Hornets Slide to 22nd in NBA Power Rankings
The Charlotte Hornets fell from 17th to 22nd in the weekly NBA power rankings as their sluggish start continued. The ranking was made before their loss to Detroit on November 3, 2026.
Charlotte’s roster has struggled to find its footing, managing three wins amid a difficult start. The team dropped five places in the weekly rankings after winning only once during the week, against Washington. The ranking came before the Hornets’ subsequent loss to the Detroit Pistons on November 3, 2026.
Coby White returned against Detroit but was ineffective, while Kon Knueppel remained sidelined with a hamstring injury. Brandon Miller has also struggled with his shooting efficiency. Naz Reid’s numbers have been poor, too: he was shooting 39.8% from the field, with 1.9 assists and 3.0 turnovers per game. Coach Charles Lee sat Reid for the second half against Detroit.
The Hornets have the NBA’s lowest offensive rating, 3.5 points below the next-worst team, Utah. Their defense ranks 14th, but has not made up for the offensive problems. Charlotte is also 30th in turnover percentage, assist ratio, effective field-goal percentage and true shooting percentage, and 26th in net rating and assist percentage.
Knueppel’s and White’s returns could help, but the team’s poor playmaking and shooting are broader concerns. Charlotte’s early results have highlighted the cost of losing LaMelo Ball, an elite playmaker and offensive engine, after the team expected its depth and shooting to compensate.