The fallout from the Hornets-Pistons brawl risks halting the momentum of a team that, in just a few weeks, had become one of the most entertaining in the NBA.
Charlotte’s pursuit of a tenth straight win was shattered in the now-infamous bench-clearing incident against Detroit. An episode that, while not directly deciding the final outcome, ultimately swung the game in favor of the Pistonsthe top team in the Eastern Conference, with two ejections on each side.
The difference was largely made by Cade Cunningham’s poiseas he clearly outplayed LaMelo Ball. A predictable outcome, with all due respect to Lavar’s son, who is still putting together a high-level season.
Beyond the loss, though, the real point lies elsewhere: Charlotte has undergone a radical transformation over the past two months. A blistering January run pushed the Hornets into tenth place in the East – which today would mean a Play-In spot. It’s worth understanding how they got there.
From sellers to buyers
With the Trade Deadline now in the rearview mirror, the Hornets’ transformation is also evident in how the franchise approached the market.
Back in November, the team was treading water. Between losses and injuries, many analysts labeled Charlotte as a clear sellerready to rebuild around its few certainties: rookie Could Knueppel and a Brandon Miller slowed by physical setbacks.
There was talk of LaMelo Ball being on the marketwith persistent rumors involving the Clippers, and speculation that Miles Bridgeswhose off-court history continued to weigh on general managers’ evaluations, could also be moved.
When the deadline passed, however, the direction had shifted. Charlotte held onto its key pieces and chose instead to boost its offensive potentialsacrificing Collin Sexton (Ball’s backup) to acquire Coby White from Chicago.
A move that says a lot about the franchise’s revised ambitions: you don’t strengthen your second unit if you plan to tank. In North Carolina, the idea of competing for at least a Play-In berth is real – also as a way to accelerate the development of a young starting five that Charles Lee has consistently maximized.
The secret is Diabate
Another strong signal came from decisions at the center position. Despite early-season doubts, the Hornets’ front office chose not to add size to the rostereven moving on from Mason Plumleewho had initially been projected as a possible starter.
The explanation lies in two names. The first is Ryan Kalkbrennerwho has outperformed expectations tied to his draft position. The second – and decisive one – is Moussa Diabate.
Diabate, not even a traditional center by profilehas emerged as the key cog in Lee’s system. The coach’s intuition has paid off: increasing minutes, growing trust and an impact that goes well beyond the box score.
He may not dominate with size, but he is athletic, versatile and extremely valuable in extra-possessions – ideal traits for a team built around high-volume shooters like Ball, Miller and Knueppel. He runs the floor, defends with energy and anchors the lineup’s balance.
His rise has coincided with the consolidation of Brandon Millerwho after two seasons hindered by injuries and adjustment finally seems to be showing his true value. And the product on the floor is now evident.
The fight with the Pistons could derail everything
The problem is that the brawl against Detroit risks breaking that positive momentum. The involvement of Diabate and Jalen Durenfollowed by Bridges and Isaiah Stewartexposes Charlotte to potentially heavy suspensions.
The NBA is unlikely to go easy, and for the Hornets, losing two-thirds of their starting frontcourt would be a significant blow – especially considering how central Diabate is beyond the numbers.
It’s hard to imagine Grant Williamssolid in recent outings, and newcomer Xavier Tillman fully absorbing the potential absences.
That would force Lee to lean more heavily on Kalkbrenner and experiment with smaller lineupsall of which would need to be tested on the court. A risk, certainly – but also the latest challenge for a team that, so far, has shown it knows how to surprise.
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