Charlotte has been busy this offseason drafting four new additions to the roster along with making veteran signings to bring experience to a young core. In the 2025 offseason, the Hornets have added:

Kon Knueppel (4^th overall draft pick) Liam McNeeley (29^th overall draft pick)

Sion James (33^rd overall draft pick)

Ryan Kalkbrenner (34^th overall draft pick)

Collin Sexton (via trade)

Spencer Dinwiddie (Free Agency)

Mason Plumlee (Free Agency) 

Pat Connaughton (via trade)

Head coach Charles Lee is banking on Charlotte’s mix of youth and veterans to shake up the Eastern Conference. But the real question is, who cracks the starting lineup? The starting five should be the most cohesive unit and one that can provide shooting, defense, and players who fit different roles. On paper, the most cohesive starting five to start the season would be:

Point Guard – LaMelo Ball

Shooting Guard - Kon Knuppel

Small Forward – Brandon Miller

Power Forward – Miles Bridges 

Center – Ryan Kalkbrenner

The obvious starters are the core duo of Ball and Miller, the building blocks for Charlotte's success. Kon Knuppel showcased his entire arsenal of skills in the summer league including an elite shooting potential, decision-making, and willingness to take on the toughest perimeter defensive assignments. Miles Bridges provides flashy athleticism and slashing to create at the rim, and if he shoots the three-ball at a high clip, it will cause a lot of matchup problems. Ryan Kalkbrenner is a solid shot blocker and his ability to make threes will stretch the floor for Ball and Miller to create.

Collin Sexton should be the sixth man and offensive spark for the Hornets, a player who can come in and provide instant offense for the second unit and even close games in certain nights. 

Head coach Charles Lee will likely experiment with different starting lineups to see what combinations work the best together, but this starting five should be the most complete and complementary unit that Charlotte can put on the floor.