Hornets suffer brutal blow as $98M exciting duo is likely out for season opener after injuries

The Charlotte Hornets have shaken up their roster for the upcoming season after falling just short of the playoffs last season. The summer started with them trading away LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid and others.

They continued to make moves as the offseason progressed and even made another one this week. The Hornets traded for Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard, sending Dorian Finney-Smith to the Atlanta Hawks.

“The Atlanta Hawks are trading Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets for Dorian Finney-Smith, the team announced on Tuesday. The Hornets are expected to waive Nembhard as part of the trade, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania," ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk wrote.

All of the moves should have those in Charlotte excited about what is to come. However, it was reported on Friday that the team is likely going to start the season without veteran Grant Williams and young star Kon Knueppel after both suffered hamstring injuries.

“The Hornets say Kon Knueppel suffered a left hamstring injury and Grant Williams suffered a right hamstring injury during offseason on-court activity and will miss the preseason. Both will be re-evaluated during the first week of the regular season,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein wrote.

This puts things on hold for the Hornets, as two of their key pieces are expected to be out for at least the first couple of games this season. However, the goal remains the same: to make the playoffs this season.

“Our goal is to make the playoffs, and we fell short of that. Gotta come back with a different fire and just use it as fuel... that's gonna be our goal again. We want to get there. We want to play significant games at end of the season,” Knueppel said.

The second-year sharpshooter is going to have an even bigger role on the team this year, especially without Ball to navigate with. Williams is the enforcer off the bench and will be missed while he is injured.

Knueppel and Williams' deals are worth a combined $98 million. The Hornets will try to hold it down until they can get both players back. Once they return from their injuries, this Charlotte team is expected to be a very exciting one to watch.

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