Charlotte’s front office overhaul is beginning to show returns, while Atlanta’s top pick watched from the bench, Miami found a dependable contributor, and Orlando’s coach received public support from a veteran center.
Hornets
President of basketball operations Jeff Peterson, hired in March 2024, told The Charlotte Observer he is not surprised by Charlotte’s leap forward in 2025/26. After winning just 19 games last season, the Hornets enter the final week as the Eastern Conference’s No. 9 seed. The club opened 11-23 but has gone 32-14 since January 3, powered by young pieces Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Moussa Diabate, Sion James, and Ryan Kalkbrenner.
“We implemented the process when I first got here … and we’ve been able to stick to those processes,” Peterson said. “I sleep well knowing that we had a process going into the draft, trade deadline and free agency, and we were able to execute what we wanted to execute.”
Asked about pursuing trades this summer, Peterson cautioned that deals are rarely simple. “I certainly don’t want to be in the business of overpaying for a player at this point,” he added, noting salary-matching rules and market variables.
Hawks
Rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher logged a career-low seven minutes Monday, then recorded his first DNP-CD on Wednesday in Cleveland, The Athletic reported. The former No. 1 overall pick started for most of the season but is down to 22.5 minutes per game through 65 appearances. Risacher is averaging 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting .457 from the field, .373 from three and .636 at the line. Corey Kispert took his place in the rotation Wednesday.
Heat
Miami may finish 10th and face two play-in road games, yet second-year forward Pelle Larsson has emerged as a silver lining. Head coach Erik Spoelstra called Larsson “an enhancer in every lineup,” praising his energy and effort. Larsson has become one of the team’s most reliable options, according to The Miami Herald.
Magic
With speculation swirling about head coach Jamahl Mosley’s future, center Goga Bitadze publicly backed the staff. “The coaches have done a great job staying positive,” Bitadze said Wednesday. “Mose has been nothing but positive all season.” Orlando’s front office is expected to evaluate Mosley’s status once the season ends.
Source: Hoops Rumors
