This is a brutal ranking. 

One NBA analyst thinks the Charlotte Hornets are the fourth-worst team in the league. 

Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report ranked the Hornets 27th in his NBA power rankings entering the 2025-26 preseason. 

Charlotte went 19-63 last season. The franchise hasn't made the playoffs since 2016. 

The Hornets are led by LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and rookie Kon Knueppel. 

It would shock everyone in NBA circles if Charlotte had a winning record or made the playoffs this season. The roster still needs a lot of work. 

Ball and Miller only appeared in 20 games together last season due to injuries. Miller underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist in January. The forward played in 27 games last season.

Ball, who played in 47 games in 2024-25, told reporters after practice on Tuesday that it was great to have Miller by his side again. 

"6'9'', 6'10'' guard. So whenever you got that out there, it's amazing for real," Ball said. "I mean, he can do it all. So it's amazing to have that out there."

The Hornets went 7-13 last season when Ball and Miller were in the lineup. Charlotte's front office and fans hope that record is much better this season. 

For the Hornets to make the playoffs this season for the first time since 2016, Ball and Miller have to stay healthy and play at a very high level. Ball finished last season with averages of 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.4 assists, while Miller put up 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. 

Ball and Miller proved last season they can be a dynamic duo. Ball averaged 30.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.6 assists next to Miller, who averaged 19.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists alongside LaMelo.