Hornets Go All-In on Grit and Growth, Add Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner to Complete Draft Haul
The Charlotte Hornets continued their methodical rebuild during the 2025 NBA Draft, using their second-round capital to add more maturity, intelligence, and toughness to a young and evolving roster. Holding two early picks on the second day of the draft, the Hornets selected Duke’s Sion James at No. 33 and Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner at No. 34—solidifying a draft class that now includes four promising additions.
After taking Duke sharpshooter Kon Knueppel with the No. 4 overall pick and snagging UConn’s Liam McNeeley at No. 29, Charlotte doubled down on experience and versatility with Thursday’s second-round selections. Despite last-minute trade activity by Boston and Minnesota, the Hornets remained calm, confident they’d still land their preferred targets.
“Fortunately, we are at the top of the second round, which I like both of those picks a lot,” said Jeff Peterson, president of basketball operations. “We can get a couple of really good players.”
Even when the Celtics and Timberwolves jumped ahead in the order through deals with Phoenix and Orlando, Peterson wasn’t rattled.
“I felt pretty good they weren’t going to take the guys we wanted,” he said post-draft. “So, at that point, it really didn’t faze us.”
Sion James Brings Defense, Versatility, and Leadership
At No. 33, the Hornets selected Sion James—a 6-foot-6 guard who made an immediate impact in his lone season at Duke. A transfer from Tulane, James posted 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, shooting 51.6% from the field and an impressive 41% from beyond the arc. But it was his defense that truly turned heads, earning him a spot on the ACC All-Defensive Team.
More than just a stat sheet stuffer, James is a leader, a grinder, and a high-IQ player who understands the assignment on both ends of the floor. His experience at Tulane, where he averaged over 34 minutes per game across four seasons, speaks volumes about his stamina, mental toughness, and durability.
“I’m super excited to get up to Charlotte to get working,” said James. “From the beginning, everyone was very straightforward with me about the organization. And then especially having Kon [Knueppel] there, too—I love him. I called him already. I’ll be giving him a big old hug when I see him.”
That chemistry could prove valuable as the Hornets establish a foundation around hungry, intelligent, and team-first players.
Ryan Kalkbrenner Gives Charlotte a Towering Presence
Just one pick later, the Hornets addressed their frontcourt need following the trade of center Mark Williams to the Suns. They selected Ryan Kalkbrenner—a 7-foot-1, 270-pound force out of Creighton who dominated the paint on both ends of the court during his super senior season.
Kalkbrenner averaged 19.4 points, 9 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 1.4 assists while shooting a staggering 65.8% from the field. He ranks second all-time in Creighton history in points (2,443), rebounds (1,146), blocks (399), and field goal percentage. Nationally, he finished second in made field goals, third in blocked shots, and fourth in field goal percentage—making a strong case for his Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award.
Despite those credentials, some scouts have raised concerns about his mobility and “eye test” appeal. But Kalkbrenner is using that skepticism as fuel.
“Sometimes people see a big guy running up and down and think I don’t pass the eye test,” Kalkbrenner said in a Zoom call. “But I play my butt off. I do all the little things to win. I’m locked in every day to get better. I’m glad Charlotte recognized it and gave me an opportunity.”
The Hornets aren’t looking for flashy—they’re building a roster rooted in grit, competitiveness, and long-term growth. Kalkbrenner fits that identity perfectly.
Draft Vision Reflects Culture Shift in Charlotte
From top to bottom, the Hornets’ 2025 draft class shares a common DNA: basketball IQ, maturity, and a commitment to doing the dirty work. Jeff Peterson made it clear that character and competitiveness were driving forces behind every pick.
“At the end of the day, we are still in the building phase,” Peterson said. “And to get to where you want to go, it starts with competitors… They are mature and have been in college for some time. But the thing that they bring the most is competitiveness and their IQ. We wanted to make that a priority.”
Unlike teams stuck juggling roster limits, the Hornets have the flexibility to fully roster all four of their new players. Development remains a top priority, and the organization is willing to let these young men grow without pressure.
“Fortunately, we are not in a roster crunch,” Peterson confirmed. “So, we can roster all four… There’s going to be some nights they play and some nights maybe they are not. Maybe some nights they are with Greensboro. But it’s important to get guys in here and give them a chance to develop.”
Building a Competitive Core for the Future
The Hornets may not be immediate title contenders, but they are playing the long game—and playing it well. Drafting players like Knueppel, McNeeley, James, and Kalkbrenner gives the franchise a blend of shooting, defense, toughness, and leadership.
With the departure of key veterans and the arrival of hungry, battle-tested college standouts, the message from Charlotte is clear: this team is embracing a new identity built on culture, development, and accountability.
Whether in Charlotte or Greensboro, this draft class will be given room to grow. And if early reactions are any indication, the Hornets just laid the foundation for a competitive, cohesive core that could define the franchise for years to come.
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