The Charlotte Hornets are entering a new era in the 2026-27 season, following all the moves they made this offseason. 

The Hornets started it off right after the NBA Draft by sending All-Star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, which was a major move for their roster.

Ball was coming off a quality season, as he averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from three. It was one of the healthiest seasons of his career, as he appeared in 72 games, and Charlotte capitalized on his value by moving him for Naz Reid, an unprotected first-round pick, and three first-round pick swaps.

The Hornets are leaning into their young core led by Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller. Knueppel finished as the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year Award in the 2025-26 season, averaging 18.5 points per game along with 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 42.5 percent from deep.

Miller also played well last season, averaging 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a steal per game, shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from behind the arc.

Charlotte has surrounded Knueppel and Miller with additional young talent in first-round picks Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson Jr., along with some veteran acquisitions this offseason.

Despite all of the changes, Lee should have a clear starting lineup in place for opening night against the Brooklyn Nets.

PG: Coby White

SG: Kon Knueppel

SF: Brandon Miller

PF: Naz Reid

C: Moussa Diabaté

Charlotte made it clear that Coby White is going to take over the starting point guard role after trading away Ball, as they extended White on a three-year, $74 million deal.

Knueppel and Miller are the other two penciled in as starters for the 2026-27 season. The other spots should go to Reid and Diabaté to complete a quality starting five.

Reid was the centerpiece of the return for Ball, and he played well for the Timberwolves last season, averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, a steal, and a block per game, shooting 45.6 percent from the floor and 36.2 percent from downtown.

The center position is where the real debate lies with Moussa Diabaté, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Steinbach. Diabaté should be the starter for the Hornets after averaging 7.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and a block in the 2025-26 season, while shooting 63.1 percent from the field.

While Steinbach could have more long-term potential, he is entering his rookie season, and Diabaté has proven he can be a quality rebounder and shot-blocker. Lee should kick off the season with this starting five and could move Steinbach into the starting five throughout the year if he is playing better than Diabaté.