Ranking the Charlotte Hornets: Player power rankings for the 2024-25 season

Ranking how important each Hornet Is for success going into 2024-25.

Carson Cash | Oct 23, 2024

Oct 15, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) shoots the ball while being defended by New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (5) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images / John Jones-Imagn Images

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Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets enter the 2024-25 season with a roster full of young talent and a lot to prove.

As they look to make strides in a competitive Eastern Conference, which Hornets will be the most important to the team's success? Here’s a ranking of the Hornets' roster based on how important they’ll be to the team this season.

Note: KJ Simpson, DaQuan Jeffries, and new addition Jared Rhoden are not listed as they will primarily be with the Greensboro Swarm.

15. Taj Gibson

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Taj Gibson (67) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Taj Gibson will spend most of his time on the bench this season, but his veteran presence could elevate the team's understanding of what it takes to be competitive. At 39 years old and with nearly 1,000 NBA games under his belt, Gibson brings valuable wisdom and leadership that could guide the younger players.

14. Nick Smith Jr.

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nick Smith Jr. (8) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The first-round pick from Arkansas had an underwhelming rookie season, but his confidence remains evident. Nick Smith Jr. loves to shoot, and that could be crucial during stretches when the Hornets need a scoring spark from the bench. His shot-happy style might find its place in the rotation when injuries or fatigue take a toll.

13. Vasilije Micić

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Vasilije Micic (22) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Acquired from the Thunder last season, Micić has had a shaky preseason, struggling with turnovers and inconsistency. Despite that, he remains a useful playmaker, especially when LaMelo Ball needs rest. Micić will need to improve his decision-making, but he could still play an important role as a backup point guard.

12. Moussa Diabaté

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Diabaté impressed during the preseason, which is encouraging considering Mark Williams' history with injuries. Averaging 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in 18 minutes per game, Diabaté might end up being more important than expected for a third-string center. He could provide valuable minutes in the frontcourt when needed.

11. Seth Curry

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Seth Curry (30) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Seth Curry's efficient shooting was on display during the preseason. As a veteran sharpshooter, he can help the Hornets break out of shooting slumps, stretch the floor, and offer valuable mentorship to Ball and Miller, who will be taking plenty of threes this season.

10. Tidjane Salaün

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Salaün had a solid preseason, showcasing a reliable three-point shot and an ability to grab rebounds. The rookie, selected 6th overall in this year's draft, averaged 11.8 points and 7.2 rebounds on 40% from beyond the arc in preseason. He could provide meaningful minutes in the Hornets' rotation.

9. Grant Williams

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

After returning to his hometown of Charlotte last season, Grant Williams played 30 minutes per game and provided reliable scoring and defense. He will likely continue to play a large role in the second unit, adding toughness and versatility to the team. In 29 games with Charlotte last year, he averaged 13.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.

8. Cody Martin

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (11) poses for photos at Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

A defensive specialist, Cody Martin will be valuable as a backup wing. After struggling with injuries the past two seasons, his defensive mentality and ability to fit into any lineup will be crucial to Charlotte’s depth.

7. Nick Richards

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) poses for photos at Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Nick Richards had an underwhelming preseason, but his role remains critical. With Mark Williams often sidelined due to injuries, Richards will find himself as the team's go-to big man in the frontcourt at some point during the season. Without his presence, the Hornets could struggle against more physical teams.

6. Josh Green

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green (10) poses for photos at Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Josh Green is likely to start this season, and his defensive prowess will take pressure off the Hornets' star backcourt. Though Green didn’t get many opportunities with the first unit during preseason, his ability to defend multiple positions will be crucial to the team’s overall defensive efforts.

5. Tre Mann

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (23) poses for photos at Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Tre Mann made a huge leap during the preseason, averaging 16 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game. He has the potential to be a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year if he continues this level of production.

4. Mark Williams

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Mark Williams' health will be a determining factor in the Hornets' success this season. As a 7-foot defensive anchor, Williams brings rebounding and shot-blocking that Charlotte desperately needs. His availability could be the key to whether the Hornets can compete for a playoff spot.

3. Miles Bridges

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Though a 20-point-per-game scorer in the past, Miles Bridges will embrace a more complementary role this season. After signing a new contract, Bridges will be tasked with being a reliable third option in the offense, providing rim pressure and scoring behind Ball and Miller.

2. Brandon Miller

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Miller will serve as more of a 1B than a true second option on this team. After an impressive rookie season, he looks poised to continue his growth. During the preseason, Miller averaged 17.4 points on 45.3% shooting.

1. LaMelo Ball

Sep 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) during the Charlotte Hornets Media Day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

LaMelo Ball is the engine that drives this team. With Ball healthy, the Hornets have consistently been in play-in contention. Ball looked sharp in the preseason, showing no signs of rust after injuries. If he can maintain his health, Ball will be the playmaker Charlotte needs to lead them to a potential playoff spot.

The team will kick off the 2024-25 season with more talent than recent years, the question is can they put it all together?