Ryan Kalkbrenner has Quieted on of the Hornets Main Position Concerns Coming into the Season.

The Hornets’ 111-100 win over the Bucks delivered a clear headline: Ryan Kalkbrenner has turned the team’s biggest preseason concern into one of its early-season strengths.

Coming into the year, Charlotte’s center position was a legitimate worry. After the loss of Mark Williams (again) the Hornets were not sure what they would be getting from the five spot, this year. 

You knew you might have a decent option in Moussa Diabate, but not so much if Ryan Kalkbrenner would be ready from the jump out of Creighton. He had the size, but obviously not the NBA experience yet. 

Starting Ryan Kalkbrenner from opening night on, Charles Lee showed a strong trust in the rookie which has been a theme for the Charlotte Hornets this season. And in response, Ryan Kalkbrenner has been spectacular.

Against Milwaukee’s size and physicality, Kalkbrenner played like a true foundational piece. He wasn’t just contesting shots—he was altering the way Milwaukee attacked the paint. His presence alone shrunk driving lanes and allowed Charlotte’s wings to defend more aggressively.

Offensively, he's given Charlotte such a consistent stability that seems to be getting even better. Against the Bucks he finished with a near double-double going for 17 points and 9 rebounds. 

You're also getting terrific output from Moussa Diabate off the bench, adding some depth to the position. He had 7 points and 13 rebounds on the night.

The win against the Bucks also snapped a three game losing streak for the Hornets and more importantly the Hornets did something that they have been struggling to do of late. They maintained what they had built in the first half. 

So many times this year, the Hornets have hung with good teams in the first half, but collapse in the second. Last night the Hornets kept the foot on the gas.

Mind you, there was no Giannis last night, but on the Hornets side, there was no Brandon Miller and Lamelo missed his fifth straight game.

The Hornets will now travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks in an NBA Cup matchup. Lamelo Ball was disignated to practice with the Greensboro Swarm the other day, so there is a strong likelihood we'll see him back out there on Friday night.