Are the Charlotte Hornets truly ready to make a big jump this coming NBA season?

The Charlotte Hornets finally appear to be headed in the right direction, as they have assembled a rather impressive group of young players that includes LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel. But how much better will they be during the 2025-26 NBA campaign?

The Hornets won 19 games last season, so improving upon last year's record shouldn't be viewed as much of an accomplishment. Actually making a push for a playoff spot in the weak Eastern Conference, however, would certainly be something on which Charlotte could hang its head.

However, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes isn't viewing any such run from the Hornets this year, predicting Charles Lee's squad to go 31-51. Why? Because he doesn't trust Ball to stay on the floor.

"LaMelo Ball is among the most exciting offensive creators in the league, but his health record has also reached the point where we have to expect him to miss significant time," Hughes wrote. "If Ball is healthy, Charlotte's surrounding talent and improved shooting should allow for more than 31 wins. A Play-In berth might even be possible if Kon Knueppel pops as a rookie, and if Brandon Miller takes a step forward in his third season. More likely, Ball will miss time, Charlotte's young players will take more lumps and one of the worst center rotations in the league will lead to ghastly defensive numbers."

Hughes unfortunately makes a good point.

Ball was limited to just 47 games last season and underwent both ankle and wrist procedures. He has only appeared in 60 contests once in his professional career, which came in Year 2 when he made the All-Star team in 2021-22.

The last three years, Ball has played in a combined 105 games, so Hughes is right in that we probably have to expect the 24-year-old to miss some time.

When he was on the floor last season, Ball averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists and 4.9 rebounds over 32 minutes per game on 40.5/33.9/84.3 shooting splits. The percentages could obviously stand to improve, but you have to appreciate Ball's all-around stat line.

Of course, if Ball can't stay healthy, his superb overall talent is rendered mostly moot.