3 Biggest Questions Around Hornets Entering 2026-27 NBA Season

The new NBA season will be starting in just a few weeks, with teams all over the league gearing up for training camp.

Media Day has now passed, giving way for the season to really get going. And for a team like the Charlotte Hornets, the goal of the upcoming season will be to continue growing.

Charlotte missed the playoffs last year, but they did appear in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament. Now, the Hornets will be looking to take that next step toward being a true contender in the East this year.

But before they can do that, the players will need to prove themselves on the court. Here are three of the biggest questions that the Hornets are facing this coming season:

1. Can Brandon Miller Take the Next Step in His Development?

Star guard LaMelo Ball is now gone, with forward Brandon Miller being the face of the franchise moving forward. Miller has done well in his career so far, but now he will be given the keys to the entire car, and that means more expectations around his game.

If Miller can step up to become the replacement for Ball as the leader and top scorer for this team, the Hornets could take that next step forward. Miller averaged over 20 points per game last season, but he will now take on more responsibility in the offense moving forward.

2. Can Naz Reid Become the Frontcourt Player Charlotte Needs?

Reid comes over to the Hornets from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the team has big plans for him. After being the Sixth Man with Minnesota, Reid will be given a starting role in Charlotte, offering him a chance to really make more of a name for himself.

The big man can impact both sides of the floor, with him being a strong defensive presence that the Hornets were missing a year ago. Reid could be one of the bigger X-Factors for this team this season, and if he can play up to expectation, the playoffs could be a thought for Charlotte.

3. Can Coby White Replace LaMelo Ball Well Enough?

With Ball gone, the Hornets will be centering the backcourt around veteran Coby White. White was traded to the Hornets at the deadline last year, and he was able to see real success in Charlotte.

This is why he decided to return to the Hornets this summer as a free agent, but he will have more responsibility on his shoulders now. White will be tasked with running the show, and how he plays will directly impact the overall ceiling of Charlotte in 2026-27.