The Charlotte Hornets had a disappointing preseason, as turnover woes contributed to their 1-3 record. So too did injuries, as Coby White, Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams missed the entire preseason due to various injuries. That said, taking into consideration what we saw during the preseason, what might Charlotte's depth chart look like during the 2026-27 season?
Predicting the Hornets' depth chart (after preseason play)
Point Guard
- Starter: Coby White
- Dennis Schroder
- Christian Anderson Jr.
- Sion James
- Kylan Boswell (Two-way)
Not much changes in regard to the point guard position. Christian Anderson Jr. played well in his two preseason contests, while Sion James showed himself as an improved shooter and ball-handler throughout the season.
Shooting Guard
- Starter: Kon Knueppel
- Grayson Allen
- Sion James
- Coby White
- Christian
Anderson Jr.
- Kylan Boswell (Two-way)
When healthy, Kon Knueppel and Grayson Allen will be playing the bulk of the minutes at the shooting guard position. Sion James will be sprinkled in as well. So too will Coby White and Christian Anderson Jr. when the Hornets play two guard lineups with Dennis Schroder bringing the ball up.
Small Forward
- Starter: Brandon Miller
- Royce O'Neale
- Liam McNeeley
- Tidjane Salaun
- Michael Ajayi (Two-way)
- Grayson Allen
Based on what we saw during the preseason, Liam McNeeley seems in line for an increased role after playing in only 31 games as a rookie. Michael Ajayi also saw healthy minutes during the preseason and could potentially pass Tidjane Salaun if he continues to perform.
Power Forward
- Starter: Naz Reid
- Moussa Diabate
- Grant Williams
- Tidjane Salaun
- Michael Ajayi (Two-way)
- PJ Hall (Two-way)
With Grant Williams sidelined due to injury, Naz Reid is Charlotte's only true power forward. Moussa Diabate is capable of playing the position in bigger lineups, while Salaun and Ajayi can do so in smaller lineups.
Center
- Starter: Moussa Diabate
- Ryan Kalkbrenner
- Hannes Steinbach
- Naz Reid
- PJ Hall (Two-way)
While Ryan Kalkbrenner appears to be the clear No. 2 at center, it may not take Hannes Steinbach very long to take that position. Additionally, five-out lineups with Naz Reid as the center, surrounded by Charlotte's incredible 3-point shooting, should be highly effective.
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This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Predicting the Charlotte Hornets depth chart following preseason play
