The Charlotte Hornets are riding high. Winners of nine straight, they’ve quietly become one of the NBA’s hottest teams - and they’re not just winning, they’re evolving.
At the trade deadline, Charlotte made a couple of moves that signaled they’re not content with just a midseason surge. Chief among them: acquiring Coby White from the Chicago Bulls, adding another dynamic scoring guard to an already thriving backcourt.
They also took part in a three-team deal with the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards that brought in Malaki Branham. But just days later, the Hornets made a quick decision on the young guard - waiving Branham before he ever suited up in teal.
Branham, who split time this season between the San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards, averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in just under 18 minutes per game. Drafted 20th overall by the Spurs back in 2022, he showed flashes of scoring ability during his three seasons in San Antonio, but never quite carved out a consistent role. Now, he hits the waiver wire with a chance to reset and find a new home - or, if he clears waivers, choose his next destination as a free agent.
From Charlotte’s perspective, the move makes sense. Their guard rotation is already crowded, and with the way things have clicked lately, there wasn’t a clear path for Branham to earn minutes.
LaMelo Ball and rookie Kon Knueppel have developed a strong on-court chemistry, giving the Hornets a balanced mix of playmaking and perimeter scoring. Add in the frontcourt production from Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges, and you’ve got a team that’s starting to find its identity - and some real momentum.
And now with Coby White in the mix? That’s a sneaky-good addition.
He brings microwave scoring off the bench, capable of creating his own shot and stretching the floor. He’s the kind of player who can change the tempo of a game in a hurry, and for a team looking to make a late-season push, that kind of spark matters.
The Hornets currently sit in the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference - the final play-in position - but if this win streak is any indication, they’re not just trying to hold onto a spot. They’re climbing.
They’re gelling. And with a bolstered backcourt and a growing sense of confidence, Charlotte might not be done shaking up the standings just yet.