Surprise Draft Masterclass: Charlotte Hornets May Have Quietly Won the 2025 NBA Lottery
It’s not a sentence that’s been said very often — but here it is: the Charlotte Hornets may have just crushed the 2025 NBA Draft.
In a franchise known more for draft missteps than milestones, the Hornets have suddenly flipped the script. With a well-rounded, high-upside rookie class, Charlotte appears to have pulled off one of the most quietly impressive draft hauls in recent memory — and it’s got fans and analysts doing a double take.
A Franchise With a Bumpy Past
The Hornets’ journey through NBA history has been anything but smooth. From the original squad led by Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, and Muggsy Bogues to the controversial relocation to New Orleans, and the rebranding rollercoaster that followed with the Bobcats and eventual return of the Hornets brand, Charlotte has had more identity shifts than playoff wins.
Consistently overlooked in free agency and often underwhelming at the draft table, the franchise has struggled to find a winning formula — until now.
The Core Is Taking Shape
Despite injuries, LaMelo Ball remains one of the NBA’s most dynamic young stars. Brandon Miller, the 2023 No. 2 overall pick, took a major leap in his sophomore season, averaging 21 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game before injury cut his season short. That duo alone gives Charlotte a foundation — but it’s this year’s draft class that may turn the tide.
A Draft Night to Remember
During the 2025 NBA Draft, Charlotte added four players who could play pivotal roles in the team’s evolution: Kon Knueppel, Sion James, Liam McNeeley, and Ryan Kalkbrenner. While none were selected in the top five, the collective potential of this group is turning heads around the league.
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Kon Knueppel, the Duke sharpshooter, brings immediate offensive firepower. Though some critics knock his athleticism, his basketball IQ, toughness, and effort on the defensive end are underrated. Knueppel has been labeled a “high-floor” player — and one who’s hungry to prove doubters wrong.
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Sion James is a defensive specialist with strong instincts and versatility. Known for his perimeter defense and ability to guard multiple positions, he gives Charlotte a needed edge on that end of the floor.
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Liam McNeeley, out of UConn, is a crafty scorer and skilled shot creator. He has the tools to become a matchup problem for opponents, especially in a system that allows him to play with pace and space.
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Ryan Kalkbrenner, the towering big man from Creighton, is the crown jewel of this group defensively. A four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year — a feat matched only by the legendary Patrick Ewing — Kalkbrenner is a shot-blocking, paint-patrolling anchor with an expanding offensive game. Many believed he was a first-round talent, and the Hornets may have struck gold by snagging him later than expected.
Culture Shift in the Queen City?
Charlotte’s draft success isn’t just about talent acquisition — it signals a potential culture shift. For years, the Hornets have lacked a clear identity. With this new core, they may finally be building a roster that reflects modern NBA principles: spacing, toughness, versatility, and two-way effort.
Knueppel, often criticized for defensive limitations, addressed the skepticism head-on in a recent interview with WFNZ:
“It’s nothing I haven’t heard before. I’m gonna keep working hard and trying to get better overall in my game. That’s worked out for me so far, and I have full confidence that it’ll keep working out for me going forward.”
This mindset — paired with undeniable skill and an underdog edge — could endear him to Charlotte fans quickly. And if the rest of this rookie class follows suit, the Hornets may be on their way to building something meaningful.
No Guarantees, But Real Hope
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the NBA. Potential must translate to production. But for once, Charlotte isn’t walking away from draft night with question marks and regret. Instead, they’re fielding optimism — real, tangible hope — and that’s a refreshing change.
If these rookies develop the way scouts believe they can, and if LaMelo and Miller stay healthy, the Hornets could emerge as one of the most exciting young teams in the league — perhaps even a playoff threat sooner than expected.
Keep your eyes on the Queen City. Because for the first time in a long time, the Charlotte Hornets might actually be building a winner.
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