We’re just 69 days away from the tip-off of a new NBA season, and eyes will be on the Charlotte Hornets after an intriguing offseason. While the league had a relatively quiet break, Charlotte was active, making bold moves on and off the court. The hiring of Charles Lee, the departure of Steve Clifford, and significant roster changes, including the re-signing of Miles Bridges, have set the stage for a transformative season.
How will the depth chart shake out? Which players will emerge as starters, and who will carve out critical roles in the rotation? Let’s dive into the Hornets’ lineup and explore the possibilities for the upcoming season.
Charlotte Hornets projected starting five
PG: Lamelo Ball
SG: Josh Green
SF: Brandon Miller
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Mark Williams
The Hornets’ success will depend mainly on Ball’s health. Since his 2021-22 All-Star season, Ball has played only 58 games due to wrist and ankle issues. Ball is a top-10 point guard in this league when he is on the floor. His ability to score at all three levels and elite playmaking make him the perfect modern-day point guard. Charlotte will be a strong contender in the play-in race if he improves his defense and reduces aggressiveness.
Brandon Miller’s Sophomore Season
In his first season in the NBA, Miller looked comfortable. He averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 44/37/82% shooting. What impressed me with Miller was his ability to play defense. Miller has been on record saying that Paul George was his GOAT and the player whose game he wanted to be similar to. This season, I am looking for Miller to be the #1 guy for the Hornets. Coming from Boston, Lee was a part of the coaching staff that helped maximize Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s game to propel the Boston Celtics to NBA champions. I expect him to have that same impact on Miller.
Mark Williams Has To Stay Healthy
Like Ball, Williams makes a tremendous impact on the court. The problem is that Williams isn’t always available. After averaging 11.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 18 games (17 starts) post-Plumlee trade, he missed nine games due to injury. Williams got off to a good start in his second season, averaging 12.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on 65% shooting. Unfortunately, Williams had persistent back problems, which caused him to only play in 19 games. Williams will provide the Hornets with a dynamic rebounder and finisher if he can stay healthy. Williams also has the potential to be an interior presence defensively with his athleticism.
Josh Green Impact In The Starting Lineup
In addition to focusing on the health and performance of their core players, the Hornets made strategic offseason moves to bolster their lineup. The acquisition of Green is an underrated move that went unnoticed during the summer. Green is a 37% career three-point shooter, which will give Ball another guy who can knock down the open three when he draws the defense in. He is also a dynamic perimeter defender tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best offensive perimeter player. Green brings a winning culture from Dallas, where he made the playoffs three of his four years with the team. His playoff experience and defensive prowess will be invaluable to a young Hornets team looking to leap this season.
Rotational Minutes
6th Man: Grant Williams
7th Man: Tre Mann
8th Man: Nick Richards
9th Man: Cody Martin
Seeing how many players Head Coach Lee uses in his rotation will be interesting. He has players coming off the bench to give him a nine-man rotation. What I like about this projected second unit is that it doesn’t allow the Hornets to let up offensively or defensively. When Williams was acquired from the Mavericks this past season, the Hornets’ defensive intensity changed. Martin and Richards will keep the pressure on second units defensively as well, while Mann has the potential to be a dynamic scorer off the bench.
Tre Mann Getting Buckets
When Mann was acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder this past season, it was known league-wide that Mann had fallen victim to the depth of the Thunder’s guard position. All Mann needed was to get to a team where he could showcase his skills. The injuries at the guard position the Hornets had throughout the season were all Mann required to showcase his abilities when he’s on the floor. He averaged 11.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 45/36/75% shooting. While I don’t expect Mann to play 31 minutes this year, I expect him to play in the mid-20s and possibly see some starts. His efficient scoring and offensive creation off the bench are crucial for maintaining the team’s output when starters rest.
Nick Richards: Best Backup Center In The NBA?
The strength of this Hornets team lies in its dynamic rotation of centers. Richards is a significant part of this rotation, and his production last season shows he can effectively fill in for Williams when needed. In 67 games, Richards averaged 9.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while shooting an impressive 69%. His ability to step up when Williams is unavailable ensures that the Hornets maintain a strong presence in the paint. Richards provides the Hornets with a reliable, productive center, arguably making him the best backup in the NBA, regardless of Williams’ health.
Burst Of Energy Minutes
These are some guys I don’t expect to get rotational minutes, but I believe they can come in and give the team a boost of energy when needed. Every team needs these guys, but they are crucial for an injury-prone squad and taking the next step in its rebuild.
Nick Smith Jr., Ready To Take The Next Step
Nick Smith Jr., the 27th pick in 2023, showed potential with 43% shooting from three last season but dipped to 30% in the summer league. One of his main weaknesses has been his streaky scoring. When he is on, he is dynamic, but when his shot isn’t falling, the difference in his game is noticeable.
Another area for improvement is his defense. If Smith Jr. can work on his effort on the defensive end and apply the same energy he does offensively, he can significantly increase his playing time. Improving these aspects of his game will be crucial for Smith Jr. as he aims to carve out a more consistent role with the Hornets.
The #6 Overall Pick
Although yet to be widely known, Salaun has the potential to make a significant impact with his skill set and work ethic. In limited opportunities, he has shown flashes of talent that suggest he could develop into a valuable contributor to the team.
Salaun’s strengths lie in his versatility and basketball IQ. He has demonstrated an ability to play multiple positions effectively, providing the Hornets with flexibility in their lineup. Additionally, his high basketball IQ allows him to make smart plays on both ends of the court, contributing to team success.
Salaun must focus on refining his skills and gaining more experience to maximize his potential. If he can continue to develop and adapt to the NBA’s level of play, he could become an essential piece for the Hornets moving forward.
Bench Warmer
JT Thor
Taj Gibson
Vasilije Micic
Despite having the talent to be a key player in the future standings, the Hornets are still working on putting it all together. The team should focus on playing their young players to maximize their experience and identify areas for improvement.
Thor may play limited minutes unless injuries occur, focusing on developing other young talents. While still capable, Gibson serves as a player-coach, providing valuable guidance and perspective to the younger players.
Micic, who has played well with the Hornets, averaging 10.8 points and 6.2 assists, will serve as an emergency guard. Despite his solid performance, he will be called upon primarily to provide needed production in specific situations. This depth allows the Hornets to have reliable options while focusing on the development of their core young players.
In Conclusion
The Hornets’ talent, experienced veterans, and strategic acquisitions position them well for the future. If healthy and with core players developing, the Hornets could become a play-in team in the Eastern Conference.

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