Can Charlotte Win the Southeast Division?
In Charlotte, hope has never been easy to keep. The Hornets have never won the Southeast Division since joining the NBA in 1988. They haven’t placed third since the 2021-2022 season, and they haven’t even placed second since 2001-2002. With a 19-63 record, an injured roster, and stretches of basketball that felt more like survival than competition, last year was yet another low point. However, despite the failures, this offseason has created an excitement that this team might finally turn the corner.
Charlotte’s front office took an aggressive approach this summer, determined to reshape the roster. Tre Mann was re-signed, four appealing rookies were selected, experienced big man Mason Plumlee was welcomed back, Spencer Dinwiddie was added, and Collin Sexton was acquired in a surprising deal. All of that is in addition to returning players who, when healthy, can change games, such as LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges. The Hornets’ core fell apart due to injuries this past season, but after an offseason away, hopefully these players will come back healthy to mix with a new, extensive roster rotation that could surprise a lot of people.
Though winning a division title is difficult, especially in the upcoming Southeast Division. With Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane joining the team, along with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leading the way, Orlando looks to be ready to build on their .500 season. Atlanta won’t go away quietly either, rebuilding around Trae Young with Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and a mix of exciting young talent that includes Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher, and Asa Newell.
Even though Miami didn’t do too much this summer, they did get Norman Powell. They will still be more than competitive with Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and a strong supportive group of Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jović, Kel’el Ware, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Washington, on the other hand, put a lot of effort into changing who they were. They brought in veterans like CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton, while believing in young players like Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Corey Kispert, and Cam Whitmore. No win will come easily in this group.
Still, Charlotte has direction, something they haven’t had in years. A team based on durability, spacing, and playmaking is forming together. Miller’s leap, LaMelo’s ability to remain healthy, and Sexton’s energy on both ends are three big things that won’t just help the Hornets escape the bottom of the league but also compete. They have enough depth to not collapse when injuries undoubtedly occur, and they have enough talent to take on anyone on the right night. Charlotte fans haven’t seen that in a very long time.
Realistically, winning the division is still unlikely, and it won’t be easy. However, the Hornets at least seem like a team worth watching again. After all, a positive start for a franchise that has spent decades trying to make an impression is something to talk about. This season is about growth rather than perfection. If the season does go well, though, Charlotte might just have the most surprising story in the Southeast Division.
