Hornets’ NBA Rise: From League Bottom to Superteam Contenders

The Charlotte Hornets honored Dell Curry’s legacy on Thursday night, retiring his jersey number 30 in a ceremony attended by his sons, Golden State Warriors stars Steph and Seth Curry, before a 130-111 victory over the Orlando Magic. The win marked the Hornets’ fourth in their last five games and tenth in the last fifteen contests since the All-Star break, solidifying a remarkable turnaround for a franchise long mired in losing seasons.

For decades, the Hornets were synonymous with struggles. Following a move to Novel Orleans in 2002 by then-owner George Shinn, Charlotte received an expansion team, the Bobcats, in 2004. The Bobcats endured ten consecutive losing seasons, including a franchise-worst record. Even the return to the Hornets name in 2014 failed to reverse the team’s fortunes. Under Michael Jordan’s ownership, from 2010 to 2013, the franchise was plagued by inconsistent personnel decisions. The Hornets last reached the playoffs ten years ago, and hadn’t won a playoff series since 2002.

The Hornets’ recent resurgence began in January, transforming them into one of the NBA’s biggest surprises. While teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston Celtics have exceeded expectations, Charlotte distinguishes itself by lacking the championship experience or a top-ten player like Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić, or Jayson Tatum, according to reports.

Through January 1st, 2026, the Hornets held one of the league’s worst records at 11-22. Their defense was among the league’s five worst, signaling another disappointing season. Trade rumors swirled around star guard LaMelo Ball, and calls for a complete roster overhaul grew louder.

Since January, however, the Hornets have become one of the league’s top teams, winning over two-thirds of their games with a 25-12 record. Their offense is now the best in the NBA, their defense ranks sixth, and their net rating is among the league’s elite. This transformation is largely credited to head coach Charles Lee, who previously won NBA championships as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks (2021) and Boston Celtics (2024).

Lee’s emphasis on defensive intensity initially met with resistance from players, but has now become a cornerstone of the team’s success. Offensively, the Hornets employ a dynamic and unpredictable style, characterized by unorthodox plays and a high volume of three-point attempts. They currently lead the league in three-pointers made and are second in attempts, with a third-best shooting percentage of 38%. Ten players on the roster now make at least one three-pointer per game, seven exceeding the league average.

The starting lineup of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté is statistically the most dominant in the league, boasting a plus-13 point differential per 100 possessions. Rookie Kon Knueppel has emerged as a standout performer, leading the league in three-pointers made and setting records for rookie three-point shooting. LaMelo Ball continues to be a prolific playmaker, averaging at least 19 points, seven assists, and three three-pointers per game, a stat line shared only by Luka Dončić, James Harden, and Jamal Murray.

The Hornets, the third-youngest team in the NBA, currently hold a tenth-place position in the Eastern Conference, with a playoff play-in berth within reach. With twelve games remaining, a push for a top-six seed, guaranteeing automatic playoff qualification, is also considered possible.

“I observe them every day,” said Dell Curry. “I see how hard they work, how hungry they are. The club culture is changing in real time. Something big can come from this team.”