The excitement is buzzing in Charlotte as the CSL preseason kicks off and we start a new season under a brand-new regime. A busy offseason for the Hornets saw a huge name brought in, a fan favorite sent out and a big-time piece return for the long-term. Let’s break the team down position by position and see how the rotation might break down, at least to start the preseason.
PG:
Everything in the Hornets organization starts and ends with Trae Young, the 25-year-old star. Young has been the face of the franchise for 6 years now, and while unfortunately there hasn’t been a ton in the way of playoff success, the team and city are all in on him as the centerpiece. The reality is, while Young has been a star level guard for essentially his entire career, for the Hornets to get to the next level as a contending team, Young must take the next step personally. The jump from good stats to great stats, from very good player to elite level player. The player who adds wins essentially on his own. That’s the hardest jump to make but if he can do that – he’s still only 25 – the Hornets can make that jump too.
The team also brought in Joshia Gray and Josh Magette in search of a backup for the (few) minutes Trae will need to rest. The two are expected to battle it out in preseason to determine who will be the direct backup, with the other likely to stick on the roster as a 3rd string option. Should Young suffer an injury, the team will likely just pivot to Kris Dunn starting at point.
SG:
The biggest question headed into the offseason for the Hornets was what to do with Kris Dunn, the 31-year-old backcourt running mate to Young. Young has never played with anyone else in the backcourt, but with Dunn hitting free agency on the wrong side of 30, there were legitimate questions on whether the Hornets would bring him back or try to move him in a sign-and-trade.
In the end, the Hornets quickly re-signed Dunn to a 4-year contract with a team option for the final season. The two sides were able to settle on a fair contract. It’s far enough below the max to where the Hornets felt comfortable with the salary number and an option for the 4th year when Dunn will be declining significantly. On the other side, Dunn gets a significant payday, likely the last big one of his career, and can continue being the 1B to Trae’s 1A.
Beyond Dunn, this position group is interesting. The team also re-signed Kobi Simmons, who some in the organization believe has been under-utilized to this point in his career. The team brought him back with the intention of making him a fixture in the rotation, backing up both wing spots. The Hornets also acquired Armoni Brooks from the Wizards in exchange for two second round picks, who will battle for time backing up Dunn as well. The team believes with some work, Brooks can be a legitimate scorer and shooter off the bench on a cheap contract for two seasons.
SF:
Perhaps the most interesting, and likely weakest, position group on the Hornets roster is at the three. We’ll start with their draft pick, Herbert Jones, who the team selected 10th overall. Early returns on Jones have been underwhelming, but if there’s one thing Jones can do extremely well, it’s play defense. He is immediately the best man-to-man defender on the team, a skill every team values. One that will keep him in the league for a long time, regardless of the development of his other skills. There is some untapped potential with his shooting, and if his outside shooting ever develops into the 36% from three range, Jones will have a lengthy CSL career.
The Hornets biggest free agent signing (outside of Dunn) was Dillon Brooks, the 7-year CSL veteran wing. Brooks is solid – he’s a decent shooter, a decent defender, he won’t take too many shots away from the stars and he’ll be reliable enough to stay out there. He’s a bit underwhelming as a starter, but he's likely to begin the season in that role. Look for Kobi Simmons to potentially take this spot over if Brooks disappoints.
Rounding out the small forwards are two projects: Terence Davis and Luka Samanic. The Hornets selected Davis with their 2nd round pick in this draft, and if there’s one thing he can do effectively, it’s put the ball in the basket. His outside jumper is a work in progress though, and since he doesn’t play much defense, until that jumper develops, he won’t see much CSL playing time. Samanic on the other hand, is an incredibly raw but still developing 3rd year pro, acquired from the Pistons this offseason. He made significant strides in training camp this season, but there’s still a ways to go before Samanic is a CSL rotation player.
PF:
When Dylan took over as GM, there was always going to be at least one major move to make the team his own. It happened quickly, as the Hornets acquired Stanley Johnson Jr. from the Pistons in a blockbuster trade. Johnson is a divisive player in the league, but his talent is undeniable. He’s a great scorer, an elite rebounder and has helped lead both the Pistons and Thunder to CSL championships. The Hornets wanted another scorer as they were 29th in the league in scoring last season, and Johnson will certainly bring that to the table. The team believes his fit with Trae and Dunn is clean, and that he’s the perfect third star to help try and lift this team to playoff relevancy.
Jarrell Brantley is expected to be given the chance to be the full-time backup power forward. Brantley was the 11th pick in the 2026 draft and is just a rock-solid rebounder and defender. He should fit the backup role to Johnson Jr. perfectly.
C:
Despite a few trade rumors, Jakob Poltl will remain with the Hornets for the start of the season as their starting center. Poltl is elite defensively as a man-to-man defender, a good shot blocker and a good defensive rebounder. He doesn’t provide much offensively, but this team doesn’t need him to. He’s a nice fit next to Stanley Johnson, as his strengths are Johnson’s weaknesses, and vice versa.
The Hornets also brought in Georgios Papagiannis to fill the backup center role, and he could see time at power forward as well. A surprise signing at the minimum, the Hornets believe they got a great value for a backup big man who can do a little of everything. Ray Spalding’s team option was picked up as well, and he’s an excellent rebounder who provides some decent depth, though isn’t expected to be a regular piece in the rotation.
Season Outlook:
Is it good enough to lead the Hornets to the playoffs? The east is deep and talented, and it will take good coaching, a jump from Trae Young and perhaps a midseason trade or two to get this team where it wants to go. There’s no denying there’s a good bit of talent on this team, but how it all fits together and whether Trae Young and Kris Dunn (with Stanely Johnson) are the right fit to bring this team to the next level.
