The Charlotte Hornets impressed a lot of people with their roster moves this summer. However, they did not receive a single vote among the 20 coaches, scouts, and executives interviewed by ESPN when asked which team had the best offseason. The squad that got the highest votes was the Atlanta Hawks, and what they have done in the past weeks should serve as a lesson for the Hornets.
In Charlotte's defense, it managed to maximize the value of its 2025 draft picks and get rid of some unwanted contracts by turning them into assets.
It's worth noting, though, that most of the franchise's decisions have been engineered with the future in mind. On the other hand, the Hawks have sought to capitalize on Trae Young's prime, bringing in players with the potential to complement the star on the floor.
Most crucial among their acquisitions is 2024 NBA champion Kristaps Porzingis. When healthy, he can be elite on both ends of the floor. The big man's multifaceted abilities on offense should allow Young more space to operate as a shot creator and playmaker. At the same time, his interior defense is sturdy enough to anchor Atlanta's previously porous perimeter defense.
The Hawks snagging Nickeil Alexander-Walker at a cheap price also deserves commendation. Charlotte should be kicking itself for losing out on a proven two-way wing player who had a key role in the Minnesota Timberwolves' two consecutive Western Conference Finals runs.
Other moves that could potentially elevate Atlanta are bringing in Luke Kennard, drafting Asa Newell, and creating one of the deepest bench units in the East, all while adding a possible lottery pick in the 2026 draft.
Hornets will one day be in Hawks' place
The Hawks did not merely luck into acquiring important assets this summer. They made sure to maintain financial flexibility and pounced on desperate or financially-strapped teams in the trade market.
For instance, the Boston Celtics are set to miss Jayson Tatum for what could be the whole season and were on the second luxury tax apron, leaving them no choice but to ship out some of their core pieces, including Porzingis. Atlanta had no problem taking on his contract. The Wolves faced a similar predicament, having no choice but to let Alexander-Walker walk out the door because they had no more room to re-sign him.
Perhaps Charlotte should take a page out of its division rival's book, ensuring that it has enough space in the following summers to steal players from other squads who cannot afford to retain or sign them.
The Hornets have to keep in mind that LaMelo Ball is about to hit his prime, with Brandon Miller following suit not long after. It is imperative, then, that the front office does everything within its means to supply the pair with a competent supporting cast. That entails continuing to conduct shrewd roster decisions in the years to come, particularly during the offseason.