Doc Rivers Bullish on Hornets' Present, Not Just Future

Veteran coach praises Charlotte's rapid turnaround and emergence as a contender this season

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:51pm

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NBA coaching legend Doc Rivers recently praised the Charlotte Hornets, highlighting their remarkable in-season transformation from a struggling team to one of the best in the league. Rivers singled out the impact of rookie Kon Knueppel in changing the team's culture, the breakout season of Brandon Miller, and the shrewd lineup adjustments made by coach Charles Lee.

Why it matters

The Hornets' rapid rise has been one of the feel-good stories of the NBA season, as they've overcome a disastrous start to become a legitimate playoff contender. Rivers' glowing assessment underscores just how far this team has come and cements their status as a force to be reckoned with, not just in the future, but right now.

The details

Rivers praised rookie Kon Knueppel for his ability to 'change the culture' of the Hornets through his actions, noting that veteran stars like Kevin Garnett have that same quality. He also highlighted the breakout season of Brandon Miller, who has been more efficient despite his stats mirroring last year. Additionally, Rivers credited coach Charles Lee for inserting Moussa Diabate into the starting lineup, a move that has paid dividends with Diabate's defensive prowess and offensive rebounding.

  • The Hornets will face the Magic in the final Play-In game in the Eastern Conference tonight.

The players

Kon Knueppel

Rookie who has helped change the Hornets' culture through his actions.

LaMelo Ball

Hornets star who has been a key part of the team's surge.

Miles Bridges

Hornets star who has been a key part of the team's surge.

Brandon Miller

Hornets player who has had a breakout season, though his contributions have been overshadowed.

Moussa Diabate

Hornets player who has made a significant impact since being inserted into the starting lineup, providing defensive intensity and offensive rebounding.

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What they’re saying

“Kon (Knueppel) changed their culture. There are certain players that have the ability, Kevin Garnett, to walk in and change the culture without words, but with his actions. Kon has done that, and now LaMelo (Ball) and all the other guys are doing it as well. They've bought into that.”

— Doc Rivers, NBA Coaching Legend

“You could make a case, early in the year, Charlotte was probably thinking about moving guys, moving LaMelo, moving (Miles) Bridges, and now you watch them, they're playing like winners. (Brandon) Miller should be up for Most Improved Player... but all that comes from winning and playing the right way.”

— Doc Rivers, NBA Coaching Legend

“The sneakiest move that Charles (Lee) made was putting (Moussa) Diabate in the starting lineup. He was a glue guy defensively, and he is as good as anybody in the league offensive rebounding. He's a terror on the glass. I know LaMelo played great, Bridges, but he won that game against Miami. He kept giving them extra shots, and that's invaluable.”

— Doc Rivers, NBA Coaching Legend

“They are good. They're here... they're here right now.”

— Doc Rivers, NBA Coaching Legend

What’s next

The Hornets will face the Magic in the final Play-In game in the Eastern Conference tonight, with the winner advancing to the playoffs.

The takeaway

Doc Rivers' glowing assessment of the Hornets underscores just how far this team has come in a short period of time, transforming from a struggling squad to a legitimate contender. The Hornets' rapid rise has been one of the feel-good stories of the NBA season, and they have proven they are a force to be reckoned with, not just in the future, but right now.