ESPN’s Top 100 NBA Players list is out — and two Charlotte Hornets have made the cut. LaMelo Ball leads the way at No. 63, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most electric young talents. Brandon Miller ranks No. 76, earning recognition despite missing much of his sophomore season due to a wrist injury.
With two players ranked among the league’s best, the franchise shows promise in its push for Eastern Conference playoffs. Ball played in just 47 games last season due to recurring ankle and wrist injuries, but still flashed elite playmaking and scoring when healthy. Meanwhile, Miller was ready to leap before injuries derailed his breakout year.
Of course, no rankings list comes without controversy — and this one is no exception. Seeing the Hornets represented encourages fans, but also raises the question: Who else, if anyone, did ESPN snub?
ESPN’s Top 100: Which Hornets Should’ve Made It?
Coming into the 2024–25 season, the Hornets had several intriguing pieces who, at full strength, could’ve made a stronger case for national recognition. Players like Mark Williams and Miles Bridges brought real potential, but injuries up and down the roster derailed much of that momentum.
If there’s an argument to be made for a Hornets player being snubbed from ESPN’s Top 100, it’s likely Bridges. He averaged 20.3 points per game last season — while shooting 43% from the field and 31.3% from beyond the arc. With Ball and Miller sidelined, Bridges carried a heavier offensive load as the team’s primary scorer.
Piecing It Together
This list highlights a familiar issue the Hornets have faced for years: individual talent that struggles to come together as a cohesive, winning unit. Season after season, the roster features names that suggest a turning point is near — yet the results rarely follow. Whether due to injuries, inconsistent development, or lack of chemistry, the pieces just haven’t come together.
This offseason, the Hornets made a concerted effort to change that narrative. The front office acquired a mix of experience and upside: Collin Sexton via trade, Spencer Dinwiddie and Mason Plumlee in free agency, and retained key contributors like Tre Mann. Grant Williams’ return adds versatility, while rookies Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley bring upside from this year’s draft.
The hope? This mix of young talent and seasoned veterans will not only help the Hornets climb the standings but also develop into players worthy of recognition — perhaps even Top 100 nods — in the near future.
In Conclusion
The Charlotte Hornets hold few ESPN Top 100 spots, but they still possess talent and have yet to fully prove it. With a healthy LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller leading the charge, and a revamped supporting cast ready to contribute, the Hornets have the pieces to change the narrative. For years, the question has been “when?” — when will the potential turn into progress? When will the Hornets stop being a team of individual promise and start becoming a team of purpose? This season could be that turning point.
There’s no shortcut to respect in the NBA — it’s earned through winning, growth, and consistency. If this group unites, expect next year’s Top 100 list to feature many more Hornets.
