The Charlotte Hornets are one game away from making the NBA playoffs for the first time in a decade. Since their last appearance, this franchise has gone through it all—trading away star Kemba Walker in 2019, cycling through head coaches like Steve Clifford and James Borrego, and even a change in ownership when Michael Jordan sold the team in 2023.

Everything began to shift when Charlotte drafted LaMelo Ball third overall in 2020. Since then, Ball has proven he can be a franchise point guard and elite playmaker. Although injuries have slowed him at times, this season he has stepped up as the leader the Hornets need, averaging 20 points and 7 assists per game.

While Ball leads the offense, he isn’t alone. Brandon Miller has developed into the team’s most consistent scoring threat. The 6’7” forward can guard multiple positions while shooting 40% from three and scoring efficiently in the paint, averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

Another major piece of this turnaround has been rookie Kon Knueppel. The young rookie has had a historic season shooting 42% from 3 while breaking the rookie single season 3 point record with 273. 

Now, the Hornets face the Orlando Magic with a playoff spot on the line. A win would send them forward to face the Detroit Pistons as the 8th seed. The question is simple: will this awakening continue, or is it just the beginning?