By September 30, 2025
The Charlotte Hornets held their annual Media Day ahead of training camp at Queens University, which begins this week. For fans, it was the first chance to hear from stars LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller after a long offseason.
Rather than watching every press conference clip, here are some of the most interesting quotes and storylines from each player and coach who spoke at the podium.
Jeff Peterson: “Josh Green and Grant Williams do not have a definitive timeline to return.”
Anyone hoping for a clear return date for Green or Williams was left disappointed. The Hornets’ new regime has remained deliberately vague on injury timelines, likely to avoid scrutiny if players don’t return as projected. Williams had ACL surgery in November 2024, while Green underwent shoulder surgery this past June. With no updates provided, it’s safe to assume both will miss training camp and preseason.
Charles Lee: “We have great guard depth, a ton of playmakers who can get a piece of the paint”
The Hornets ranked 30th in transition efficiency and were bottom five in pace last season, contributing to their league-worst offense. Lee believes the team’s guard depth can change that. He emphasized pushing the ball quicker, advancing with the pass, and attacking with purpose in transition. Multiple players echoed this sentiment, and they expect pace of play to be a consistent theme throughout training camp.
Brandon Miller: “I’ve been practicing with wrist tape on”
Miller has been advised to use extra wrist support after surgery on his shooting hand. He mentioned that he used to tape his wrists in high school, so he doesn’t see it as an issue. The good news: he’s fully cleared for training camp.
LaMelo Ball: “Stronger all around”
Both Ball and Lee revealed that LaMelo set multiple records in the weight room this summer, improving both his upper- and lower-body strength. Lee noted that Ball wore down physically at times last season against tough defenses, making this a key area of development.
Collin Sexton: “One thing I bring each and every day — whether it’s storming or sunshine — is my leadership. My energy is contagious”
Charlotte’s biggest offseason addition has already made an impression. With veterans Taj Gibson and Seth Curry no longer on the roster, Sexton’s leadership could prove vital for one of the league’s youngest teams.
Kon Knueppel: “He (Grant Williams) makes a young guy feel comfortable”
Knueppel praised Williams’ mentorship, noting his leadership and presence around the team even while recovering from injury.
Tre Mann: “I hope to be taking more catch-and-shoot threes this year”
Mann leaned heavily on pull-up threes last season, but Lee wants him to take more spot-up shots to fit better alongside the other ball handlers. Mann appears on board with the adjustment.
Spencer Dinwiddie: “I don’t see us having bottom third or lower talent level”
Dinwiddie believes Charlotte’s roster is stronger than its reputation, citing injuries as the primary reason for the team’s recent struggles. If the Hornets stay healthy, he thinks they could surprise and contend for a play-in spot.
Josh Green: “The shoulder injury was something I was dealing with last season”
Green’s first year in Charlotte was underwhelming, but now it’s clear he was playing through an injury. That context could explain his tentative play and lack of confidence on offense.
Miles Bridges: “I’m in the best shape of my life”
The line can be a preseason cliché, but Bridges backed it up, explaining how he emphasized conditioning this summer after a sluggish start last year. He also noted that LaMelo Ball has been in the gym even more than him — a strong sign of Ball’s offseason dedication.
Moussa Diabate: “I would play point guard if it gets me on the floor”
Asked about playing power forward alongside another traditional big, Diabate seemed open to any role. Lee had earlier mentioned the challenge of rim protection when Diabate switches to the perimeter, which could be addressed by pairing him with a true rim protector like Kalkbrenner or Plumlee. Could Charlotte’s offense handle such limited floor spacing?
Ryan Kalkbrenner: “I’m unsure what he has planned”
When asked whether the three-point shot would be part of his game this season, Kalkbrenner admitted he wasn’t certain about Charles Lee’s plans for him. He said he feels confident shooting from deep but will ultimately defer to Lee’s vision for his role.
KJ Simpson: “Current KJ would kill rookie KJ in a game”
After rehabbing a hamstring injury last summer, Simpson says he feels much stronger physically and mentally this year. Reflecting on his progress, he’s confident he has made significant strides since entering the league.
Liam McNeeley: “I bought a lot of Legos. An unhealthy amount of Legos”
While Knueppel bought a Ford Explorer and an apartment, McNeeley invested in Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Willy Wonka Lego sets — and plans to add even more. Off-court hobbies like these can provide a healthy distraction during the grind of an NBA season. Myles Turner has shown there’s room in the league for Lego collectors who also perform on the court.
Pat Connaughton: “Let’s see”
When asked about his chances of making the roster, Connaughton stayed positive. The veteran has built an 11-year career on being a reliable teammate — a notable achievement for a former second-round pick. He didn’t speak like someone without a shot at the roster; perhaps he knows something we don’t?
Sion James: “Everybody is so sure of themselves, they all have at least one thing they’re really good at”
Adjusting to the NBA is never easy, even for an older rookie like James. So far, his biggest takeaway has been the confidence and clear strengths of his teammates.
Grant Williams: “You’ll never see me as a coach”
While Williams is a respected leader, he doesn’t see coaching in his future. Instead, he’s interested in a front-office role — possibly following in Jeff Peterson’s footsteps one day.
Tidjane Salaun (via Jeff Peterson): “He’s added a ton of strength and muscle mass. He’s also more fluid with his movements. The game has truly slowed down for him”
After a challenging rookie season, Salaun appears to have made significant strides in strength, fluidity, and his feel for the NBA game, according to Peterson.
Drew Peterson (Two-Way): “The whole team has been here for the past month, which is rare before training camp”
Players and staff repeatedly emphasized the importance of the entire team being in Charlotte consistently this summer. While this has been a preseason storyline before, the consistent message suggests this year has been one of the best in terms of attendance. Will that translate into a strong training camp and team bond? Only time will tell.
Mason Plumlee: He was excused from media day for personal reasons.
The Hornets will hold training camp from September 29 through October 4 at McAlister Fieldhouse on the campus of The Citadel. Their first preseason game will be against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, October 5 at North Charleston Coliseum.
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