The Hornets have started the season 4-7 despite LaMelo Ball playing in only six games and Brandon Miller appearing in two games. 

Charlotte got an impressive win against the Bucks on November 12, winning by a final score of 111-100. 

It's not much, but NBA writer Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report moved the Hornets from 23 to 22 in his latest power rankings. 

"LaMelo Ball has missed the last five games, the Charlotte Hornets have dropped three of their last four, and the team is firmly back into the lottery range of the standings," Bailey wrote. "In other words, things are getting back to normal.

"The difference this year could be Kon Knueppel, who's suddenly flashing genuine star potential in the absence of Ball. In the five games without the Charlotte superstar, the rookie is averaging 21.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists, while shooting 37.0 percent from deep."

The Hornets haven't made the playoffs since 2016. They haven't had a winning record since the 2021-22 season. Neither of those streaks will likely be broken this season. 

At least the Hornets have a bright spot in Knueppel, the rookie sharpshooter who is averaging 16.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 44.6% from the field, 39.8% from beyond the arc and 88.9% from the free-throw line. 

Charlotte is 16th in the NBA in points per game, 22nd in points per game allowed, 11th in offensive rating, 24th in defensive rating and 21st in net rating. It's unknown when Ball (ankle) and Miller (shoulder) will play again. 

While Ball and Miller are out, Knueppel will continue to receive a high usage rate for head coach Charles Lee. That's the best way for the youngster to develop in the NBA. 

There are some people in the NBA who believe that the Hornets should trade Ball and Miles Bridges and fully build around Knueppel and Miller. It will be fascinating to see if that happens.