Hornets still tinkering with lineup as preseason opens
charlotte-hornets-preseason-lineup-competition
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two positions in the Charlotte Hornets’ starting five remain up for grabs after Sunday night’s preseason opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, head coach Charles Lee said.
Moussa Diabaté opened at center and rookie forward Kon Knueppel started on the wing, but Lee told guards Tre Mann and Collin Sexton, along with Knueppel, to be ready for constant changes.
“I think you guys need to be prepared to start a lot of different ways and we’ll see how the season goes,” Lee said. “Every night it might look a little bit different and they need to be open-minded to it.”
The staff is evaluating which lineups work best on both ends of the floor, Lee added, noting that the rotation could stay fluid for the foreseeable future.
Knueppel shines in debut
Knueppel, selected No. 4 overall in June, led Charlotte with 18 points, shooting 6-for-13 from the field and 4-for-10 from three-point range. The 19-year-old said his role — starter or reserve — is secondary to overall contribution.
“I think it doesn’t really matter,” Knueppel said. “Depending on the matchup, we’ll all get similar playing time every game.”
Miller returns from wrist injury
Second-year wing Brandon Miller played for the first time since tearing a ligament in his right wrist in January. He showed no hesitation, finishing two right-handed dunks and attacking the lane throughout the night.
“Just getting that feel back,” Miller said. “I haven’t played with my guys in a long time, so it’s about rebuilding that confidence and bond with my teammates.”
Rookie trio sees action
First-round pick Liam McNeeley and second-round center Ryan Kalkbrenner joined Knueppel in making their NBA debuts. Lee praised their energy, citing offensive rebounds, dives for loose balls and overall physicality.
Plumlee rejoins club
Veteran center Mason Plumlee returned Sunday after an excused absence of nearly a week. He took part in warm-ups but did not play, as Diabaté and Kalkbrenner handled the minutes in the middle.
The Hornets continue preseason play later this week while monitoring the competition for the remaining starting spots.
Source: Hoops Rumors
