LaMelo Ball provided detailed scouting insights before the Hornets drafted Kon Knueppel with the fourth pick in 2025. Knueppel and Ball form a dynamic 3-point shooting duo, fueling Charlotte's 44-win turnaround in 2026. The Hornets are two wins from ending a nine-year playoff drought with a strong play-in tournament push. Charlotte adopted an uptempo offense inspired by Indiana’s style under coach Charles Lee’s guidance. The team embraced a physical, no-retreat mentality, highlighted by a brawl with Detroit in February.