Hornets Center Choice Looms for Upcoming Season
The Charlotte Hornets have a number of decisions to make going into the 2025-2026 NBA season. Their three options at center are 35-year-old veteran Mason Plumlee, rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner, and energetic big man Moussa Diabaté. After bringing back Plumlee on a one-year, $3.6 million deal, the Hornets are balancing experience, youth, and versatility in deciding who will start. Plumlee is a familiar face in Charlotte, but he just finished a difficult season with the Phoenix Suns, averaging just 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds, the lowest scoring total in his 12-year career. While his size, leadership in the locker room, and experience are all useful, there’s a clear question of how much he has left in the tank at this point.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, a rookie who is transitioning from college to the NBA, is another new face for the Hornets. The seven-footer hasn’t yet experienced the nightly grind of an NBA schedule, despite showing promise in Summer League play with his rim protection and finishing skills around the hoop. It might be risky to put Kalkbrenner in the middle of the fire for a team striving for success in the Eastern Conference. However, given his youth, length, and defensive nature, he may end up being the most interesting long-term member of the three.
Next up is Moussa Diabaté, who quietly established himself in Charlotte throughout last season. Even though he is the shortest of the three possibilities, he showed tremendous enthusiasm and hustle every time he took the court, averaging 5.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in his limited minutes. Diabaté’s athleticism benefits him against smaller, quicker opponents, and his versatility allows him to keep up with faster lineups. He is a real contender for the starting position given his development over the past 12 months, particularly if the Hornets desire a more modern, switch-friendly center.
Matchups may ultimately determine the Hornets’ decision. When facing more traditional bigs, Plumlee might be chosen, but when facing faster teams, Diabaté’s agility might be needed. Kalkbrenner may start the season as a substitute, ease his way into the league, and then strive for greater playing time. It’s realistic to believe that Plumlee will be called upon on opening night, but don’t be shocked if Diabaté or perhaps Kalkbrenner begin to take center stage by the middle of the season.
