NBA

Buzz Thrill: Hornets Now Popular Pick to Make Playoffs After Slow Start

Winning streaks have Charlotte at .500 as the team looks to end its postseason drought.
Buzz Thrill: Hornets Now Popular Pick to Make Playoffs After Slow Start
Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets watches his shot in the first half against the Dallas Mavericks during their game at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., on March 3, 2026. Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
John E. Gibson
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The Charlotte Hornets are suddenly the darlings of the NBA.

Rookie Kon Knueppel has helped the buzzing Hornets sting opponents as the team looks to nest in a playoff spot, but he’s not the only reason Charlotte is on course for success.

John E. Gibson
John E. Gibson
Author
John E. Gibson has covered pro baseball in Japan for about 20 years and brings great knowledge and insight across the sports spectrum. His experience includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts and The Yomiuri Shimbun’s English newspaper in Tokyo.