Charlotte Hornets Embrace Patience and Rebuild for Long-Term Success

New leadership brings a fresh approach to the struggling NBA franchise, focusing on culture and player development over quick fixes.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:20pm

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After years of consistent losing and cycling through coaches and rosters, the Charlotte Hornets are taking a new approach under general manager Jeff Peterson and head coach Charles Lee. Rather than chasing short-term wins, the team is focused on building a sustainable culture of accountability, consistency, and belief - even if that means more losses in the near term. Key moves like acquiring veteran Pat Connaughton as a mentor and giving opportunities to young players like Moussa Diabate signal a shift in the Hornets' strategy, prioritizing long-term growth over immediate results.

Why it matters

The Hornets have been one of the NBA's perennial cellar-dwellers, never making it past the conference finals in their 36-year history. This new approach represents a significant departure from the franchise's past, where losing was expected and quick fixes were the norm. By committing to patience and player development, the Hornets are hoping to build a sustainable winner that can bring pride and success to the city of Charlotte for years to come.

The details

Under new leadership, the Hornets have made several moves that signal a shift in their approach. They acquired veteran guard Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz, re-signed Tre Mann, and traded center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns. In the draft, they selected Duke's Kon Knueppel and Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner. One of the most telling moves was acquiring veteran Pat Connaughton from the Milwaukee Bucks, even though Connaughton was told he may not make the final roster. This emphasis on culture, accountability, and player development over immediate results is a stark contrast to the Hornets' past approaches.

  • The Hornets missed the playoffs at the end of the Obama Administration, their last postseason appearance.
  • In the 2025-26 season, the Hornets made several key roster moves to reshape the team's direction.

The players

Jeff Peterson

The Hornets' general manager, who has prioritized patience and long-term planning over quick fixes.

Charles Lee

The Hornets' head coach, who is working with Peterson to instill a new culture and identity in the team.

Moussa Diabate

A two-way player who emerged as an important part of the Hornets' future plans during the 2025-26 season.

Pat Connaughton

A veteran player acquired by the Hornets in a salary dump, who has embraced the team's focus on culture and accountability.

Kon Knueppel

The Hornets' first-round draft pick in 2025, a Duke product who is part of the team's long-term plans.

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What they’re saying

“It starts with your daily habits and at the end of the day if we can look at each other and say 'Hey, we have each other's backs', we're embracing the adversity on a day-by-day, week-by-week, month-by-month basis and we are competing consistently we're gonna be a team that goes out there that the city of Charlotte can be proud to represent, and we'll be representing them no matter where we are across the year within the league.”

— Pat Connaughton, Veteran Player

What’s next

The Hornets will look to continue building their roster and culture through the 2026 NBA Draft, where they hold several picks, and free agency. The team's progress will be closely watched as they aim to end their long playoff drought and establish a sustainable path to success.

The takeaway

The Hornets' new approach, emphasizing patience, player development, and a strong team culture, represents a significant shift from the franchise's past. While it may mean more losses in the short term, the team is hoping to build a foundation that can lead to long-term success and pride for the city of Charlotte.