Can the Charlotte Hornets fix this issue?

The Charlotte Hornets haven't made the playoffs since 2016. That drought will likely continue this season, as the Hornets don't have enough talent to make the 2026 playoffs. 

While Charlotte could be fun to watch with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller leading the way, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes the team's "interior quality" is a big issue. 

"Just last season, the Hornets arguably had three different starting-caliber centers on the roster at different times: Mark Williams, Nick Richards and Jusuf Nurkić," Buckley wrote. "All three have since bounced out of Buzz City, leaving Charlotte without a clear candidate to fill the first-team 5 spot on opening night.

"Veteran Mason Plumlee could get the nod by default, but it would behoove the Hornets to at least let their younger bigs have a crack at it. Moussa Diabaté is a big-time rebounder (especially on the offensive end), and rookie second-rounder Ryan Kalkbrenner was a historically decorated defender at Creighton. While all three could find rotation minutes elsewhere, this is one of the few places where they would factor into the starting conversation."

The Hornets are widely expected to start Ball, Kon Knueppel, Miller, Miles Bridges and Diabate this season. Head coach Charles Lee is entering Year 2 with the organization. 

Charlotte won only 19 games last season. The franchise hasn't had a winning record since the 2021-22 season (43-39).

The Hornets selected Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Ball won the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year Award and made the 2022 All-Star team, but Charlotte is only 98-133 when the point guard plays.

If you're expecting the Hornets to be competitive this season, don't hold your breath. The roster is still a long ways away from being good enough to even be a play-in squad.