a playoff appearance in their careers, despite 15 combined NBA seasons. Bridges acknowledged the shared motivation, saying, “Collin and me talk about how we’re second and third in games without making the playoffs. We talk about that every day. We’re tired of losing and want to turn a new leaf here.”
Among all active players, only Utah’s Lauri Markkanen has appeared in more games without a postseason berth. With head coach Charles Lee and general manager Jeff Peterson fostering a new team culture, the Hornets appear intent on changing that narrative in 2026.
More NBA news:
