​Following their defeat to Orlando in the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Charlotte Hornets kicked off their 2026 NBA Summer League campaign against the Magic, aiming to defend the summer league crown they won the previous year. Although Kon Knueppel isn’t on Charlotte’s roster this season, the team boasts a solid blend of rookies and veterans, highlighted by Liam McNeeley, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Tidjane Salaun, and Sion James.
McNeeley emerged as the standout performer in Thursday’s opener, racking up 28 points on 9-for-18 shooting. He was particularly lethal from three-point range, converting 7 of his 8 attempts from beyond the arc. Another bright spot was Hannes Steinbach, the recent No. 14 overall pick, who delivered a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, along with two assists, two blocks, and two steals. Kalkbrenner also left a positive impression, showcasing improved playmaking alongside solid production, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and five assists.
The Hornets’ next game is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, against the New Orleans Pelicans. This summer league run serves not only as a showcase for their young talents but also as a platform to build chemistry and continuity ahead of the regular season.
This preview and recap are drawn from Rookie Wire’s coverage of the summer league opener, which highlighted the Hornets’ performance and the contributions from their developing roster.