The youth movement is in full effect for the Charlotte Hornets. For the first time in franchise history, two rookies were in the starting lineup for the Hornets. Kon Knueppel got the start at shooting guard, which was seen to be very likely to happen.
The real question was who the starting center was going to be. I personally thought it was going to be Moussa Diabate with the experience he brings and that Ryan Kalkbrenner would start later down the road, but tonight Kalkbrenner got the nod right out of the gate.
To further nail Charles Lee's point home on the youth movement, second round pick and Kon Knueppel's teammate at Duke, Sion James, managed to check into the game in the first quarter.
One of the main expectations for the Hornets this year, being a franchise where the bar is so low, is being a fun basketball team to watch. With players like Lamelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Collin Sexton, and more, they certainly are capable of that if healthy. That continues to be the big if.
The Hornets absolutely put that "fun" on display tonight against Brooklyn. Charlotte was able to score 77 points in the first half alone. They finished by setting a new franchise record in points scored in the opener with 136. The previous best was 129 in the 2022 opener against the Spurs. Of the ten guys the Hornets played tonight, nine of them scored into double figures.
This is what a Charles Lee coached team looks like. High energy and effort. They didn't just put that high energy onto the offensive side of the ball, though. The Hornets looked terrific defense holding the Nets to 44.3% from the field.
The highly anticipated NBA debut of Kon Knueppel did not disappoint either. His first bucket was so Kon Knueppel it hurts. He got the defensive rebound and took it coast to coast, willing himself to the basket for a layup, like we saw hi do som many times last year at Duke. It was the first field goal of the game for the Hornets, as well.
We know what Kon Knueppel is known for, however. Shooting the rock. And shoot it he did. The shot from beyond the arch was pure tonight going three of four. He finished with 11 points.
The Hornets kept the foot on the gas throughout the second half riding it all the way to a 136-117 opening night win over Brooklyn.
It was business as usual for the main Hornets trio of Lamelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller. Lamelo had a quiet 20 points, but had a really impressive night eight assists. One of those coming in the first half on a beautiful alley oop to Brandon Miller which got the freshly renovated Spectrum Center rocking.
The story after tonight will continue to be the center position. Even though Ryan Kalkbrenner got the start, you could definitely tell he was a little wobbly in his debut. He opened his night with a couple of turnovers and there was a feel of uncertainness around his energy.
We should definitely take that with a grain of salt with tonight being his debut. He still has a lot to learn and figure out at this level. In the mean time, my guess is you'll see Moussa Diabate starting some games moving forward.
It also depends on matchups and how Charlotte wants to play. If you're looking for max rim protection and rebounding, then Kalkbrenner is your guy. However, with Diabate, you get much more pop and explosiveness offensively.
It was a very productive night number one for the Charlotte Hornets in their freshly renovated building and maybe a small peak into who they may become as the season unfolds.