Over the past six years, the Charlotte Hornets have seen LaMelo Ball jerseys fly off the shelves, becoming a staple for fans. LaMelo started his career in Charlotte sporting the No. 2 jersey before switching to No. 1 in 2023.
This change likely had fans doubling up on their jersey purchases, not to mention the various alternate jerseys released during his tenure. With LaMelo now moving on, the question looms: which Hornets player's jersey will top the sales charts in the next few years?
While it might be a stretch to expect this year's first-round picks, Hannes Steinbach or Christian Anderson, to dominate jersey sales immediately, the unpredictable nature of sports means anything is possible. The recent days have certainly shown us that surprises are always around the corner.
On the topic of jerseys, both Steinbach and Anderson have chosen their numbers as they step into their roles with the Hornets.
Taking a look at Steinbach, who was selected 14th overall in the draft, there's a good chance he'll be a key part of the rotation from day one. If he hones his defensive skills, he might even secure a starting position soon.
The No. 22 jersey, which he'll be wearing, has a mixed history in Charlotte. Players like Ralph Lewis, Johnny Newman, and Mason Plumlee have donned it, but none have left a lasting legacy.
Perhaps Steinbach will be the one to change that narrative.
As for Anderson, he's picked No. 5, a number with its own storied past in Charlotte. Notables like Nic Batum and Elden Campbell have worn it, although Batum's stint is often remembered for the mismatch between his production and his hefty contract. Anderson is poised to back up Coby White at the point guard position, and while jersey numbers might not hold much sway in their decision-making, the history adds a layer of intrigue.
With the new season approaching, Hornets fans will be eager to see how these rookies integrate into the team and whether they can carve out their own legacies-jersey sales and all.
In Other News...
What Hornets Fans Should Really Expect From Picks 14 And 18
The Hornets used both of their first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft on Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 and Christian Anderson at No. 18, and the natural next question for Charlotte fans is how much those slots usually deliver. A look back across the last decade gives a useful frame: picks in this neighborhood have produced everything from dependable role players to legitimate long-term starters, which is exactly why the middle of the first round can be so intriguing for a team trying to build something sustainable.
For Charlotte, the takeaway is less about chasing certainty and more about understanding the range of outcomes attached to each selection. No. 14 has a history of sending out a wide mix of prospects, while No. 18 has quietly turned up more quality than many would assume, with enough useful players and impact pieces to make the spot worth taking seriously. That is the backdrop for Steinbach and Anderson now, and it is what will shape how their first season in Hornets colors is judged. [Read more 🡒]
Hornets Suddenly Face One Huge Question Before Free Agency Begins
Charlottes offseason has already been defined by subtraction, and now the next move may matter even more than the ones the Hornets have made so far. Losing LaMelo Ball, Josh Green and Miles Bridges has stripped away a big chunk of the rotation, and general manager Jeff Peterson has made clear the club is not locking itself into any one path as free agency approaches.
That leaves Charlotte in the kind of position where every roster decision can start to overlap with the next one. The Hornets can look at outside help, explore trade options or try to thread the needle with their current frontcourt mix, but the real challenge is finding a move that actually fits the reset. Some of the names that could surface bring obvious talent, yet each comes with a different roster puzzle, and the answer may depend on how bold Charlotte wants to be in a summer that is still wide open. [Read more 🡒]