Hornets reporter Rod Boone delivers content you can't get anywhere else, from deep-dive analysis of the young core to the latest locker room buzz. A Charlotte Observer subscription gives you the best access to breaking news and exclusive player interviews. By DIAMOND VENCES
The Charlotte Hornets are immersed in new territory and have a legitimate shot at ending the NBA’s longest playoff drought.
Still, plenty of questions surround the team as always.
In this latest reader mailbag, we answer questions about the franchise’s shift in culture, Tre Mann’s future with the team, whether the Hornets and LaMelo Ball are committed to each other and more:
Owners responsible for turnaround
Opposite_Procedure60 asks on Reddit: Who are the most underrated contributors to the Hornets’ recent change of form? Are there coaching staff, support staff, players that don’t grab the spotlight, but you feel have been really important to the recent wins?
Honestly, there are a lot of people who are responsible for the turnaround. It starts at the top with ownership. Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin weren’t just giving the fans lip service when they said they want the Hornets to be the premier franchise in the NBA.
Obviously, it’s going to take a long time for that to be able to happen given the Hornets’ history, but changing the culture is the most important thing. The roster and staff decisions made by president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson have put the Hornets in position to be successful and assistant GM Dotun Akinwale should also be commended for being so determined on members of the Hornets’ impressive 2025 draft class.
Co-owners of the Charlotte Hornets Gabe Plotkin (left) and Rick Schnall express excitement about the city’s approval of the team’s practice facility at the groundbreaking on March 27, 2025. DIAMOND VENCES dvences@charlotteobserver.com
Culture change
Chlorinetablet asks on Reddit: What can you tell us about how you see the culture has changed since the new ownership and staff have been in place?
When it comes to the Hornets it’s really about, as you mentioned, communication. Not only to the fans, but more importantly, each other. There’s a real accountability among the players and staff and everyone is focused on the main goal. And that’s winning.
Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee reacts during the first half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 3, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Matt Kelley For the Observer
There’s been more than a decade of losing around here in terms of no postseason berth, and the only way to change that is for everyone to buy into what the organization is trying to do as a whole. Having a head coach and GM aligned in the fashion that Charles Lee and Jeff Peterson are has also really been beneficial.
Summer of 2026
Buzzcitybonehead asks on Reddit: With the team appearing to be ahead of schedule on becoming good, do you expect moves this summer to really compete in 2026-27, or should we expect to see another year of adding youth and potential for the future?
From this vantage point, next year — which will be the third with the combination of Jeff Peterson and Charles Lee — is the year the Hornets try to take a big leap forward. Exactly what that looks like remains to be seen.
But they will try to find the right players to put around the core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel to make sure that when they get to the postseason, which obviously will be the goal, they have key players who will be unwavering in the spotlight.
Peterson’s timeline hasn’t changed. He’s been very methodical in his approach.
If anything, their 2025 draft class being as good as it’s been will help shape the roster for the future because of players’ salaries. That gives the Hornets financial flexibility to make moves, leaving them in a good position.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball brings the ball up during action against the Houston Rockets at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Feb. 19, 2026. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
LaMelo Ball
Amaz0nCr1me asks on Reddit: How long do the Hornets seem committed to LaMelo Ball? Any possibility of him being shopped?
This question comes up a lot and still not really sure why, especially now that he’s shown he can be healthy. There is no player who captivates Hornets fans, NBA fans, social media and all in this market the way LaMelo does.
He’s stated repeatedly to The Charlotte Observer that he enjoys it here. Why would the Hornets want to part with him? Unless something dramatic happens to fracture their relationship, the two will be intertwined for the foreseeable future.
Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann, right, dives after a loose ball as Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, left, looks on during action at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Feb. 19, 2026. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Tre Mann
Vegetable_Walrus_498 asks on Reddit: What’s your take on Tre Mann’s future with the team?
That will be something to keep an eye on in the offseason. Obviously, his minutes have decreased dramatically and he has several DNPs. The goal for any player is to be on the court and Mann is no different.
With Coby White’s addition and the Hornets hopeful to re-sign him in the offseason, along with the solid play of rookie Sion James, there is not much of a role for Mann in Charles Lee’s main rotation. So a heart-to-heart discussion after the season with both parties to figure out what makes most sense for the future is forthcoming.