Three Key Storylines to Watch in the Hornets’ Highly Anticipated 2025 Summer League
As the Charlotte Hornets gear up for the 2025 Summer League, anticipation is high. This year’s event is poised to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with all four of the Hornets’ rookies expected to take the floor, along with last year’s rookies Tidjane Salaün and KJ Simpson. Additionally, the Hornets are looking to fill one of their two-way contract spots, currently occupied by Damian Baugh and Simpson, with the possibility that a standout from the summer league team could secure the final spot.
With plenty of intrigue surrounding this year’s roster, here are three key storylines to watch as the Hornets hit the court:
1. Can Kon Knueppel Make an Impact?
The Hornets took a gamble by selecting Kon Knueppel with the fourth pick, but it could turn out to be a great fit for the team. During the ACC Tournament, Knueppel stood out when Cooper Flagg was unavailable, showcasing his sharp shooting and overall skillset. Now, as one of the top players on the summer league squad, the big question is whether Knueppel can continue to shine. Known for his three-point shooting, it will be exciting to see if he can also demonstrate his ability to drive to the basket and create plays for his teammates—skills he excelled at in college.
2. Will Tidjane Salaün Show Significant Progress?
Tidjane Salaün was one of the most surprising picks for the Hornets last year, and while much of the initial hype has faded, he remains a player that fans still have questions about. In his rookie season, Salaün appeared in 60 games, averaging 5.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, though his shooting was subpar, hitting just 33% from the field and 28.3% from three. While he showed growth over the course of the season—especially with his improved driving ability—his development wasn’t consistent enough to ignite excitement. This summer league will be a critical opportunity for Salaün to prove he can make significant strides and build confidence heading into his second year.
3. Is Ryan Kalkbrenner the Real Deal?
With the Hornets’ center rotation still a bit thin, there is growing hope that both Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner will play key roles in the upcoming season. Kalkbrenner, selected 34th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been labeled as a “steal” and a perfect fit for the Hornets, offering size, rim protection, interior scoring, and even a developing three-point shot. While he hasn’t faced NBA competition yet, Kalkbrenner’s college career was stellar—he was a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year and never fouled out in his five years at Creighton. The summer league will serve as an important test for Kalkbrenner to prove he belongs in the rotation, and a strong showing could solidify his spot for the 2025-2026 season.
With these storylines in play, the 2025 Summer League promises to be a crucial event for the Hornets and their young roster.
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